Swin-Transformer-Based YOLOv5 for Small-Object Detection in Remote Sensing Images.

This study aimed to address the problems of low detection accuracy and inaccurate positioning of small-object detection in remote sensing images. An improved architecture based on the Swin Transformer and YOLOv5 is proposed. First, Complete-IOU (CIOU) was introduced to improve the K-means clustering algorithm, and then an anchor of appropriate size for the dataset was generated. Second, a modified CSPDarknet53 structure combined with Swin Transformer was proposed to retain sufficient global context information and extract more differentiated features through multi-head self-attention. Regarding the path-aggregation neck, a simple and efficient weighted bidirectional feature pyramid network was proposed for effective cross-scale feature fusion. In addition, extra prediction head and new feature fusion layers were added for small objects. Finally, Coordinate Attention (CA) was introduced to the YOLOv5 network to improve the accuracy of small-object features in remote sensing images. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed method was demonstrated by several kinds of experiments on the DOTA (Dataset for Object detection in Aerial images). The mean average precision on the DOTA dataset reached 74.7%. Compared with YOLOv5, the proposed method improved the mean average precision (mAP) by 8.9%, which can achieve a higher accuracy of small-object detection in remote sensing images.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin during peri-radiotherapy period in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

Background: This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin (Rh-endostatin) combined with radiotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Patients with unresectable stage III and IV NSCLC who treated with radiotherapy were enrolled. Patients who received Rh-endostatin infusion throughout the whole peri-radiotherapy period formed the Endostar group, and those who received no Rh-endostatin infusion were the control group. Results: The median progression-free survival was 8.0 and 4.4 months (hazard ratio: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32-0.90; p = 0.019) and median overall survival was 40.0 and 13.1 months (hazard ratio: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.28-0.98; p = 0.045) for the Endostar and control groups, respectively. The Endostar group exhibited a numerically lower rate of radiation pneumonitis relapse, radiation pneumonitis death and pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion: Rh-endostatin infusion throughout the peri-radiotherapy period enhanced radiosensitivity and showed better survival outcomes and a tendency toward fewer radiation-related pulmonary events in patients with NSCLC.

Recombinant human endostatin (Rh-endostatin/Endostar) combined with chemotherapy has been approved as first-line standard treatment in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in China. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of Rh-endostatin combined with radiotherapy in advanced NSCLC. Patients with unresectable stage III and IV NSCLC who treated with radiotherapy were enrolled. Patients who received Rh-endostatin infusion throughout the whole peri-radiotherapy period were the Endostar group, and those receiving no Rh-endostatin infusion were the control group. Results showed that the median progression-free survival was 8.0 and 4.4 months, and median overall survival was 40.0 and 13.1 months, for the Endostar and control groups, respectively. The Endostar group had a lower rate of radiation pneumonitis relapse, radiation pneumonitis death and pulmonary fibrosis. In conclusion, Rh-endostatin infusion throughout the peri-radiotherapy period enhanced radiosensitivity and showed better survival outcomes and a tendency toward fewer radiation-related pulmonary events in patients with NSCLC.

Super-resolution algorithm based on Richardson-Lucy deconvolution for three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy.

Three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) is a wide-field super-resolution technique in fluorescent imaging that can double the resolution beyond its classical limit. We introduce, to the best of our knowledge, a new 3D reconstruction algorithm based on the Richardson-Lucy deconvolution. The 3D-SIM imaging principle and the reconstruction steps are demonstrated in detail. Microspheres and biological specimen are used to present the performance of this method. The background of the out-of-focus portion is effectively suppressed, and true optical sectioning and super-resolution can be achieved simultaneously. For the custom-built 3D-SIM and this reconstruction algorithm, the measured resolution was 99.5±5 nm laterally and 294±9 nm axially.

