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Mechanized and intelligent flower thinning is a high-speed flower thinning method nowadays. The classification and detection of flowers and flower buds are the basic requirements to ensure the normal operation of the flower thinning machine. Aiming at the problems of pear inflorescence detection and classification in the current intelligent production of pear orchards, a Y-shaped shed pear orchard inflorescence recognition algorithm Ghost-YOLOv5s-BiFPN based on improved YOLOv5s was proposed in this research. The detection model was obtained by labeling and expanding the pear tree bud and flower images collected in the field and sending them to the algorithm for training. The Ghost-YOLOv5s-BiFPN algorithm used the weighted bidirectional feature pyramid network to replace the original path aggregation network structure, and effectively fuse the features of different sizes. At the same time, ghost module was used to replace the traditional convolution, so as to reduce the amount of model parameters and improve the operation efficiency of the equipment without reducing the accuracy. The field experiment results showed that the detection accuracy of the Ghost-YOLOv5s-BiFPN algorithm for the bud and flower in the pear inflorescence were 93.21% and 89.43%, respectively, with an average accuracy of 91.32%, and the detection time of a single image was 29 ms. Compared with the original YOLOv5s algorithm, the detection accuracy was improved by 4.18%, and the detection time and model parameters were reduced by 9 ms and 46.63% respectively. Compared with the original YOLOV5s network, the mAP and recall rate were improved by 4.2% and 2.7%, respectively; the number of parameters, model size and floating point operations were reduced by 46.6%, 44.4% and 47.5% respectively, and the average detection time was shortened by 9 ms. With Ghost convolution and BIFPN adding model, the detection accuracy has been improved to a certain extent, and the model has been greatly lightweight, effectively improving the detect efficiency. From the thermodynamic diagram results, it can be seen that BIFPN structure effectively enhances the representation ability of features, making the model more effective in focusing on the corresponding features of the target. The results showed that the algorithm can meet the requirements of accurate identification and classification of pear buds and flowers, and provide technical support for the follow-up pear garden to achieve intelligent flower thinning.

Although substantial progress has been made in cancer biology and treatment, the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still not satisfactory because of local tumor invasion and frequent lymph node metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a potential target in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of great significance due to their interactions with cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, we focus on the crosstalk between cancer cells and CAFs and discover that CAFs are the main source of TGF-β1. Transwell assays and western blot analysis further prove that CAFs activate the TGF-β1/Smad pathway to promote OSCC invasion. Through survival analysis, we confirm that CAF overexpression is correlated with poor overall survival in OSCC. To further elucidate the origin and role of CAFs in OSCC, we analyze single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from 14 OSCC tumor samples and identify four distinct cell types, including CAFs, in the TME, indicating high intratumoral heterogeneity. Then, two subtypes of CAFs, namely, myofibroblasts (mCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), are further distinguished. Based on the differentially upregulated genes of mCAFs and iCAFs, GO enrichment analysis reveals their different roles in OSCC progression. Furthermore, the gene expression pattern is dynamically altered across pseudotime, potentially taking part in the transformation from epithelial to mCAFs or iCAFs through the epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

Apoptosis, as type I cell death, is an active death process strictly controlled by multiple genes, and plays a significant role in regulating various activities. Mounting research indicates that the unique modality of cell apoptosis is directly or indirectly related to different diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, viral diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. However, the underlying mechanisms of cell apoptosis are complicated and not fully clarified yet, possibly due to the lack of effective chemical tools for the nondestructive and real-time visualization of apoptosis in complex biological systems. In the past 15 years, various small-molecule fluorescent probes (SMFPs) for imaging apoptosis in vitro and in vivo have attracted broad interest in related disease diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we aim to highlight the recent developments of SMFPs based on enzyme activity, plasma membranes, reactive oxygen species, reactive sulfur species, microenvironments and others during cell apoptosis. In particular, we generalize the mechanisms commonly used to design SMFPs for studying apoptosis. In addition, we discuss the limitations of reported probes, and emphasize the potential challenges and prospects in the future. We believe that this review will provide a comprehensive summary and challenging direction for the development of SMFPs in apoptosis related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The impact of lipid-lowering medications on chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a subject of debate. