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.Mechanism of Dangui Shaoyaosan in Alleviating Inflammatory Responses in Diabetic Kidney Disease by Modulating Macrophage Polarization in Kidneys of db/db Mice
Luyu HOU ; Linlin ZHENG ; Wenjing SHI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Zhe LYU ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):1-10
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Danggui Shaoyaosan on macrophage polarization and renal inflammation in db/db mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to explore its renal protective effects and underlying mechanisms. MethodsEight db/m mice were assigned to the normal group, and forty db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Danggui Shaoyaosan groups (8.39, 16.77, 33.54 g·kg-1), and an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1). All mice were administered treatment by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. General conditions of the mice were observed during the intervention. At the end of the 12-week intervention, 24-h urine samples were collected using metabolic cages, after which the mice were anesthetized for sample collection. Blood was collected by enucleation and centrifuged to obtain serum for the determination of glycated serum protein (GSP), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was measured. Renal pathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to detect F4/80 expression in renal tissue, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess CD206 expression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to measure the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and arginase-1 (Arg-1). Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of iNOS, Arg-1, CD86, and CD206 in renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, elevated levels of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the chemokine MCP-1, and decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Pathological examination revealed glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial cell proliferation with marked mesangial expansion, inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, prominent glycogen deposition, and increased collagen fiber deposition. In addition, relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was enhanced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was reduced, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was increased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was decreased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was increased, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Danggui Shaoyaosan groups and the irbesartan group showed decreased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, reduced serum TNF-α and MCP-1 levels, and increased IL-10 levels. Renal pathological damage was improved to varying degrees. Relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was reduced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was increased, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was decreased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was increased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was reduced, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan can improve renal function and alleviate renal pathological damage in db/db mice. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting M1 pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization, promoting M2 anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, reducing inflammatory responses, delaying the progression of renal fibrosis, improving renal pathological injury, and thereby exerting renal protective effects.
3.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
4.Association between brain and muscle Arnt like protein 1 gene polymorphisms and ambulatory blood pressure among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):864-868
Objective:
To investigate the association between brain and muscle Arnt like protein 1( BMAL 1) gene and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) parameters in college students, and to explore the influence of the interaction between the gene and weight status on the ABP levels, so as to provide reference for early prevention of chronic cardiovascular diseases related to hypertension.
Methods:
During September 2022 to June 2024, a total of 510 college students were recruited from a university in Changsha, China for on site questionnaire investigation, physical examination, ABP monitoring and genotyping testing. Multiple linear regression method was used to explore the association between the BMAL 1 gene and ABP indicators. An interaction term was included in the general linear model of multiple linear regression to analyze the interactive effects of BMAL 1 gene polymorphisms and weight status on ABP levels.
Results:
The prevalence of abnormal 24 hour blood pressure, abnormal daytime blood pressure, and abnormal nighttime blood pressure were 3.3%, 3.1%, and 3.9%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the BMAL 1/rs7950226 polymorphism was positively correlated with the 24 hour diastolic blood pressure(DBP) and the daytime DBP level after adjusting for gender, age, and body mass index( β =0.87,0.99, both P <0.05). Also, interaction between BMAL 1/ rs 11022775 and weight status on the nighttime DBP level ( P interaction =0.03) was found. The CC genotype carriers had significantly higher nighttime DBP level ( β =3.52, P <0.05) among overweight/obesity college students, but no differences in nocturnal DBP levels were observed between CC genotype carriers and TT+CT genotype carriers among college students with normal body weight( P > 0.05).
Conclusions
The rs 7950226 polymorphism is associated with 24 hours DBP and daytime DBP levels. Significant interaction between rs 11022775 with weight status on the nighttime DBP level is found among college students.