Therapeutic effects of low-frequency phonophoresis with a Chinese herbal medicine versus sodium diclofenac for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of low-frequency phonophoresis with a Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) compared with sodium diclofenac (SD) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 100 KOA patients were assigned randomly to a placebo group, a CHM group, or SD group. Low-frequency phonophoresis was used to improve the efficiency of drug delivery. Pain at rest [using a visual analog scale (VAS)], pain on movement (VAS), and range of motion (degrees) in the three groups were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMACAI) scores. Safety assessments comprised emergency adverse events, as well as laboratory tests of blood biochemistry, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found after treatment in all outcome measures except stiffness and range of motion in patients in the CHMP group and SDP group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in all outcome measures were found between the CHMP group and SDP group. CONCLUSION: CHMP and SDP can show good therapeutic effects for KOA in terms of relieving pain and improving physical function.

[Effect of HIF-1α Gene Silence on Biological Characteristics of Human Colon Cancer Cells SW480].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in proliferation and apoptosis of human colon cancer SW480 cells after silencing hypoxia inducible factor-lα (HIF-1α) expression. METHODS: siRNA interference technology was performed to silence the expression of HIF-1α using lipofectamine mediation to transfect siRNA into human colon cancer SW480 cells. The siRNA interfered SW480 cells were compared with a negative control group, an empty vector group, and a blank control group. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expressions of HIF-lα protein and mRNA. MTT and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to evaluate the apoptosis and proliferation of SW480 cells. RESULTS: The interfered SW480 cells had a higher level of silence of HIF-lα mRNA (> 80%) compared with those of in the three control groups (P < 0.05). Higher levels of apoptosis and lower levels of proliferation were detected in the interfered cells compared with those in the control groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: HIF-lα silencing promotes apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of SW480 cells in vitro.

Notes on Aulocera pygmaea (Holik, 1949) and its related taxa (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae).

In this paper, Aulocera pygmaea (Holik, 1949) and its related taxa from W. China (S. Gansu, N. Sichuan, N.W. Yunnan, S.E. Tibet) and N. Myanmar (N. Kachin) are studied. The specific status of A. pygmaea (Holik) is confirmed based upon examining the syntype series. Aulocera atuntsensis (Gross, 1959), A. melanoleuca Sakai, Aoki & Yamaguchi, 2001 stat. nov., and A. auloceroides (H. Huang, 1999) are raised or restored to specific rank rather than treated as subspecies of A. pygmaea (Holik), as in Lang (2021). The lectotype for Satyrus sybillina pygmaea Holik, 1949 is designated. Other related taxa are also discussed.

Notes on the genus Lethe Hbner, 1819 from Nujiang valley, Yunnan, China, with description of a new subspecies (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae).

Some new information on the genus Lethe Hbner, 1819 from Nujiang (upper Salween) valley, western Yunnan is provided. Lethe laodamia Leech, 1891 is recorded from this area for the first time, which turned out to be a new subspecies and described herein, viz. L. laodamia murasameae S.-Y. Huang Lang ssp. n. Little known Lethe liae Huang, 2002 is rediscovered, and its relationship with its allied taxa is discussed. Adults and male genitalia of the aforementioned and related taxa are illustrated.

A new species related to Ypthima praenubila Leech, 1891 in Vietnam and China (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae).

We describe a new species of satyrine butterfly, Ypthima thao Monastyrskii Lang sp. nov., recently discovered in northern Vietnam and southwestern China. This species is similar to Y. praenubila, which is distributed in the same region, and we speculate on their biogeographic origins.