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to elucidate the potential effects of lipid-lowering drug targets on CKD development. Methods: We extracted 11 genetic variants encoding targets of lipid-lowering drugs from published genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics, encompassing LDLR, HMGCR, PCSK9, NPC1L1, APOB, ABCG5/ABCG8, LPL, APOC3, ANGPTL3, and PPARA. A Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted targeting these drug-related genes. CKD risk was designated as the primary outcome, while estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed as secondary outcomes. Additionally, mediation analysis was performed utilizing 731 immune cell phenotypes to identify potential mediators. Results: The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between ANGPTL3 inhibitors and a reduced risk of CKD (OR [95% CI] = 0.85 [0.75-0.96]). Conversely, LDLR agonists were significantly linked to an increased risk of CKD (OR [95% CI] = 1.11 [1.02-1.22]). Regarding secondary outcomes, lipid-lowering drugs did not significantly affect eGFR and BUN levels. Mediation analysis indicated that the reduction in CKD risk by ANGPTL3 inhibitors was mediated through modulation of the immune cell phenotype, specifically HLA-DR on CD14+ CD16+ monocytes (Mediated proportion: 4.69%; Mediated effect: -0.00899). Conclusion: Through drug-targeted MR analysis, we identified a causal relationship between lipid-lowering drug targets and CKD. ANGPTL3 and LDLR may represent promising candidate drug targets for CKD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (P-HIPEC) in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC) after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Additionally, it explores how the frequency and timing of P-HIPEC influence treatment outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 227 patients with locally AGC who underwent laparoscopic surgery at Maoming People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were stratified into the HIPEC group (n=101) and the non-HIPEC group (n=126), based on whether they received postoperative P-HIPEC. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for baseline characteristics, facilitating a comparative analysis of survival outcomes, postoperative complications and recurrence patterns. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors. Furthermore, the impact of varying P-HIPEC frequencies and initiation timings was evaluated. Results: No significant differences in overall survival (OS) or postoperative complication rates were observed between the two groups in the original and PSM cohorts. But the disease-free survival (DFS) of the HIPEC group was significantly higher than that of the non-HIPEC group (HR 0.569; 95% CI 0.362–0.894; p = 0.013) in the PSM cohort, with 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year DFS rates showing notable improvement (77.9% vs. 69.7%, 60.1% vs. 43.0%, and 46.2% vs. 25.5%). The incidence of isolated peritoneal metastasis (PM) was significantly lower in the HIPEC group (5.3% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.039). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified P-HIPEC as an independent protective factor for DFS. Further analysis indicated that neither the number of P-HIPEC sessions had a significant impact on OS (p = 0.388) or DFS (p = 0.735), nor did the timing of P-HIPEC initiation affect OS (p = 0.620) or DFS (p = 0.488). Likewise, different P-HIPEC frequencies or initiation timings had no significant impact on postoperative complication rates or recurrence patterns. Conclusion: P-HIPEC effectively reduces the risk of postoperative PM and improves DFS in patients with locally AGC without increasing postoperative complications. However, it does not significantly impact OS. Additionally, variations in the frequency and timing of P-HIPEC initiation do not significantly affect survival outcomes, postoperative complications, or recurrence patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a prevalent complication that significantly affects the quality of life. Notably, patients who have experienced ischemic stroke are at an increased risk of developing POCD. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of POCD is crucial for its management. Numerous studies have established neuroinflammation as an independent risk factor in POCD pathogenesis, with TREM2 emerging as a key neuroprotective factor that modulates neuroinflammatory responses through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of TREM2 on POCD in a mouse model of ischemic stroke, with a focus on the mechanisms involving TREM2 and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Our findings indicated that mice with ischemic stroke exhibited severe cognitive impairment after surgical trauma. However, we observed that an enriched environment (EE) could ameliorate this cognitive impairment by upregulating microglia TREM2 expression in the hippocampus and suppressing neuroinflammation. Additionally, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was activated in the hippocampal tissue of the mice housed in EE. Importantly, the beneficial neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of EE were abolished when TREM2 was knocked down, underscoring the essential role of TREM2 in mediating the effects of EE on neuroinflammation and cognitive function after ischemic stroke and surgical trauma. In general, our study has confirmed a potential molecular mechanism that led to the occurrence