Search Results (27,671)

Accurate segmentation of crops and weeds is essential for enhancing crop yield, optimizing herbicide usage, and mitigating environmental impacts. Traditional weed management practices, such as manual weeding or broad-spectrum herbicide application, are labor-intensive, environmentally harmful, and economically inefficient. In response, this study introduces a novel precision agriculture framework integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing with advanced deep learning techniques, combining Super-Resolution Reconstruction (SRR) and semantic segmentation. This study is the first to integrate UAV-based SRR and semantic segmentation for tobacco fields, systematically evaluate recent Transformer and Mamba-based models alongside traditional CNNs, and release an annotated dataset that not only ensures reproducibility but also provides a resource for the research community to develop and benchmark future models. Initially, SRR enhanced the resolution of low-quality UAV imagery, significantly improving detailed feature extraction. Subsequently, to identify the optimal segmentation model for the proposed framework, semantic segmentation models incorporating CNN, Transformer, and Mamba architectures were used to differentiate crops from weeds. Among evaluated SRR methods, RCAN achieved the optimal reconstruction performance, reaching a Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of 24.98 dB and a Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) of 69.48%. In semantic segmentation, the ensemble model integrating Transformer (DPT with DINOv2) and Mamba-based architectures achieved the highest mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 90.75%, demonstrating superior robustness across diverse field conditions. Additionally, comprehensive experiments quantified the impact of magnification factors, Gaussian blur, and Gaussian noise, identifying an optimal magnification factor of 4×, proving that the method was robust to common environmental disturbances at optimal parameters. Overall, this research established an efficient, precise framework for crop cultivation management, offering valuable insights for precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Full article

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) demonstrate the intra- and interrater reliability of quadriceps (QUADS) and hamstring (HAMS) mineral-free lean (MFL) mass measures using DXA scanning, (2) determine the association of total thigh MFL mass measures with MFL mass measures of the hamstrings and quadriceps combined and (3) analyze the association between total thigh MFL mass and total body MFL mass measures. Methods: A total of 80 young children (aged 5 to 11 yrs) participated and unique regions of interest were created using custom analysis software with manual tracing of the QUADS, HAMS, and total thigh MFL mass measures. Repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to determine if there were significant differences among the MFL measures while intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), and regression analysis were used to determine the intra- and interrater reliability and the explained variance in the association among MFL mass measures. Results: The right interrater QUADS MFL mass was the only significant group mean difference, and ICCs between (≥0.961) and within (≥0.919) raters were high for all MFL measures with low variation across all MFL measures (≤6.13%). The explained variance was 92.5% and 96.3% for the between-investigator analyses of the right and left total thigh MFL mass measures, respectively. Furthermore, 97.5% of the variance in total body MFL mass was explained by the total thigh MFL mass. Conclusions: DXA MFL mass measures of the QUADS, HAMS and total thigh can be confidently used in young children and may provide an alternative to CT or MRI scanning when assessing changes in MFL cross-sectional area or volume measures due to disease progression, training and rehabilitative strategies. Full article

A series of novel γ-halo-δ-lactones and δ-halo-γ-lactones bearing a phenolic ring at the β-position were synthesized from vanillin. The divergent seven-step synthetic route commenced with the benzyl protection of the hydroxy group of the starting material, followed by a four-step transformation that led to the corresponding β-aryl-γ,δ-unsaturated carboxylic acids. Subsequent halolactonization (iodo-, bromo-, and chlorolactonization), followed by selective benzyl deprotection, gave the target halolactones. The structures of all intermediates and final lactones were confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR and HRMS. The resulting halolactones were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against two canine (CLBL-1, CLB70) and two human (T-24, CaCo-2) cancer cell lines, as well as non-cancerous mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH/3T3). Hemolytic assays were performed to assess toxicity against human red blood cells (RBCs). Among the tested lactones, the transδ-iodo-γ-lactone was the most active, particularly against CLBL-1 and T-24 cells. All compounds demonstrated no inhibitory effects on normal fibroblasts and no hemolytic toxicity. This favorable selectivity profile positions this group of lactones, particularly trans-δ-iodo-γ-lactone, as a promising candidate for further development as potential anticancer agents. Full article

