YOLO SSPD: a small target cotton boll detection model during the boll-spitting period based on space-to-depth convolution.

Introduction: Cotton yield estimation is crucial in the agricultural process, where the accuracy of boll detection during the flocculation period significantly influences yield estimations in cotton fields. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are frequently employed for plant detection and counting due to their cost-effectiveness and adaptability. Methods: Addressing the challenges of small target cotton bolls and low resolution of UAVs, this paper introduces a method based on the YOLO v8 framework for transfer learning, named YOLO small-scale pyramid depth-aware detection (SSPD). The method combines space-to-depth and non-strided convolution (SPD-Conv) and a small target detector head, and also integrates a simple, parameter-free attentional mechanism (SimAM) that significantly improves target boll detection accuracy. Results: The YOLO SSPD achieved a boll detection accuracy of 0.874 on UAV-scale imagery. It also recorded a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.86, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 12.38 and a relative root mean square error (RRMSE) of 11.19% for boll counts. Discussion: The findings indicate that YOLO SSPD can significantly improve the accuracy of cotton boll detection on UAV imagery, thereby supporting the cotton production process. This method offers a robust solution for high-precision cotton monitoring, enhancing the reliability of cotton yield estimates.

PSTNet: Enhanced Polyp Segmentation With Multi-Scale Alignment and Frequency Domain Integration.

Accurate segmentation of colorectal polyps in colonoscopy images is crucial for effective diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, current deep learning-based methods primarily rely on fusing RGB information across multiple scales, leading to limitations in accurately identifying polyps due to restricted RGB domain information and challenges in feature misalignment during multi-scale aggregation. To address these limitations, we propose the Polyp Segmentation Network with Shunted Transformer (PSTNet), a novel approach that integrates both RGB and frequency domain cues present in the images. PSTNet comprises three key modules: the Frequency Characterization Attention Module (FCAM) for extracting frequency cues and capturing polyp characteristics, the Feature Supplementary Alignment Module (FSAM) for aligning semantic information and reducing misalignment noise, and the Cross Perception localization Module (CPM) for synergizing frequency cues with high-level semantics to achieve efficient polyp segmentation. Extensive experiments on challenging datasets demonstrate PSTNet's significant improvement in polyp segmentation accuracy across various metrics, consistently outperforming state-of-the-art methods. The integration of frequency domain cues and the novel architectural design of PSTNet contribute to advancing computer-assisted polyp segmentation, facilitating more accurate diagnosis and management of CRC. Our source code is available for reference at https://github.com/clearxu/PSTNet.

Synthesis of Nonclassical Heteroaryl C-Glycosides via Decarboxylative C-H Glycosylation.

A photoredox-promoted decarboxylative C-H glycosylation for the synthesis of nonclassical heteroaryl C-glycosides is reported. This methodology is characterized by an exceedingly simple reaction system, high diastereoselectivity, and good functional group tolerance. Moreover, the operational procedure is simple, and the gram-scale reaction highlights the practical applicability of this protocol.

Metal-free, photoredox-catalyzed aromatization-driven deconstructive functionalization of spiro-dihydroquinazolinones with α-CF3 alkenes.

Metal-free, photoredox-catalyzed aromatization-driven deconstructive functionalization of spiro-dihydroquinazolinones with α-CF3 alkenes is presented. The readily available spiro-dihydroquinazolinones reacted efficiently with α-CF3 alkenes during photocatalysis to give the gem-difluoroallylated and the CF3-containing quinazolin-4(3H)-ones in good yields with excellent chemoselectivity. The selectivity depends on the electron effect of substituents in α-CF3 alkenes. A wide range of four-, five-, six-, seven-, eight- and twelve-membered spiro-dihydroquinazolinones were compatible with this transformation. The protocol is also characterized by the mild and redox-neutral reaction conditions, good functional group compatibility and excellent atom economy. Mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction proceeds via a radical pathway.

Modulation of morphology and electronic structure of cobalt thiophenedicarboxylic coordination polymer via ligand exchange for high-performance oxygen evolution reaction and supercapacitor.

