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.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
3.Research progress on strategies for toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement of triptolide
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Shanshan HAN ; Yaping XING ; Meng ZHANG ; Wenhao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1496-1501
Triptolide (TP), the core active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii , exhibits remarkable pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-tumor effects, and holds broad application prospects in the treatment of major diseases such as autoimmune diseases and malignant tumors. However, TP has a narrow therapeutic window and causes multi-organ toxicities including liver, kidney and reproductive toxicities, which severely restrict its safe clinical application and new drug development. Therefore, toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement has become a core scientific problem urgently to be solved in this field. This paper systematically reviews the four core strategies for TP toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement, including structural modification, dosage form improvement, herbal compatibility, and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. Among them, structural modification optimizes the toxic and efficacy characteristics of TP from the molecular structure level, with typica l derivatives including (5 R )-5-hydroxy triptolide, ZT01, PG490-88, etc. Dosage form modification achieves toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement via targeted and sustained-controlled drug release of diverse delivery systems. It includes triptolide preparations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microemulsion gels and liquid crystals, possessing favorable clinical transformation potential. The herbal compatibility and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine conform to the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine and have a profound clinical application foundation, but their mechanisms of action are insufficiently elucidated, and they lack unified standardized specifications and high-quality evidence-based proof. In the future, we should rely on multi-omics technology to elucidate the toxic and efficacy mechanisms, integrate technologies to optimize preparations, improve the evaluation system and promote clinical transformation.
4.Development and Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Detecting Adrenocortical Hormones and Establishment of Age-Stratified Reference Intervals in Reproductive-Aged Women from Guangxi, China
Yixuan LIU ; Tingwei JIN ; Yushuang WEI ; Xuelian QIN ; Siyu DENG ; Jie ZHENG ; Boteng YAN ; Yuanyuan NONG ; Yu YE ; Shengzhu HUANG ; Yu LONG ; Jianmin LI ; Ganqin WANG ; Pei HUANG ; Jinghang JIANG ; Fan WU ; Zengnan MO ; Yonghua JIANG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(2):146-154
Background:
Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications.
Methods:
A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated.
Results:
The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels.
Conclusions
We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.
5.MicroRNA isomiRs reveal novel pathways linked to disease activity and fibrosis in MASLD
Christian BRION ; Stephen Aurelien HOANG ; Guangliang WANG ; Faridodin MIRSHAHI ; Jessie ANG ; Matthew Ray LONG ; Zheng ZHU ; Bhanu SAKHAMURI ; Molly Anderson SROUR ; Mohammad Shadab SIDDIQUI ; Amon ASGHARPOUR ; David John HAYES ; Neal Charles FOSTER ; David William SALZMAN ; Arun Jayant SANYAL
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):706-720
Background/Aims:
MicroRNA (miRNA) isoforms (isomiRs) broaden the regulatory landscape of canonical miRNAs, but their role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains unknown. We aimed to characterize the hepatic isomiR landscape in MASLD and define their association with disease activity and fibrosis.
Methods:
Small RNA (sRNA) sequencing was performed on liver biopsies from 79 patients across the histological spectrum of MASLD. IsomiRs were annotated and quantified. Their association to disease activity and fibrosis score was assessed by differential expression, ordinal regression, and machine learning. Parallel mRNA sequencing and pathway enrichment were used to map isomiR–mRNA interactions and regulatory networks, which were validated against an independent dataset.
Results:
MiRNAs accounted for 75% of sRNAs in liver tissue, of which 67% were isomiRs. Across MASLD severity, 173 isomiRs correlated with disease activity and 58 with fibrosis stage. Key findings included a miR-122 isomiR uniquely targeting INSIG1 (cholesterol metabolism) and a miR-21 isomiR targeting PPARA and HMGCS2 (lipid and fibrosis pathways). Integration with mRNA data revealed 33 dysregulated pathways, including PPAR signaling, insulin resistance, and TGF-β response. Several novel isomiRs from miR-26b, let-7c, and miR-32 families were also linked to lipid metabolism and fibrosis progression.