As synthetic biology advances toward precise design, the construction of high-quality mutant libraries has become essential for large-scale functional screening. Traditional approaches, such as random and saturation mutagenesis, often suffer from low accuracy, high bias, and limited coverage. An ideal method should offer controlled mutagenesis, comprehensive coverage, high throughput, operational simplicity, and controllable outcomes, enabling effective large-scale screening. Here, we developed a high-throughput, precisely controlled method for constructing a mutagenesis library based on chip-based oligonucleotide synthesis. Using PSMD10 as a model, we constructed a full-length amber codon scanning mutagenesis library with 93.75% mutation coverage. Among the five polymerases evaluated, KAPA HiFi HotStart, Platinum SuperFi II and Hot-Start Pfu DNA Polymerase demonstrated higher amplification efficiency and lower chimera formation rates, making them preferred enzymes for optimized library construction. Analysis of unmapped reads highlighted key technical factors, such as oligonucleotide synthesis errors and chimeric sequence formation caused by incomplete extension of DNA polymerase or synthesis across discontinuous templates during PCR. To improve efficiency and fidelity, we recommend refining PCR conditions and strengthening oligo synthesis quality control. We establish an efficient, scalable, precisely controlled mutagenesis library construction strategy tailored for high-throughput functional research and recommend using a high-fidelity, low-bias polymerase to ensure quality. Full article

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, plays a crucial role in amplifying inflammatory responses, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis and progression of various inflammatory diseases. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of TREM-1 signaling and its dysregulation in disease pathology. Additionally, it explores the prognostic significance of TREM-1 across a spectrum of conditions. Targeting TREM-1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic approach for managing a wide range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and other inflammation-driven conditions. Previous reviews on TREM-1 have largely focused on its immunological role across diverse disease conditions and selective peptide-based inhibitors targeting its signaling pathway. However, recent discoveries have identified small-molecule modulators of TREM-1 that offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Incorporating these findings would provide a more comprehensive and updated perspective on TREM-1 biology, particularly regarding its molecular regulation, drug-target potential, and translational relevance in inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders. Advances in this field are expected to be driven by structure-based drug design, particularly in the development of TREM-1 inhibitors. However, further research is needed to elucidate the predictive value of TREM-1 alterations and to evaluate them in prospective human studies prior to clinical decision-making. Full article

Buildings with electrified heat pump systems, onsite photovoltaic (PV) generation, and energy storage offer strong potential for demand flexibility. This study compares two storage configurations, thermal energy storage (TES) and battery energy storage (BESS), to evaluate their impact on cooling performance and cost savings. A Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework was developed to optimize system operations, aiming to minimize costs while maintaining occupant comfort. Results show that both configurations achieve substantial savings relative to a baseline. The TES system reduces daily operating costs by about 50%, while the BESS nearly eliminates them (over 90% reduction) and cuts grid electricity use by more than 65%. The BESS achieves superior performance because it can serve both the controllable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and the home’s broader electrical loads, thereby maximizing PV self-consumption. In contrast, the TES primarily influences the thermal load. These findings highlight that the choice between thermal and electrical storage greatly affects system outcomes. While the BESS provides a more comprehensive solution for whole-home energy management by addressing all electrical demands, further techno-economic evaluation is needed to assess the long-term feasibility and trade-offs of each configuration. Full article

Objective: Allergic rhinitis (AR) continues to adversely affect the life quality of a substantial patient population, highlighting the necessity for enhanced treatment modalities. Our research utilized licorice extract (LE) in nasal irrigation for managing this condition, with its therapeutic efficacy gauged against traditional saline nasal irrigation (SNI) through clinical trials. Additionally, the study incorporated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, measuring not just subjective symptom relief but also the objective shifts in lung meridian electrical conductance (MEC), to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the treatment’s effectiveness. Methods: Based on our previous laboratory and animal studies, we developed an LE solution and applied it through nasal irrigation to treat AR. In a one-month controlled trial, 60 patients with AR received either licorice nasal irrigation (LNI) or SNI daily. We assessed treatment efficacy by subjective questionnaire scores (Total Nasal Symptom Score [TNSS] and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22]) and objective lung MEC analysis. Result: In the trial, 30 participants were randomly allocated to each group, and 28 individuals in the LNI group and 24 in the SNI group finished the study without any side effects. The LNI group had better improvements in sneezing, nasal itchiness, and rhinorrhea, along with a greater overall TNSS reduction. On the SNOT-22, the LNI group scored better across most nasal and extra-nasal symptoms, sleep, and physiological and psychosocial well-being. Participants were sorted into low, normal, and high lung MEC subgroups. After treatment, those in the LNI group normalized their lung MEC levels in both the low and high subgroups, which was not observed in the SNI group. Conclusions: LNI markedly improves symptoms in patients with AR, enhancing their quality of life. This treatment method, integrating Western and TCM practices, also normalizes abnormal lung MEC values following therapy. It offers a method of objectively validating the effectiveness of treatments based on TCM theories. Full article

