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.

ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.

ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between color parameters (L^*, a^*, b^*, Eab^*) and the contents of reducing sugars, total polysaccharides, total oligosaccharides, as well as four saccharides (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and kestose) during the nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying processing of Polygonatum kingianum, and to preliminarily explore the optimal processing duration.
Methods: The color changes were objectively evaluated using a colorimeter. The anthrone-sulfuric acid method was employed to determine total polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. The 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) colorimetric method was used to measure total reducing sugar content. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with charged aerosol detection (HPLC-CAD) was applied for quantitative analysis of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and kestose. Multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to assess samples from different processing stages.
Results: Significant variations in color and component contents were observed across processing stages. The herbal pieces progressively darkened with increased processing cycles: brightness (L^*) and total color difference (Eab^*) initially decreased then stabilized, while a^* (red-green) and b^* (yellow-blue) values first increased then declined. Total polysaccharides and oligosaccharides showed overall decreasing trends, whereas reducing sugars initially increased before stabilizing. Fructose and glucose levels rose continuously, while sucrose and kestose decreased progressively, becoming undetectable after five cycles.
Conclusion: The chromatic alteration and saccharide composition of P. kingianum showed significant correlation with processing duration. Both total color difference (Eab^*) and reducing sugar content stabilized after four processing cycles (12 hours), suggesting that four cycles of steaming and sun-drying may represent the optimal processing duration.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the color parameters (L^*, a^*, b^*, Eab^* values) of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata powder prepared by different processing techniques and the contents of 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, emodin, physcion, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside.
Methods: The L^*, a^*, b^* and Eab^* values of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata powder prepared by different processing techniques were determined by spectrophotometer, and the contents of the five components were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Secondly, SPSS 26.0 software and Simca 14.1 software were used to analyze the correlation.
Results: Through the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), it was found that the steamed samples and black bean steamed samples could be obviously divided into two categories: raw products and processed products. The processed products could be further divided into 2-8 h and 12-48 h. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the content of stilbene glycoside was significantly positively correlated with L^*, a^* and b^* values (P<0.01). The a^* value was significantly positively correlated with the content of emodin and physcion (P<0.01). Emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside was positively correlated with L^* value and b^* value, while physcion-8-O-β-D-glucoside was negatively correlated with a^* value. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS) showed that 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (VIP=1.69) and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (VIP=1.06) were the key variables affecting chromaticity characteristics (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The three processes of steaming, black bean steaming and black bean stewing are consistent in composition transformation and chromaticity variation, and stilbene glycoside can be used as a specific index component to characterize the processed color. Chromatic parameters can effectively reflect the processing progression and serve as quality monitoring indicators during production.

Objective To explore the clinical value of preoperative assessment and intraoperative frozen section pathology in screening patients suitable for testicular preservation surgery, so as to provide reference for reducing unnecessary radical orchiectomy in patients with benign testicular tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 121 patients who underwent surgical treatment for testicular tumors in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University during Jan. 2021 and Sep. 2025. Data were collected, including demographic information, preoperative imaging, serum tumor markers, surgical procedures, intraoperative frozen section, postoperative pathology, and postoperative testicular volume changes. Results Among the 121 patients, 105 underwent radical orchiectomy, with 91 malignant and 14 benign cases confirmed by postoperative pathology; 16 received testicular tumor enucleation, all confirmed as benign. Benign lesions accounted for 24.79% (30/121) of all cases. In patients undergoing tumor enucleation, intraoperative frozen section results were fully consistent with final pathological findings. Conclusion Preoperative differentiation between benign and malignant testicular tumors is crucial for selecting the appropriate surgical approach. For patients with preoperative findings suggesting benign lesions, testicular tumor enucleation combined with intraoperative frozen section can achieve precise treatment while maximizing testicular preservation.

ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma， Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma （Yuhuanglian）， and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice， identify marker volatile components in the processed product， and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry （HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS） was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma， Yuhuanglian， and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally， the relative odor activity value （ROAV） was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected， with 27， 75， 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice， raw Coptidis Rhizoma， and Yuhuanglian， respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types， allowing clear discrimination. After processing， 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced， while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content， and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally， eight components， including zingiberene， 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one， and 5-methyl-2-hexanone， were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover， processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2，5-dimethylpyrazine （roasted， nutty， coffee-like aroma）， 3-ethylphenol， and guaiacol （smoky， woody aroma）. Additionally， it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one， contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty， roasted， smoky， and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant， significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.

ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma， Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma （Yuhuanglian）， and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice， identify marker volatile components in the processed product， and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry （HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS） was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma， Yuhuanglian， and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally， the relative odor activity value （ROAV） was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected， with 27， 75， 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice， raw Coptidis Rhizoma， and Yuhuanglian， respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types， allowing clear discrimination. After processing， 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced， while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content， and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally， eight components， including zingiberene， 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one， and 5-methyl-2-hexanone， were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover， processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2，5-dimethylpyrazine （roasted， nutty， coffee-like aroma）， 3-ethylphenol， and guaiacol （smoky， woody aroma）. Additionally， it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one， contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty， roasted， smoky， and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant， significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.

ObjectiveIn order to provide a reference for the optimization of preparation process of stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma（sf-GRR）， the quality changes during the processing was studied. MethodsGlycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was processed by stir-frying for 17 min， and samples were collected every 1 min during the processing. The appearance color of the samples was determined by visual analysis technology， the moisture and extract of the process samples were detected by the drying method and the hot extraction method of alcohol-soluble extract in the general rules of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia（part Ⅳ）， and the contents of liquiritin apioside， liquiritin， isoliquiritin apioside， isoliquiritin， licoricesaponin G₂ and glycyrrhizic acid in the process samples were determined by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Then principal component analysis（PCA）， partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA） and Spearman correlation analysis were used for clustering， discrimination and correlation analysis of the appearance color， moisture， extract and the contents of six internal components. Based on artificial neural network and random forest algorithm， the prediction model of processing degree of sf-GRR was established. On this basis， based on the five principles of quality marker（Q-Maker）， explore the monitoring Q-Maker of sf-GRR. ResultsThe color of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma deepened after stir-frying， and the appearance color of the sample changed from light yellow to dark yellow during processing. During the stir-frying process， the moisture content showed a decreasing trend with the extension of processing time， while the extract content showed an increasing trend with the extension of processing time. After stir-frying， the contents of liquiritin apioside， liquiritin and licoricesaponin G₂ showed an overall decreasing trend， while the contents of isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin increased， and the content of glycyrrhizic acid increased slightly. The correlation analysis showed that moisture was positively correlated with brightness（L^*） and red/green value（a^*）， and negatively correlated with yellow/blue value（b^*） and total color difference（E^*ab）. Isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin had negative correlation with L^* and a^*， and positive correlation with b^* and E^*ab. The processing process of sf-GRR could be divided into two stages of the early stage（0-14 min） and the late stage（15-17 min）， and could be divided into three stages of the early stage（0-6 min）， the middle stage（7-14 min） and the late stage（15-17 min） by combining the moisture， extract， the contents of 6 components and color values. Based on artificial neural network analysis and random forest algorithm， isoliquiritin apioside， isoliquiritin， liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid were selected as monitoring markers for sf-GRR. ConclusionBased on the analysis of the exterior-interior indicators of process samples of sf-GRR， this paper ultimately identifies four processing monitoring markers， which can provide a basis for optimizing the processing technology of sf-GRR.

Jianghuanglian is one of the representative processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma for treating cold syndrome with drugs of heat nature， and ginger is used to restrict the bitter cold of Coptidis Rhizoma， which can be traced back to Bojifang， and it is suitable for stagnation of damp-heat in middle-jiao， cold-heat mutual knots and other symptoms. Jianghuanglian retains the alkaloids， phenylpropanoids and flavonoids of Coptidis Rhizoma， and also introduces gingerol components such as 6-gingerol in ginger， which has pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory， antibacterial， anti-tumor， and improving gastrointestinal function. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia and many local processing specifications have included the traditional processing process and quality standards of Jianghuanglian， but the specific process parameters and quality standards are incomplete， which limits the production and clinical application of this processed product. By summarizing the processing history， process research， quality evaluation， pharmacodynamic and medicinal property changes and application of Jianghuanglian in the past 20 years， there are differences in the processing methods and standards in various provinces and cities， which are mainly reflected in the preparation method， dosage， processing process and quantitative standards of ginger juice. In addition， there are also certain differences in the changes of the main components of Jianghuanglian prepared from ginger or dried ginger， as well as their efficacy and medicinal properties. The research on the processing process of Jianghuanglian plays an important role in improving its quality standards， and this review can provide a reference for improving the quality evaluation system of Jianghuanglian.