5.Exploration of ethical issues in the multiple disciplinary team model for children with 46, XY disorders of sex development
Lili PAN ; Zhe SU ; Wei SU ; Ying ZU ; Chenxi LI ; Huiping SU ; Jingyu YOU ; Kexin JIN ; Rongfei ZHENG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):718-723
ObjectiveTo explore the ethical issues and coping strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of 46, XY disorders of sex development (46, XY DSD) under a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model, and to deepen the understanding of relevant ethical issues while accumulating experience. MethodsA retrospective collection was conducted on the data of children with 46, XY disorders of sex development under a single-center MDT model from January 2017 to December 2024, and the ethical issues involved in the diagnosis and treatment process were analyzed. ResultsA total of 24 MDT discussion documents involving 20 children were collected, including 17 with female social gender and 3 with male social gender. The age ranged from 0.5 to 15.8 years, with children under 8 years accounting for 75%. The ethical issues primarily involved how to ensure adequate informed consent, whether surgery was necessary and its timing, and whether gender selection is reasonable and its timing. Among the 10 children raised as females who completed the gender role psychological scale assessment, 5 demonstrated masculine tendencies, all of whom had pathogenic genetic variants. Furthermore, only 1 patient changed the social gender to male. ConclusionThe diagnosis and treatment of 46, XY DSD is relatively complex, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. This process involves numerous ethical issues and necessitates adhering to medical ethical principles. Ensuring adequate informed consent is crucial, especially for younger children. The surgery and its timing selection must adhere to the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and leaving room for the future. Gender selection constitutes a focus and challenge in diagnosis and treatment. Psychological scales and genetic etiologies are conducive to judgments regarding gender selection, yet multiple factors in the real world may interfere with the gender selection.
6.Preoperative nebulized indocyanine green-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical lesion resection for congenital pulmonary airway malformations in children: A retrospective cohort study
Hongguang SHI ; Junpeng DU ; Jiaxi WANG ; Peiliang SUN ; Zhenqiu CHEN ; Weibo ZHANG ; Zhe FU ; Mingjun ZHENG ; Yongqian MA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1412-1418
Objective To investigate the efficacy of preoperative nebulized indocyanine green (ICG)-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical lesion resection (TALR) in treating pediatric congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 45 children with CPAM who underwent thoracoscopic surgery at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2023 and March 2025. The patients were divided into an ICG group (preoperative nebulized ICG 0.5 mg/kg+TALR) and a non-ICG group (TALR under white light), with perioperative and postoperative recovery parameters compared between groups. Results A total of 45 children [22 males, 23 females; median age 7.4 (1.1-75.0) months] were enrolled. The ICG group (n=22) and non-ICG group (n=23) both achieved uneventful recoveries. Compared to the non-ICG group, the ICG group demonstrated significantly shorter surgical duration [91.3 (38.0-144.0) min vs. 100.0 (50.0-175.0) min, P=0.032], reduced intraoperative blood loss [3.0 (2.0-10.0) mL vs. 5.0 (1.0-10.0) mL, P=0.049], shorter postoperative drainage duration [2.7 (1.9-3.9) d vs. 3.4 (1.8-19.9) d, P=0.003], and shortened hospital stay [4.6 (2.9-9.8) d vs. 5.0 (3.9-21.5) d, P=0.013]. Residual lesions occurred in 2 patients from the non-ICG group but none in the ICG group. Intragroup comparisons revealed significant improvements in ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time, ratio of volume to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory volume, and tidal volume per kilogram after surgery in both groups (P<0.05), though intergroup differences showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion Preoperative nebulized ICG administration facilitates lesion identification in CPAM, reduces technical difficulty of TALR, enhances therapeutic outcomes, and provides valuable assistance for performing TALR procedures.
7.Clinical application progress of patient-reported outcomes in postoperative cardiac surgery patients
Zhongyu JIAO ; Yicheng LI ; Runchen SUN ; Shen LIN ; Zhe ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1501-1507
Cardiac surgery is associated with high risks, significant trauma, and long recovery periods. With advances in cardiac surgery techniques, the mortality rate and incidence of complications have been steadily decreasing. Patient-reported outcomes have gradually become an important area of research in postoperative recovery of cardiac surgery. The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in this field helps to reflect patients' physiological, psychological, and social functioning during recovery, and provides scientific evidence for clinical interventions, which may further improve prognosis and enhance patient recovery experience. This paper reviews the dimensions of PROMs in the field of cardiac surgery recovery, the current status of existing PROMs scales, and the progress of their application, while also identifies the limitations of the existing tools. Finally, it explores future research directions for PROMs in cardiac surgery patients.
