Deep learning based retinal vessel segmentation and hypertensive retinopathy quantification using heterogeneous features cross-attention neural network

Retinal vessels play a pivotal role as biomarkers in the detection of retinal diseases, including hypertensive retinopathy. The manual identification of these retinal vessels is both resource-intensive and time-consuming. The fidelity of vessel segmentation in automated methods directly depends on the fundus images' quality. In instances of sub-optimal image quality, applying deep learning-based methodologies emerges as a more effective approach for precise segmentation. We propose a heterogeneous neural network combining the benefit of local semantic information extraction of convolutional neural network and long-range spatial features mining of transformer network structures. Such cross-attention network structure boosts the model's ability to tackle vessel structures in the retinal images. Experiments on four publicly available datasets demonstrate our model's superior performance on vessel segmentation and the big potential of hypertensive retinopathy quantification

A replicative recombinant HPV16 E7 expression virus upregulates CD36 in C33A cells

ObjectiveIn past decades, the role of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection in cancer pathogenesis has been extensively studied. The viral E7 protein expressed in pre-malignant cells has been identified as an ideal target for immunological intervention. However, the cultivation of HPV in vitro remains a significant challenge, as well as the lack of methods for expressing the HPV E7 protein and generating replication-competent recombinant viral particles, which posed a major obstacle to further exploration of the function and carcinogenic mechanisms of the E7 oncoprotein. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate novel methodologies to construct replication-competent recombinant viral particles that express the HPV E7 protein to facilitate the study of its function.MethodsWe initiated the construction of recombinant viral particles by utilizing the ccdB-Kan forward/reverse screening system in conjunction with the Red/ExoCET recombinant system. We followed the infection of C33A cells with the obtained recombinant virus to enable the continuous expression of HPV16 E7. Afterwards, the total RNA was extracted and performed transcriptome sequencing using RNA-Seq technology to identify differentially expressed genes associated with HPV-induced oncogenicity.ResultsWe successfully established replicative recombinant viral particles expressing HPV16 E7 stably and continuously. The C33A cells were infected with recombinant viral particles to achieve overexpression of the E7 protein. Subsequently, RNA-Seq analysis was conducted to assess the changes in host cell gene expression. The results revealed an upregulation of the CD36 gene, which is associated with the HPV-induced oncogenic pathways, including PI3K-Akt and p53 signaling pathway. qRT-PCR analysis further identified that the upregulation of the CD36 gene due to the expression of HPV16 E7.ConclusionThe successful expression of HPV16 E7 in cells demonstrates that the replicated recombinant virus retains the replication and infection abilities of Ad4, while also upregulating the CD36 gene involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling and p53 pathways, thereby promoting cell proliferation. The outcome of this study provides a novel perspective and serves as a solid foundation for further exploration of HPV-related carcinogenesis and the development of replicative HPV recombinant vaccines capable of inducing protective immunity against HPV

Movable and Focus-Tunable Lens Based on Electrically Controllable Liquid: A Lattice Boltzmann Study

Adjusting the focal length by changing the liquid interface of the liquid lens has become a potential method. In this paper, the lattice-Boltzmann-electrodynamic (LB-ED) method is used to numerically investigate the zooming process of a movable and focus-tunable electrowetting-on-dielectrics (EWOD) liquid lens by combining the LBM chemical potential model and the electrodynamic model. The LB method is used to solve the Navier–Stokes equation, and the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation is introduced to solve the electric field distribution. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical results of the Lippmann–Young equation. Through the simulation of a liquid lens zoom driven by EWOD, it is found that the lens changes from a convex lens to a concave lens with the voltage increases. The focal length change rate in the convex lens stage gradually increases with voltage. In the concave lens stage, the focal length change rate is opposite to that in the convex lens stage. During the zooming process, the low-viscosity liquid exhibits oscillation, and the high-viscosity liquid appears as overdamping. Additionally, methods were proposed to accelerate lens stabilization at low and high viscosities, achieving speed improvements of about 30% and 50%, respectively. Simulations of lens motion at different viscosities demonstrate that higher-viscosity liquids require higher voltages to achieve the same movement speed

Fabrication and Performance of a Glue-Pressed Engineered Honeycomb Bamboo (GPEHB) Structure with Finger-jointed Ends as a Potential Substitute for Wood Lumber

With the increasing scarcity of wood as a natural resource, bamboo has become a popular substitute for wood. The present work developed a high-strength original state multi-reorganization material (GPEHB), without the use of a hot press or traditional assembly. The original bamboo units were polygonized into outer contours and milled into finger-joints on each ending. The GPEHB was organized and assembled under an external press, using industrial adhesives. The mechanical properties and thermal insulation of GPEHB were characterized. Moreover, the overall GPEHB unit bending strength was 73.15 MPa, and the parallel-to-grain compression was 55.22 MPa (higher than that of Pinus sylvestris lumber, though less than that of glued laminated bamboo). The GPEHB unit overall density was 0.24 g/cm³, 76% lower than that of glued laminated bamboo, and 50% lower than Pinus sylvestris lumber. The compressive strength of GPEHB (7 units) was 170.5 kN, while the compressive strength of GPEHB for 14 units was 493.5 kN, which meet the requirements of GB 50005 (2003). The bending strength of GPEHB 7 units was 12 kN, while that of 14 units was 37 kN. The heat conductivity coefficient for GPEHB was 0.25 W/mK, which is better than concrete and steel. The GPEHB has taken full advantage of its honeycomb-structured material, which allows it to avoid stress concentration in the regular polygonal corners