The traditional use of iced trash fish (IF) in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) aquaculture raises sustainability concerns, but the shift to formulated feeds (FF—a commercial compound feed specifically designed to meet nutritional requirements by blending multiple ingredients and containing a balance of nutrients) is often hindered by fears of compromising its prized flavor. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate whether a commercial formulated feed could effectively replace IF without diminishing flavor quality, hypothesizing that FF would alter the intestinal volatile profile, thereby influencing muscle flavor. Male crabs were fed either IF or FF for eight weeks. Muscle flavor was assessed using sensory evaluation, electronic nose (E-nose), and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS). Volatile compounds in intestinal chyme were also analyzed by GC–IMS to explore potential transfer mechanisms. The results indicated that crabs fed with FF showed higher sensory scores for sweetness. Additionally, the E-nose analysis revealed a clear separation trend between dietary groups and showed markedly higher sensor response values for aromatic compounds, biogenically derived compounds and Maillard reaction products, sulfur-containing organic compounds, aliphatic hydrocarbons, total volatile organic compounds, alcohols and organic solvents, and alkenes in the FF group compared to the IF group. Thirty-four volatiles were discovered in the muscle. Statistical analysis (independent samples t-test) showed that the FF group exhibited significantly elevated levels of 3-methylbutanal-M, propanal, (E)-2-pentenal, 2,3-pentanedione, and pentan-1-ol-M, whereas the IF group exhibited significantly elevated levels of 2-hexanone, dihydro-2(3H)-furanone, butyl acetate, ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, and phenol (p < 0.05). Fourty-eight volatiles were identified in the intestinal chyme. Propanal and ethyl 2-methylpropanoate were the dominant odor contributors based on correlation network analysis. Strong correlations were identified between the flavor profiles of intestinal chyme and muscle, suggesting a potential transfer or transformation of volatiles. This work provides a scientific basis for optimizing aquafeed formulations to ensure sustainable crab production without sacrificing end-flavor quality. Full article

Background: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular disorder characterized by tear film instability, inflammation, oxidative stress, and ocular surface damage. Current therapeutic options often provide only temporary relief and are limited by poor patient compliance and inadequate drug retention at the ocular surface. Aim: This review aims to critically analyze the therapeutic potential of polyphenols and their nanoencapsulated formulations for the management of DED, focusing on pharmacological mechanisms, formulation strategies, and translational implications. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using combinations of the following keywords: “dry eye disease,” “polyphenols,” “antioxidants,” “nanocarriers,” “ocular delivery,” and “bioavailability.” Studies published in English from 2000 to 2024 were considered. Inclusion criteria encompassed experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies evaluating polyphenol-based formulations for ocular application, while reviews without original data or studies unrelated to DED were excluded. Results: The analysis identified EGCG, curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin as the most extensively investigated polyphenols, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activities through modulation of cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and immune signaling pathways. Nanoformulations such as lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and cyclodextrin complexes improved solubility, stability, ocular retention, and bioavailability, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy in preclinical DED models. Conclusions and Future Perspectives: Polyphenol-loaded nanocarriers represent a promising approach for improving the management of DED by enhancing local drug delivery and sustained release. However, further clinical studies are needed to assess long-term safety, scalability, and regulatory feasibility. Future research should focus on optimizing formulation reproducibility and exploring personalized nanotherapeutic strategies to overcome interindividual variability in treatment response. Full article