Conclusions
IsomiRs represent the majority of hepatic miRNAs and uncover novel regulatory networks masked by canonical miRNA analysis. These findings provide new insights into the molecular heterogeneity of MASLD, highlight candidate pathways driving disease progression, and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision hepatology.
6.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Approaches for Childhood IgA Vasculitis Nephritis from "Heat,Stasis and Deficiency"
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yifan LI ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Yaping XING ; Wenchao XING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1673-1676
The core pathogenesis of childhood IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) lies in the intermingled conditions of heat, stasis and deficiency. Deficiency is the fundamental cause, while heat acts as the predominant manifestation at the initial stage, and stasis serves as the key factor leading to protracted illness. Based on this understanding, the overall therapeutic principle of clearing heat and cooling blood, dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root is established. A self-formulated Qingre Zhixue Formula (清热止血方) is used as the basic prescription. According to the characteristics of different disease stages, childhood IgAVN is further classified into three main syndrome types, including blood heat with stasis obstruction, deficiency of both qi and yin, and deficiency of both spleen and kidney, with corresponding syndrome-based treatments. Throughout the treatment process, emphasis is placed on dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, while protecting the spleen and stomach of children and maintaining healthy qi. This paper provides new perspectives for diagnosis and treatment of childhood IgAVN with traditional Chinese medicine.
7.Current Status of Early Surgical Site Infection Following Prosthetic Implantation in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery and Evaluation of Quality Control Improvement Outcomes
Mingzi ZHANG ; Loubin SI ; Jiaojie ZHENG ; Shujuan SHAN ; Qianyu LI ; Jingya WANG ; Xiaojun WANG ; Xiao LONG ; Xiao XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1174-1180
To assess the current status of early surgical site infections following prosthetic implantation in plastic surgery across four provincial-level administrative regions in China, and to explore the effectiveness of standardized training for infection prevention and control. From January to May 2025, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to perform a baseline investigation in medical institutions performing plastic and aesthetic prosthetic implant surgeries in Chongqing, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, and Guizhou provinces. Data were collected on the volume of various types of prosthetic implant surgeries and the corresponding incidence of early surgical site infections. Improvement strategies for the prevention and control of early surgical site infections in prosthetic implant surgeries were jointly developed by the National Medical Quality Control Center for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery and the National Medical Quality Control Center for Hospital Infection Management, followed by promotion and training. Subsequently, post-implementation data from June to October 2025 were collected from the above regions, and comparisons were made between pre- and post-implementation periods across different regions and surgical categories. A total of 209 medical institutions were included in the baseline period, with a questionnaire response rate of 99.52% and a total of 7475 prosthetic implantation surgeries. In the post-implementation period, 624 medical institutions were included, with a response rate of 96.00% and a total of 4813 surgeries. The combined proportion of breast prosthesis implantation and nasal/nasal base prosthesis implantation surgeries consistently exceeded 80% across all regions and periods. Regarding the distribution of infection cases, among different types of prosthetic implant surgeries, nasal/nasal base prostheses accounted for the highest proportion, with 57.50%(23/40) at baseline and 62.86% 22/35) post-implementation. The proportion of breast prosthesis infections decreased from 40.00%(16/40) at baseline to 17.14%(6/35) post-implementation. Across different regions, infection cases in Jiangxi (post-implementation)(100%), Guizhou[both baseline(100%) and post-implementation(100%)] were all concentrated in nasal/nasal base prostheses. Shaanxi reported four cases of chin prosthesis infections (22.22%) during the post-implementation period, and Chongqing reported three cases of metal-related infections(27.27%) during the post-implementation period. In terms of infection rates, Chongqing(0.55% Breast prostheses and nasal/nasal base prostheses currently represent the main types of implants used in prosthetic implantation surgeries. The improvement strategies implemented in this study were associated with decreased early surgical site infection rates in multiple regions, suggesting that these strategies provide clinical insights for the prevention and control of early infections following prosthetic implantation surgeries in China.