The Efficacy and Safety of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Combined With Thymosin in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Harboring Active Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKI combined with thymosin therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring active EGFR mutations. METHODS: Patients confirmed as advanced NSCLC with active EGFR mutations were recruited from August 2008 to July 2018 retrospectively. Patients treated with EGFR-TKI were classified as the EGFR-TKI group. And those received EGFR-TKI and thymosin therapy were designated as the EGFR-TKI plus thymosin group. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), tumor response and adverse effects. RESULTS: The median PFS was significantly longer in EGFR-TKI plus thymosin group than that in EGFR-TKI group (14.4 months vs. 9.2 months; HR=0.433, 95% CI 0.322 - 0.582, P<0.0001). The median OS was also prolonged in EGFR-TKI plus thymosin group than that in EGFR-TKI group (29.5 months vs. 19.8 months; HR=0.430, 95% CI 0.319 - 0.580, P<0.0001). The objective response rate in EGFR-TKI plus thymosin group and EGFR-TKI group were 60.0% versus 60.8% (P=0.918). The disease control rate was 96.9% in EGFR-TKI plus thymosin group and 97.7% in EGFR-TKI group (P=1.000). There were no significant differences in adverse effects between the two groups. The number of CD3+T cells in peripheral blood decreased significantly after treatment including both CD3+CD4+T and CD3+CD8+T subsets in EGFR-TKI group, but not in EGFR-TKI plus thymosin group. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of EGFR-TKI and thymosin can significantly prolong the PFS and OS compared with EGFR-TKI monotherapy without more adverse events, which offers a new strategy in clinic.

Taxonomic notes on the jalaurida-subgroup of the genus Lethe (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae).

In this paper, Lethe (Zophoessa) jalaurida (de Nicéville, 1881) and its relatives, viz. the jalaurida-subgroup (sura-group), are studied. A new species, L. giancbi Lang Das sp. nov. which was identified as L. elwesi (Moore, 1892) by Lang Bozano (2015) and Lang (2017), is described from SE Tibet, China. Lethe elwesi houjiangae Lang Bozano, 2015 and L. jalaurida gelduba Fruhstorfer, 1911 are raised to specific status, viz. L. houjiangae stat. nov. and L. gelduba stat. nov. respectively. Lethe jalaurida plistia Fruhstorfer, 1911 is considered as an unnecessary replacement name of L. jalaurida gelduba. Lethe jalaurida nuolaensis Huang, 2001 is found to be a subspecies of L. gelduba stat. nov., viz. L. gelduba nuolaensis stat. nov.

[Expression of glucose transporter 1 in human breast carcinoma and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) in human breast cancer and its relationship to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein, other tumor biomarkers and clinical pathologic factors. METHODS: Imunohistochemical staining (SP) was applied to measure the expression of Glut1 and PCNA in 20 cases of human breast fibroadenoma, 20 cases of usual hyperplasia and 80 cases of breast carcinoma. RESULTS: Glut1 was not found expressing in breast fibroadenoma and hyperplastic lesions. In contrast, the total positive rate of Glut1 in breast carcinoma was 58.8% (47/80); that in the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was 45.0% (9/20), that in the well-differentiated invasive carcinoma was 50.0% (15/30) and that in the poorly differentiated was 76.7% (23/30). The total positive rate of PCNA in breast carcinoma was 75% (60/80), that in DCIS was 65% (13/20) and that in invasive carcinoma was 78.3% (47/60). There was a positive correlation between Glut1 and PCNA level (r = 0.742, P (< 0.01). CONCLUSION: The overexpression of Glut1 play important roles in carcinogenesis and progression of breast carcinoma and closely correlate with cell proliferation of breast carcinoma, may suggest different therapeutic approaches or the need for closer follow-up, and be wished to become a new target for treatment of breast carcinoma.

A review of the article "A new genus and two new species of Lepidoptera Satyridae, Sphingidae from Yunnan China" by D.-Z. Dong et al. (2018).

A taxonomic paper describing supposedly new Lepidoptera taxa was recently published (Dong et al. 2018) in a fully electronic and purely online journal, with ISSN-Online: 2313-7177, available from http://www.ghrnet.org/index.php/jbmbr. They described a new genus and a new species of Lepidoptera Satyrinae (Nymphalidae) and a new species of Lepidoptera Sphingidae, both from Yunnan province, China.

Correlation and expression analysis of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, glucose transporter 1 and lactate dehydrogenase 5 in human gastric cancer.