Rationally designing metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as an ideal dual-function material for water electrolysis and supercapacitors is of great significance for energy storage and conversion. Herein, we successfully synthesized the nanoneedle-like structure CoNi-MOF by partially replacing 2, 5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid (TDA) with 1, 1'-Ferrocenedicarboxylate (Fc). The exchange of Fc ligand can modulate the morphology and electronic structure of CoNi-TDA, thus exposing the abundant active sites and improving the electrical conductivity. The as-prepared CoNi-TDA/0.2Fc exhibited a low overpotential of 236 mV at 10 mA cm-2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and a low Tafel slope of 40.44 mV dec-1. Additionally, CoNi-TDA/0.2Fc demonstrated a notable specific capacitance of 1409 F g-1 at 1 A/g and excellent stability, maintaining a capacitance retention of 96.54 % after 20,000 cycles. The study proposes a new strategy to modulate the morphology and electronic structure of MOFs via the ligand exchange for high-performance energy storage and conversion device.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Sequential Decarboxylative/Defluorinative Aminoalkylation of CF3-Alkenes with N-Arylglycines.

A photoredox-catalyzed sequential decarboxylative/defluorinative aminoalkylation of CF3-alkenes with N-arylglycines is described. This metal-free and redox-neutral protocol provided efficient access to the monofluoroalkenyl-1,5-diamines in good yields with excellent functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction proceeds via a radical pathway with the gem-difluoroalkenyl amine as an intermediate.

Epigenetic maintenance of adult neural stem cell quiescence in the mouse hippocampus via Setd1a.

Quiescence, a hallmark of adult neural stem cells (NSCs), is required for maintaining the NSC pool to support life-long continuous neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus (DG). Whether long-lasting epigenetic modifications maintain NSC quiescence over the long term in the adult DG is not well-understood. Here we show that mice with haploinsufficiency of Setd1a, a schizophrenia risk gene encoding a histone H3K4 methyltransferase, develop an enlarged DG with more dentate granule cells after young adulthood. Deletion of Setd1a specifically in quiescent NSCs in the adult DG promotes their activation and neurogenesis, which is countered by inhibition of the histone demethylase LSD1. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing and CUT & RUN analyses of cultured quiescent adult NSCs reveal Setd1a deletion-induced transcriptional changes and many Setd1a targets, among which down-regulation of Bhlhe40 promotes quiescent NSC activation in the adult DG in vivo. Together, our study reveals a Setd1a-dependent epigenetic mechanism that sustains NSC quiescence in the adult DG.

Uptake of zinc from the soil to the wheat grain: Nonlinear process prediction based on artificial neural network and geochemical data.

Trace elements in plants primarily derive from soils, subsequently influencing human health through the food chain. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship of trace elements between plants and soils. Since trace elements from soils absorbed by plants is a nonlinear process, traditional multiple linear regression (MLR) models failed to provide accurate predictions. Zinc (Zn) was chosen as the objective element in this case. Using soil geochemical data, artificial neural networks (ANN) were utilized to develop predictive models that accurately estimated Zn content within wheat grains. A total of 4036 topsoil samples and 73 paired rhizosphere soil-wheat samples were collected for the simulation study. Through Pearson correlation analysis, the total content of elements (TCEs) of Fe, Mn, Zn, and P, as well as the available content of elements (ACEs) of B, Mo, N, and Fe, were significantly correlated with the Zn bioaccumulation factor (BAF). Upon comparison, ANN models outperformed MLR models in terms of prediction accuracy. Notably, the predictive performance using ACEs as input factors was better than that using TCEs. To improve the accuracy, a two-step model was established through multiple testing. Firstly, ACEs in the soil were predicted using TCEs and properties of the rhizosphere soil as input factors. Secondly, the Zn BAF in grains was predicted using ACE as input factors. Consequently, the content of Zn in wheat grains corresponding to 4036 topsoil samples was predicted. Results showed that 85.69 % of the land was suitable for cultivating Zn-rich wheat. This finding offers a more accurate method to predict the uptake of trace elements from soils to grains, which helps to warn about abnormal levels in grains and prevent potential health risks.