Background: The GLA:D^® program is an evidence-based intervention widely used in Western countries to improve knee function and exercise adherence among individuals with osteoarthritis. However, its application in postoperative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) populations is limited, particularly in Asia. This study evaluated two modified GLA:D^® interventions tailored to the Korean clinical environment. Methods: Patients who underwent TKA participated in one of two programs. The GLA:D-M group received therapist-supervised neuromuscular training with structured progression. The GLA:D-C group received a modified GLA:D^® program with additional lower-limb strengthening, primarily conducted as home-based exercise. Outcomes at 3 and 6 months included functional performance, isokinetic strength, gait speed, and psychosocial measures. Statistical significance, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and effect sizes were used to assess clinical relevance. Results: Both groups improved; however, recovery patterns differed. GLA:D-M demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) and clinically meaningful improvements in functional and psychosocial outcomes, exceeding MCID thresholds with large effect sizes. GLA:D-C showed significant gains in lower-limb strength, but many changes did not meet the MCID and did not consistently translate into higher-level functional recovery. These findings suggest that supervised neuromuscular training may facilitate more comprehensive recovery than home-based strengthening alone. Conclusions: Adapting the GLA:D^® program for TKA patients in a Korean clinical setting was feasible and beneficial. Additionally, the delivery method, particularly therapist supervision, played a vital role in maximizing outcomes. Both program content and delivery format should be considered in rehabilitation models. Larger, long-term studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore broader clinical applications. Full article

This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with AMPs on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of squabs. Furthermore, metagenomic and metabolomic approaches were employed to identify key differential bacterial species and metabolites associated with growth performance, and thereby the potential mechanisms underlying the enhancement of squab growth and development by AMPs being elucidated. One hundred and twenty pairs of healthy adult White Carneau pigeons (2 years old) were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (CK, fed with basal diet) and antimicrobial peptide group (AP, fed with basal diet +200 mg/kg antimicrobial peptide), with 10 replicates per group and 6 pairs of breeding pigeons per replicate. The experiment lasted for 53 days, including 7 days of prefeeding, 18 days of incubation and 28 days of feeding. In this study, squabs were weighed at 0 and 28 days of age to evaluate growth performance. At 28 days of age, duodenal contents were collected to assess digestive enzyme activities, while jejunal and liver tissues were harvested to determine antioxidant capacity. Intestinal morphology was examined using tissue samples from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Finally, ileal contents were collected for a comprehensive analysis of microbial composition and metabolite profiles in the two experimental groups, employing high-throughput sequencing and LC-MS/MS techniques. The results showed that body weight, liver total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), jejunal malondialdehyde (MDA) content, jejunum and ileum villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) were significantly increased, and jejunal crypt depth (CD) was significantly decreased in the AP group at 28 days of age (p < 0.05). In addition, the microbiome data showed that Lactobacillus in the AP group was a biomarker with significant differences (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis showed that the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.01). In addition, the content of potentially beneficial metabolites (Biotin, beta-Tocotrienol, 7-Chloro-L-tryptophan and Dihydrozeatin) was significantly increased in the AP group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary AMPs can significantly improve the body weights, liver antioxidant capacity and jejunum and ileum VH/CD of squabs. Full article

Background and Objectives: Uterine ectopic pregnancy includes uterine extraendometrial forms such as cervical, intramural, and interstitial pregnancies, whose incidence is increasing with prior uterine surgery and assisted reproduction. Unlike cesarean scar pregnancy, which is known to occasionally progress to term, the potential for these other types to continue beyond the first trimester remains poorly defined. This review evaluates reported cases carried to viability, focusing on maternal and neonatal outcomes and identifying prognostic factors influencing progression. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251070864). Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to June 2025 identified English-language case reports of uterine ectopic pregnancies (cervical, intramural, or interstitial) resulting in live birth. Data on maternal characteristics, clinical presentation, pregnancy course, delivery outcomes, and neonatal parameters were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports. Results: Uterine ectopic pregnancies were frequently misdiagnosed, with definitive diagnosis established only at delivery in 85% of cases. The majority of patients presented with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, and maternal morbidity was considerable: two-thirds required hysterectomy, and blood transfusions were often necessary due to severe hemorrhage. Fourteen live births were reported (nine interstitial, four cervical, and one intramural). Neonatal survival was primarily dependent on gestational age at delivery, while successful continuation of pregnancy appeared favored by implantation in more distensible myometrial regions and the presence of residual endometrial tissue. Conclusions: An increased amount of endometrium and greater myometrial distensibility at the implantation site enhance the likelihood of uterine ectopic pregnancies progressing to viability. These factors should guide early diagnosis, patient counseling, and individualized management, considering gestational age, implantation type, and future fertility goals. Full article