8.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Approaches for Childhood IgA Vasculitis Nephritis from "Heat,Stasis and Deficiency"
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yifan LI ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Yaping XING ; Wenchao XING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1673-1676
The core pathogenesis of childhood IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) lies in the intermingled conditions of heat, stasis and deficiency. Deficiency is the fundamental cause, while heat acts as the predominant manifestation at the initial stage, and stasis serves as the key factor leading to protracted illness. Based on this understanding, the overall therapeutic principle of clearing heat and cooling blood, dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root is established. A self-formulated Qingre Zhixue Formula (清热止血方) is used as the basic prescription. According to the characteristics of different disease stages, childhood IgAVN is further classified into three main syndrome types, including blood heat with stasis obstruction, deficiency of both qi and yin, and deficiency of both spleen and kidney, with corresponding syndrome-based treatments. Throughout the treatment process, emphasis is placed on dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, while protecting the spleen and stomach of children and maintaining healthy qi. This paper provides new perspectives for diagnosis and treatment of childhood IgAVN with traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
10.Analysis of the incidence and mortality characteristics of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among Chinese residents from 2015 to 2019
Xiaorong CHEN ; Liuxia YAN ; Zheng LONG ; Lei HOU ; Xiaoning CAI ; Limin WANG ; Jing WU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):202-208
Objective:To analyze the characteristics and changes in incidence and mortality of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among Chinese residents from 2015 to 2019.Methods:The incidence and mortality data of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke from 2015 to 2019 were collected from the China Registry of Cardiovascular Events (China RACE), which was established in 2014 and covered 100 counties (cities and districts) in 31 provinces in China. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was calculated using the Seventh National Census data as the standard population. The ratio of the incidence rate of ischemic stroke to hemorrhagic stroke was calculated. The subtype-specific mortality-to-incidence ratio (M/I) was calculated by the ratio of the number of deaths to the reported incidence cases. The relative ratio (RR) of M/I for ischemic to hemorrhagic stroke was calculated. The Joinpoint model was used to analyze the annual percentage change (APC) and trend of the incidence rate of stroke.Results:From 2015 to 2019, a total of 1 354 614 new stroke cases were reported, including 1 077 244 (79.52%) ischemic stroke and 277 370 (20.48%) hemorrhagic stroke cases, respectively. A total of 248 620 stroke deaths were reported, including 119 819 (48.19%) ischemic stroke deaths and 128 801 (51.81%) hemorrhagic stroke deaths. The incidence ratio of ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke from 2015 to 2019 was 3.50∶1, 3.76∶1, 3.63∶1, 4.23∶1, and 4.35∶1, respectively. From 2015 to 2019, there was no statistically significant annual trend of ASIR of ischemic stroke in overall, urban and rural areas and males ( Ptrend>0.05), while there was a downward trend in females (APC=-1.02%, Ptrend=0.042). The incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in the whole population, rural areas, males and females showed a downward trend ( Ptrend<0.05). Patients aged 45-49 years had an upward trend in the incidence rate of ischemic stroke (APC=3.82%, Ptrend=0.011), while those aged 70-74 years (APC=-7.37%, Ptrend=0.034), 80-84 years (APC=-9.75%, Ptrend=0.001) and 85 years and over (APC=-11.22%, Ptrend=0.017) presented a downward trend in the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke. During the period, the overall relative ratio of M/I (RR) for ischemic to hemorrhagic stroke was 4.2∶1, which was lower in urban than in rural areas (3.8 vs. 4.3). The largest gap between urban and rural areas was in the 55-59 age group (6.8 vs. 9.3). Conclusion:The incidence and mortality of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among Chinese residents are severe from 2015 to 2019, and there are regional and population differences.

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