The development and identification of novel potential targeting sites for intervention therapy are essential in the search for improved treatment methods for gastric cancer (GC). Previously, it has been reported that hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a potential target gene involved in the endogenous hypoxic response and bioenergetic metabolism of GC cells. In the present study, with the assumption of a close interplay among HIF-1α, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and lactate dehydrogenase-5 (LDH-5), 85 patients with GC were recruited and the protein and gene expression levels of HIF-1α, GLUT1 and LDH-5 in tumor tissues were evaluated in order to assess clinical correlations and co-expression patterns, using Immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that the protein and gene expression levels of HIF-1α were significantly associated with the depth of invasion, nodal metastasis, clinical stage, differentiation and distant metastasis. Consistent with the protein expression results, the mRNA expression levels of the genes coding for GLUT1 and LDH-5 were clearly associated with tumor size, depth of invasion, distant metastasis, clinical stage and differentiation. Correlation analysis of HIF-1α with GLUT1 and LDH-5 at the protein and mRNA expression levels in gastric carcinoma indicated that HIF-1α expression was positively correlated with the expression of GLUT1 (P<0.01, r=0.765 for mRNA expression; P<0.01, r=0.697 for protein expression) and LDH-5 (P<0.01, r=0.892 for mRNA expression; P<0.01, r=0.783 for protein expression) at the mRNA and protein levels. Therefore, it may be concluded that HIF-1α, GLUT1 and LDH-5 are potential target genes involved in the endogenous tumor response to hypoxia and the inhibition of tumor energy metabolism, highlighting a novel therapeutic target for GC.

Effects of short-term application of low-dose growth hormone on trace element metabolism and blood glucose in surgical patients.

AIM: To investigate the effects of short-term application of low-dose growth hormone on trace element metabolism and blood glucose in surgical patients. METHODS: A total of 48 consecutive patients undergoing abdominal operations were randomized to receive either subcutaneous rhGH (0.15 IU/kg) or placebo (menstruum) injections daily for 7 d after surgery. The two groups had similar nutrition intake. Blood, feces, urine and drain samples were collected to measure zincum, cuprum and ferrum as well as glucose levels. Accumulative intake, excretion and balance of zincum, cuprum and ferrum, apparent absorption (AA) and apparent utilization (AU) of zincum, cuprum and ferrum, blood glucose levels and adverse events were estimated. RESULTS: There were no differences in accumulative intake and drain excretion between the two groups. The feces excretion and accumulative excretion of cuprum were lower in the rhGH group (P < 0.05). The urinary excretion of zincum, cuprum and ferrum was all significantly decreased in the rhGH group (P < 0.05) and the accumulative balance of zincum, cuprum and ferrum was improved compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). AA of cuprum in the rhGH group was almost twice as much as the placebo group (P < 0.05), and AU of zincum, cuprum and ferrum was all improved in the rhGH group (P < 0.05). The mean blood glucose level was significantly higher in the rhGH group than in the placebo group from d 3 to d 6 after operation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative low-dose rhGH treatment improves the retention of zincum, cuprum and ferrum and decreases the excretion of zincum, cuprum and ferrum, improves the balance of zincum, cuprum and ferrum, and promotes the AA and AU of zincum, cuprum and ferrum. rhGH can be well tolerated without significant adverse effects and the blood glucose level can be well controlled.