Monitoring large-gradient surface displacement caused by underground mining remains a significant challenge for conventional Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-based techniques. This study introduces optical flow methods to monitor large-gradient displacement in mining areas and conducts a comprehensive comparison with Small Baseline Subset Interferometric SAR (SBAS-InSAR) and Pixel Offset Tracking (POT) methods. Using 12 high-resolution TerraSAR-X (TSX) SAR images over the Daliuta mining area in Yulin, China, we evaluate the performance of each method in terms of sensitivity to displacement gradients, computational efficiency, and monitoring accuracy. Results indicate that SBAS-InSAR is only capable of detecting displacement at the decimeter level in the Dalinta mining area and is unable to monitor rapid, large-gradient displacement exceeding the meter scale. While POT can detect meter-scale displacements, it suffers from low efficiency and low precision. In contrast, the proposed optical flow method (OFM) achieves sub-pixel accuracy with root mean square errors of 0.17 m (compared to 0.26 m for POT) when validated against Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data while improving computational efficiency by nearly 30 times compared to POT. Furthermore, based on the optical flow results, mining parameters and three-dimensional (3D) displacement fields were successfully inverted, revealing maximum vertical subsidence exceeding 4.4 m and horizontal displacement over 1.5 m. These findings demonstrate that the OFM is a reliable and efficient tool for large-gradient displacement monitoring in mining areas, offering valuable support for hazard assessment and mining management. Full article

The automated inspection of civil infrastructure with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is hampered by the challenge of accurately segmenting multi-damage in high-resolution imagery. While foundational models like the Segment Anything Model (SAM) offer data-efficient segmentation, their effectiveness is constrained by prompting strategies, especially for geometrically complex defects. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of deep learning strategies to identify an optimal deep learning pipeline for segmenting cracks, efflorescences, and exposed rebars. It systematically evaluates three distinct end-to-end segmentation frameworks: the native output of a YOLO11 model; the Segment Anything Model (SAM), prompted by bounding boxes; and SAM, guided by a point-prompting mechanism derived from the detector’s probability map. Based on these findings, a final, optimized hybrid pipeline is proposed: for linear cracks, the native segmentation output of the SAHI-trained YOLO model is used, while for efflorescence and exposed rebar, the model’s bounding boxes are used to prompt SAM for a refined segmentation. This class-specific strategy yielded a final mean Average Precision (mAP50) of 0.593, with class-specific Intersection over Union (IoU) scores of 0.495 (cracks), 0.331 (efflorescence), and 0.205 (exposed rebar). The results establish that the future of automated inspection lies in intelligent frameworks that leverage the respective strengths of specialized detectors and powerful foundation models in a context-aware manner. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a critical global health threat across human, animal, and environmental domains, evidence from AMR economic evaluations remains limited. This study systematically reviewed available studies, emphasizing existing evidence and reported limitations in AMR-related economic evaluations. Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed empirical studies was conducted, including publications up to July 2023 without temporal restrictions, but limited to English-language articles. Literature searches were undertaken in PubMed and Cochrane using a search strategy centered on the terms “economic evaluations” and “antimicrobial resistance.” Screening and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently, with disagreements resolved through consensus or consultation with a third reviewer. Findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Of the 3682 records screened, 93 studies were included. Evidence gaps were identified across income and geographic regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the African, Southeast Asian, and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Studies were comparatively more numerous in high-income countries (HICs) and the European and Americas regions. Substantial gaps also existed in one health approach and community-based evaluations. Nine major study limitations were identified, with many interlinked. The most frequent issues included limited generalizability primarily due to inadequate sampling approaches (n = 16), and single-center studies (n = 11), alongside errors in cost estimation (n = 4), and lack of consideration for essential features or information (n = 3). Conclusions: The review highlights persistent evidence gaps and recurring methodological shortcomings in AMR economic evaluations. Addressing these limitations, particularly in LMICs, will strengthen the evidence base and better inform policy implementation to combat AMR effectively. Full article