Comparison of Volatile Compounds among Four Types of Teas Analyzed Using Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) is a smart method that has been applied to determine the volatile compounds in Chinese teas, but its use in comparing the volatile compounds of different types of tea has not been mentioned. In this study, the volatile compounds found in four types of samples (green, yellow, white, and black teas) made with fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze 'Zhongcha 111' were analyzed using GC-IMS. The results showed that 93 volatile compounds were identified from our tea samples and that the average volume of aldehydes was higher than that for other compounds, especially in white tea. The different samples were successfully categorized using multivariate statistical analysis. Using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), we found 15 key compounds, including four differential components: (E)-2-hexenal, 2-furanmethanethio, 2-hexanol, and 1-octene. There were 29 common components, and their total content reached 386.0 µg/g. Moreover, the 3-methyl-2-butenal and dimethyl disulfide detected in the four samples were also differential compounds, varying according to the manufacturing technology. Thus, this study demonstrates that different types of teas can be discriminated easily using GC-IMS and that this is helpful to shorten the time for improving tea quality and developing new products.

Visible-light-induced C-H alkylation of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones.

Simple and practical strategies for visible-light-induced C-H alkylation of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones with cyclobutanone oxime esters and hydroxamic acid derivatives have been developed under mild and redox-neutral conditions. These two reactions can be carried out at room temperature and obtain a variety of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives with cyano and amide groups. Moreover, the cyanoalkylation reaction of 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones can proceed smoothly in the absence of photocatalysts.

Acid-modified biomass-based N-doped O-rich hierarchical porous carbon as a high-performance electrode for supercapacitors.

In contemporary society, the conversion and efficient utilization of waste biomass and its derivatives are of great significance. Carbonized wood (CW) is an easily accessible and cost-effective green resource, but it has limitations as an electrode material due to its low specific surface area, limited active sites and poor conductivity. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the performance of biomass-based materials by using activation, heteroatom doping and modification methods to enhance the specific surface area and active sites. In this study, we developed acid-modified urea-doped activated carbonized wood (AUACW) with a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure and porosity, achieving a high specific surface area of 1321.3 m2 g-1. In addition, the degree of graphitization (ID/IG = 1.0) provides good conductivity and a large number of active sites, which are conducive to charge transfer and ion diffusion. The increase of nitrogen and oxygen elements enhances the surface wettability of the material and provides additional pseudocapacitance. The specific capacitance of AUACW reaches 435.84 F g-1 at 0.8 A g-1 with a 93.6% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles in a 1 M KOH electrolyte. More attractively, a symmetrical supercapacitor (SSC) based on AUACW delivers an energy density of 22.61 W h kg-1 at a power density of 533.26 W kg-1. This work demonstrates the promising potential of utilizing waste biomass to develop green and valuable carbon materials for supercapacitors.

Efficacy of tacrolimus monotherapy in primary membranous nephropathy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to observe the remission of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) and evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy for PMN in comparison with TAC combined with a low-dose glucocorticoid (GC) protocol (TAC + GC). Methods: This was tested in a prospective monocentric observational trial of 70 patients with PMN, of whom 34 received TAC (0.05-0.075 mg/kg/day) or 36 received TAC (0.05-0.075 mg/kg/day) and GC (0.3-0.5 mg/kg/day of prednisone). Results: At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment, the effective rates in the TAC group and the TAC + GC group were similar (P > 0.05). The urinary protein quantification was reduced in patients under both therapeutic protocols, and the differences in the proteinuria quantification at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment were not statistically significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the TAC group was lower than that in the TAC + GC group (23.5% < 36.1%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: TAC monotherapy for PMN could effectively reduce urinary protein quantification and increase serum albumin levels. Compared with TAC + GC, TAC monotherapy for PMN had no difference in efficacy and fewer incidences of adverse reactions.