8.2023 China minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery statistics and future development thinking
Yao WANG ; Ye YANG ; Shuyang LU ; Zhe ZHENG ; Nianguo DONG ; Huiming GUO ; Song XUE ; Liming LIU ; Yingqiang GUO ; Xuezeng XU ; Lai WEI ; Chunsheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(6):321-327
Objective:Committee of Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery(CMICS) conducts an annual summary of minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery procedures performed throughout the country, which includes a comprehensive survey of the total number of minimally invasive procedures by region and the distribution of minimally invasive procedures by hospital. Since CMICS first published the 2018-2019 China Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery Data White Paper in 2020, the report has received great attention from peers within and outside the industry. In this statistical report, CMICS will focus on publishing the data related to minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery in China from 2021 to 2023 for reference and use by industry peers.
9.Interpretation of ESC-EACTS expert consensus on bridge vessel management during and after coronary artery bypass grafting in 2024
Heng ZHANG ; Yunpeng ZHU ; Zhongyu JIAO ; Yi YANG ; Qiang ZHAO ; Zhe ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(9):530-543
Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) remains a cornerstone treatment for complex coronary artery disease, with long-term graft patency being essential for clinical success. In 2024, the European Society of Cardiology(ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery(EACTS) jointly released an expert consensus document on the intraoperative and postoperative management of CABG grafts. This article provides a comprehensive Chinese translation and interpretation of the consensus, covering key topics including graft harvesting techniques(such as skeletonized vs. pedicled, endoscopic vs. open harvesting), optimal preservation solutions, mechanisms and prevention of graft spasm, and secondary prevention strategies involving antithrombotic and lipid-lowering therapies. Additionally, based on the current situation of clinical practice in China and the characteristics of the Chinese population, the article discussed some key issues in depth, put forward adaptive suggestions, and pointed out the future research direction. The translated consensus and accompanying commentary aim to facilitate the dissemination and application of ESC-endorsed recommendations in Chinese clinical settings, promoting more standardized and evidence-based graft management in CABG surgery.
10.Research on Preservation Performance of Polymer Evidence Bags for Sealing Fire Debris
Yu-Hang JIANG ; Yao LIU ; Yu WANG ; Yan-Ru YAO ; Jing JIN ; Zheng-Zhe ZANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):765-773,中插11-中插20
Arson is classified as a violent crime,and often involves accelerants that significantly increase casualties and property damage.These accelerants,typically flammable liquids with low saturated vapor pressure,present volatile characteristic components in fire residues,making evidence preservation critical for accurate forensic analysis.In this study,the preservation performance of AMPAC(American KAPAC polyester sampling bags)and polyethylene(PE)evidence bags were evaluated under simulated field conditions(40 oC)through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)technique,focusing on background interference,sealing integrity,and cross-contamination.The results demonstrated that AMPAC bags exhibited minimal background interference(C12?C14 alkanes detected after 3?7 days)and effective gasoline sealing,though slight losses of C2?C3 alkylbenzenes and trace cross-contamination were observed.In contrast,PE bags showed significant background hydrocarbons(C15?C19 alkanes)and pronounced gasoline component losses,including C2?C4 alkylbenzenes,naphthalenes,and indenes.Notably,severe cross-contamination of gasoline markers was detected in adjacent blank PE bags,with characteristic components such as C2?C4 alkylbenzenes,naphthalenes,methylnaphthalenes,dimethylnaphthalenes,indenes,indanes,methylindenes,and dimethylindenes identified,indicating substantial cross-contamination issues in PE evidence bags.Microstructural analysis revealed superior sealing in AMPAC bags attributed to their smooth,dense surface morphology compared to PE's rougher,porous structure.This study established a comprehensive evaluation framework for fire residue evidence containers,and found that PE bags were unsuitable for long-term gasoline evidence preservation due to compromised integrity.These findings provided critical references for forensic container selection in fire investigations.


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