[HIF-1alpha expression and relationship involving tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis in human breast carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of hypoxia- inducible 1 alpha (HIF-1alpha) in human breast cancer and its relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA ) protein, other tumor biomarkers and clinical pathologic factors. METHODS: The immunohistochemical staining (SP) was used to measure the expression of HIF-1alpha, VEGF and PCNA in human breast fibroadenoma, usual hyperplasia and breast carcinoma. RESULTS: HIF-1alpha was not found expressing in breast fibroadenoma and hyperplastic lesions. In contrast, the positive rate of HIF-1alpha was found in the ductal carcinoma in situ 55% (DCIS, 11/20) and the invasive breast carcinoma 85% (51/60). VEGF positivity in breast carcinoma was 81.3% (65/80). The total positive rate of PCNA in breast carcinoma was 75% (60/80), that in DCIS was 65% (13/20) and that in invasive carcinoma was 78.3% (47/66). Increased levels of HIF-1alpha were statistically significantly associated with increased expression of VEGF (r = 0.762, P <0.01) and PCNA (r = 0.693, P < 0. 01). Conclusion The upregulated expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF in breast carcinoma has a close relationship with tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, lymph node metastasis, ER status and stages of histology. This suggests that HIF-1alpha plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and progression of breast carcinoma; is wished to become a new target for radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biotherapy of tumor, which will offer the new ways to diagnosis and treatment of tumor.

Ductular proliferation in liver tissues with severe chronic hepatitis B: an immunohistochemical study.

AIM: To clarify the pathogenesis of ductular proliferation and its possible association with oval cell activation and hepatocyte regeneration. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining and image analysis of the ductular structures in the liver tissues from 11 patients with severe chronic hepatitis B and 2 healthy individuals were performed. The liver specimens were sectioned serially, and then cytokeratin 8(CK8),CK19,OV6,proliferating cell nuclear antigens(PCNA), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), alpha-fetal protein (AFP) and albumin were stained immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Typical and atypical types of ductular proliferation were observed in the portal tracts of the liver tissues in all 11 patients. The proliferating ductular cells were positive for CK8, CK19, OV6 and PCNA staining. Some atypical ductular cells displayed the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of hepatic oval cells. Some small hepatocyte-like cells were between hepatic oval cells and mature hepatocytes morphometrically and immunohistochemically. CONCLUSION: The proliferating ductules in the liver of patients with severe chronic liver disease may have different origins. Some atypical ductular cells are actually activated hepatic oval cells. Atypical ductular proliferation is related to hepatocyte regeneration and small hepatocyte-like cells may be intermediate transient cells between hepatic oval cells and mature hepatocytes.

Notes on the geographic variation of Lopinga gerdae Nordström, 1934 Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae).

Lopinga gerdae Nordström, 1934 (Satyrini) is a species geographically restricted to S. Gansu, Northwest China. It was described from four males and one female collected from "Ka-tien-kou" on 18.VII.[1930] and "Kung-tze-tagga im Tsaluk-Tal, Minshan" on 19.VII.[1930] by Dr. David Hummel (Nordström, 1934). Though exact sites could not be located, we were able to confirm that "Ka-tien-kou" and "Kung-tze-tagga" are two small places in a valley of Minshan Mts. in the southwestern part of the Jone [Choni in Nordström (1934)] County. In recent years, specimens of this species were collected from Tewo by Eckweiler (Görgner, 1990), from Xiahe by Bozano (Bozano, 1999), from Daban-shan by Floriani I., Floriani A. and Saldaitis A. (Bozano pers. comm.), and from Liupan-shan by Chinese researchers. Specimens from different localities having been compared and their distribution considered, it is found that this species varies continuously from west to east in its small range (Fig. 16), with the individuals collected around the type locality being the intermediate form. However, after dissecting the male genitalia, the result suggests that the populations from Xiahe and Liupan-shan should still be regarded as extreme forms of the same species.

Description of two new species of the Lethe manzorum-group (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) from China.

The Lethe manzorum-group is studied and two new species (L. sisii sp. nov. and L. giancbozanoi sp. nov.) closely related to L. manzorum (Poujade, 1884) from China are described and illustrated.

Description of a new species of Chonala (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) from NW Yunnan, China.

A new species, Chonala huertasae Lang & Bozano sp. nov., is described from Dulong-jiang valley, West slope of Mts. Gao-li-gong, NW Yunnan Province, SW China. A key to species and subspecies of the genus Chonala is given.