Four novel Acinetobacter lwoffii strains isolated from the milk of cows in China with subclinical mastitis.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter lwoffii (A. lwoffii) is a Gram-negative bacteria common in the environment, and it is the normal flora in human respiratory and digestive tracts. The bacteria is a zoonotic and opportunistic pathogen that causes various infections, including nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to identify A. lwoffii strains isolated from bovine milk with subclinical mastitis in China and get a better understanding of its antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profile. This is the first study to analyze the drug resistance spectrum and corresponding mechanisms of A. lwoffii isolated in raw milk. RESULTS: Four A. lwoffii strains were isolated by PCR method. Genetic evolution analysis using the neighbor-joining method showed that the four strains had a high homology with Acinetobacter lwoffii. The strains were resistant to several antibiotics and carried 17 drug-resistance genes across them. Specifically, among 23 antibiotics, the strains were completely susceptible to 6 antibiotics, including doxycycline, erythromycin, polymyxin, clindamycin, imipenem, and meropenem. In addition, the strains showed variable resistance patterns. A total of 17 resistance genes, including plasmid-mediated resistance genes, were detected across the four strains. These genes mediated resistance to 5 classes of antimicrobials, including beta-lactam, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and chloramphenicol. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter lwoffii strains exist in raw milk of bovine with subclinical mastitis. Acinetobacter lwoffii are widespread in natural environmental samples, including water, soil, bathtub, soap box, skin, pharynx, conjunctiva, saliva, gastrointestinal tract, and vaginal secretions. The strains carry resistance genes in mobile genetic elements to enhance the spread of these genes. Therefore, more attention should be paid to epidemiological surveillance and drug resistant A. lwoffii.

Exploring the Role of Clustered Mutations in Carcinogenesis and Their Potential Clinical Implications in Cancer.

Abnormal cell proliferation and growth leading to cancer primarily result from cumulative genome mutations. Single gene mutations alone do not fully explain cancer onset and progression; instead, clustered mutations-simultaneous occurrences of multiple mutations-are considered to be pivotal in cancer development and advancement. These mutations can affect different genes and pathways, resulting in cells undergoing malignant transformation with multiple functional abnormalities. Clustered mutations influence cancer growth rates, metastatic potential, and drug treatment sensitivity. This summary highlights the various types and characteristics of clustered mutations to understand their associations with carcinogenesis and discusses their potential clinical significance in cancer. As a unique mutation type, clustered mutations may involve genomic instability, DNA repair mechanism defects, and environmental exposures, potentially correlating with responsiveness to immunotherapy. Understanding the characteristics and underlying processes of clustered mutations enhances our comprehension of carcinogenesis and cancer progression, providing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer.

Modulatory Effects of XIAOPI Formula on CXCL1 and Selected Outcomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive malignancy. Psychological distress and elevated CXCL1 level have been reported to be closely associated with the poor prognosis and quality of life of patients with TNBC. In preclinical studies using xenograft mouse models, XIAOPI formula, a nationally approved drug prescribed to patients at high risk for breast cancer, inhibited CXCL1 expression and improved survival. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in improving patients' emotional disorders and quality of life. However, the impact of XIAOPI formula on the serum level of CXCL1, psychological distress, and quality of life among patients with TNBC is currently unknown. Methods: In this study, we designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with TNBC were randomly assigned to receive either the XIAOPI formula or a placebo for three months. The primary outcomes include serum CXCL1 expression, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Secondary outcomes included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Results: A total of 60 patients with TNBC were enrolled in the investigation. The results showed that the XIAOPI formula significantly decreased CXCL1 expression compared with the control group. Moreover, in comparison to the placebo, the XIAOPI formula increased FACT-B scores while decreasing SDS, SAS, and PSQI scores. Conclusion: In patients with TNBC, XIAOPI formula may be effective in reducing CXCL1 levels, enhancing psychological well-being, and quality of life. While our research offers a natural alternative therapy that may enhance the prognosis of TNBC, future validation of its therapeutic effects will require large-scale, long-term clinical trials. Clinical Registration Number: Registration website: www.chictr.org.cn, Registration date: 2018-1-19, Registration number: ChiCTR1800014535.