of POCD in individuals with ischemic stroke and provided new strategies to treat POCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen electrocatalysis plays a pivotal role in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries, which hold immense potential for energy conversion and storage systems due to their superior theoretical energy density, cost‐effectiveness, and safety profile. However, carbon‐based materials in air electrode face challenges stemming from the harsh oxidative environment of oxygen catalysis, leading to thermodynamic instability. This underscores the urgent necessity for the development of effective carbon anti‐oxidation strategies. This comprehensive review initially explores the complex mechanisms underlying the oxygen reduction/oxygen evolution reactions (ORR/OER) and the prevalent issue of carbon corrosion in carbon‐based materials. It then delves into diverse strategies aimed at mitigating catalyst corrosion through doped carbons, encompassing techniques such as graphitization, active site management, surface modification using functional groups, and corrosion resistance coating. Moreover, the review discusses methods to counteract carbon oxidation in catalyst supports, including the utilization of novel carbons, highly active catalysts to minimize oxidation, and the exploration of non‐carbon alternatives. Furthermore, the review also sheds light on protecting current collectors and conductive additives within the air electrode from corrosion. Ultimately, it outlines emerging challenges and opportunities for addressing carbon oxidation in air electrode, paving the way for enhanced performance and longevity in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of folic acid (FA) and vitamin D supplementation on increasing maternal serum folate and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations during pregnancy and further reveal its role in reducing the risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in patients with preeclampsia (PE). Methods: A total of 300 preeclamptic patients (treatment group 204 and control group 96) who had undergone routine obstetric examinations were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Data that include maternal serum levels of folate and 25(OH)D detected during early, middle, and late gestational periods from the medical records were analyzed. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the correlation of serum folate and 25(OH)D concentrations with the incidence of FGR. Results: Serum folate and 25(OH)D concentrations were similar between the treatment group and control group in the early gestation. During the middle and late gestation, the serum folate and 25(OH)D levels were both continuously increased in the treatment group, but persistently decreased in the control group, leading to significant differences between the two groups (p <.001). In addition, the incidence of FGR was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (p <.001). Logistic regression analysis showed significant correlations of increased serum folate and 25(OH)D levels with lower risk of FGR. Conclusions: FA and vitamin D supplementations facilitated to lower the risk of FGR in preeclamptic patients. These results would be the solid foundation for the further investigation of approaches to improve adverse outcomes of pregnancy, and have potential guiding implications for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a continuous-time asset-liability management problem with a defaultable bond under stochastic interest rates and stochastic default intensity. Specifically, an asset-liability manager is allowed to invest in a cash, a treasury bond, a defaultable bond and a stock. Using the stochastic control scheme and partial differential equation approach, we derive closed-form expressions for optimal investment strategies and corresponding value functions under the power and exponential utility functions. In addition, we also provide numerical experiments to illustrate the impact of relevant parameters in the default process and recovery rate on the optimal asset allocation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have shown enormous potential in large‐scale industrial applications. And it has attracted widespread attention in the past few decades. However, the photophysical characteristics of these budget‐friendly materials haven't been explored much. Here, low‐cost small materials, including small molecule 1 (asm1) with ortho‐fluorinated side chain and small molecule 2 (asm2) with meta‐fluorinated side chain were selected to probe the fluorination effect on the absorption spectra, electrochemical energy levels, electrostatic potential (ESP), etc. The results show that the molecules asm1 and asm2 have good planarity of the backbone. And the meta‐fluorinated side chain of asm2 contributes more to the highest occupied molecular orbital and less to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital than asm1. Moreover, differences in ESP are found between donor and acceptor materials. Furthermore, strong and broad light absorption in the visible region of these low‐cost molecules is observed, resulting in a better short‐circuit current density for the devices constructed by the donors asm1, asm2, and acceptor Y6. In addition, more charge transfer mechanisms are characterized for the asm1/Y6 system. The introduction of ortho‐fluorination in the conjugated side chain of the molecule is a favorable approach, which will provide theoretical guidance for further molecular design experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]