An Empirical Swelling Pressure Kinetics Model for Bentonite and Bentonite-Based Materials Hydrated under Constant Volume Conditions

International audienc

The Influence of Sagittal Angle of Posterior Malleolus Fracture on Ankle Joint Stability: A Retrospective Study of 120 Cases

Objective Due to the different force exerted during the posterior malleolus fracture (PMF), the difference in sagittal angle (SA) between the fracture fragments may affect ankle stability. But this aspect is less well studied and the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SA and the stability of PMF. Methods The imaging data of 120 patients with PMFs from January 2014 to November 2022 were collected retrospectively and reconstructed. We first measured SA, posterior fragment area (PFA) and fragment area ratio (FAR), reanalyzing the correlation of SA with PFA and FAR, respectively. To better describe the morphological characteristics of the fracture fragments, we further measured the fragment width diameter ratio (FWR), the fragment length ratio (FLR), fragment height (FH), contact area (CA), and finally carried these data into the regression model of SA versus FAR to conduct the intermediary role. Results SA was negatively correlated with PFA(s) (r = −0.583, P < 0.001), with regression equation s = −0.063SA + 3.066; SA was negatively correlated with FAR (r = −0.204, P < 0.05), with regression equation FAR = −0.002SA + 0.198; A significant correlation was found between FWR, FLR, FH, CA and SA (P < 0.05), as well as between FWR, FLR, FH and FAR (P < 0.05); Further intermediary role analysis showed that FWR, FLR, FH had a partial intermediary role between SA and FAR. Conclusions As SA increased, PFA and FAR decreased, so the larger the SA was due to the effect of vertical shear force, reflecting higher ankle stability, meanwhile, FWR, FLR and FH should also be considered on the fixation method of fracture fragments

Quantifying proportions of different material sources to loess based on a grid search and Monte Carlo model: A case study of the Ili Valley, Central Asia

The Ili Valley is among the main distribution areas of loess deposits in Xinjiang Province, Central Asia, while the provenance of Ili loess remains under debate. In this study, samples from near-surface loess, two types of topsoil and modern riverbed sediment were analyzed for their concentrations of major and trace geochemical elements to determine the relative proportions of different provenances of loess deposits in different zones of the Ili Valley. The results obtained by the grid search technology and Monte Carlo model indicated that the proximal material is dominated in the Ili loess. Alluvial-diluvial sediments as the main local material source have significantly influenced loess in the western region of Ili Valley. Moreover, this influence gradually decreases in the eastern region and the Zhaosu Basin. The proportion of modern riverbed sediment in the eastern Ili Valley is significantly lower than that in the Zhaosu Basin and is lowest in the western Ili Valley. However, the proportion of dust and topsoil type-II with the mean value of 11.8% and 7.2%, respectively, is highest in the western Ili Valley and lowest in the Zhaosu Basin. The complex natural background of the Ili Valley can be used to interpret the quantitative results and the geochemical characteristics of Ili loess from different regions. The reliability of the proposed method can be assessed by environmental indicators such as grain size, and geomorphic-hydrological background and other published records

A Meta-Analysis of Red Yeast Rice: An Effective and Relatively Safe Alternative Approach for Dyslipidemia

<div><p>Objective</p><p>To explore whether red yeast rice is a safe and effective alternative approach for dyslipidemia.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO host, Chinese VIP Information (VIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Databases were searched for appropriate articles. Randomized trials of RYR (not including Xuezhikang and Zhibituo) and placebo as control in patients with dyslipidemia were considered. Two authors read all papers and independently extracted all relevant information. The primary outcomes were serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The secondary outcomes were increased levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, creatinine and fasting blood glucose.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 13 randomized, placebo-controlled trials containing 804 participants were analyzed. Red yeast rice exhibited significant lowering effects on serum TC [WMD = −0.97 (95% CI: −1.13, −0.80) mmol/L, P<0.001], TG [WMD = −0.23 (95% CI: −0.31, −0.14) mmol/L, P<0.001], and LDL-C [WMD = −0.87 (95% CI: −1.03, −0.71) mmol/L, P<0.001] but no significant increasing effect on HDL-C [WMD = 0.08 (95% CI: −0.02, 0.19) mmol/L, P = 0.11] compared with placebo. No serious side effects were reported in all trials.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The meta-analysis suggests that red yeast rice is an effective and relatively safe approach for dyslipidemia. However, further long-term, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are still warranted before red yeast rice could be recommended to patients with dyslipidemia, especially as an alternative to statins.</p></div

Meta-analysis of Red yeast rice on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).

<p>Meta-analysis of Red yeast rice on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).</p