Factors contributing to sepsis-associated encephalopathy: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This study aims to systematically assess the risk factors, the overall strength of association, and evidence quality related to sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for cohort or case-control studies published up to August 2023 on risk factors associated with sepsis-related encephalopathy. The selected studies were screened, data were extracted, and the quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria. Results: A total of 13 studies involving 1,906 participants were included in the analysis. Among these studies, 12 were of high quality, and one was of moderate quality. Our meta-analysis identified six risk factors significantly associated with Serious Adverse Events (SAE). These included APACHE II, SOFA, age, tau protein, and IL-6, which were found to be risk factors with significant effects (standard mean difference SMD: 1.24-2.30), and albumin, which was a risk factor with moderate effects (SMD: -0.55). However, the certainty of evidence for the risk factors identified in this meta-analysis ranged from low to medium. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified several risk factors with moderate to significant effects. APACHE II, SOFA, age, tau protein, IL-6, and albumin were associated with sepsis-related encephalopathy and were supported by medium- to high-quality evidence. These findings provide healthcare professionals with an evidence-based foundation for managing and treating hospitalized adult patients with sepsis-related encephalopathy.

Evaluation of MASLD Fibrosis, FIB-4 and APRI Score in MASLD Combined with T2DM and MACCEs Receiving SGLT2 Inhibitors Treatment.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between Sodium Glucose Co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) treatment and fibrosis in patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) combined with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCEs). Methods: A case-control study was conducted, involving 280 patients with MASLD combined with T2DM treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023. Among these patients, 135 received SGLT2i treatment. The association between the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and the occurrence of MACCEs, as well as the association between the Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores and MACCEs, were evaluated. Results: The FIB-4 index and APRI scores were significantly lower in the SGLT2i treatment group compared to the non-SGLT2i group (1.59 vs 1.25, P<0.001). SGLT2i treatment tended to reduce the occurrence of MACCEs compared to non-SGLT2i treatment (45.5% vs 38.5%, P=0.28). All patients who developed MACCEs in the non-SGLT2i treatment group had higher FIB-4 index (1.83 vs 1.35, P=0.003). Additionally, after SGLT2i treatment for a median duration of 22 months, patients showed significant reductions in blood glucose, APRI, and FIB-4 index. Conclusion: SGLT2i treatment significantly reduces the occurrence of MACCEs and liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD combined with T2DM. The FIB-4 index may serve as a potential surrogate marker for predicting the occurrence of MACCEs.

Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Endovascular Biopsy Applied in Patients with Pulmonary Artery Masses: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary artery (PA) masses are rare. Distinguishing PA tumours from embolism is sometimes difficult, and surgical biopsy is expensive and risky. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of imaging-guided percutaneous endovascular biopsy (PEB) for obtaining tissues for histological diagnosis. METHODS: We searched Cochrane, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for PEB trials involving patients with PA masses, published from the inception of the database until August 2023. RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed 33 studies including 87 patients (median age 55 ± 69.3 years, 44 men) with PA masses who underwent a total of 110 PEBs. Of these patients, 34.5% (n = 38) underwent PEB-catheter aspiration (PEB-CA), 50.9% (n = 56) underwent PEB-forceps biopsy (PEB-FB) and 2.7% (n = 3) underwent PEB-directional atherectomy (PEB-DA). The most common histological aetiology of PA masses was mesenchymal tumours (n = 67, 75.9%). Tumour embolism (n = 6, 6.9%) and pulmonary embolism (n = 3, 3.4%) were the second and third most common types of PA masses, respectively. The technical success rates of PEB-CA, PEB-FB and PEB-DA were 92.1%, 94.6% and 100% (p = 0.796), respectively. Histopathological analysis provided clinical diagnostic success rates of 44.7%, 85.7% and 100% for PEB-CA, PEB-FB and PEB-DA (p < 0.001), respectively. In pairwise comparison, PEB-FB had a higher success rate in pathological diagnosis than PEB-CA (p = 0.000). Apart from one patient suffering from haemorrhagic cardiac tamponade, no other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Imaging-guided PEB is a safe and effective technique for the early pathological diagnosis of PA masses.