OBJECTIVES: We propose a new melanoma segmentation model, SG-UNet, to enhance the precision of melanoma segmentation in dermascopy images to facilitate early melanoma detection. METHODS: We utilized a U-shaped convolutional neural network, UNet, and made improvements to its backbone, skip connections, and downsampling pooling sections. In the backbone, with reference to the structure of VGG, we increased the number of convolutions from 10 to 13 in the downsampling part of UNet to achieve a deepened network hierarchy that allowed capture of more refined feature representations. To further enhance feature extraction and detail recognition, we replaced the traditional convolution the backbone section with self-calibrated convolution to enhance the model's ability to capture both spatial and channel dimensional features. In the pooling part, the original pooling layer was replaced by Haar wavelet downsampling to achieve more effective multi-scale feature fusion and reduce the spatial resolution of the feature map. The global attention mechanism was then incorporated into the skip connections at each layer to enhance the understanding of contextual information of the image. RESULTS: The experimental results showed that the SG-UNet model achieved significantly improved segmentation accuracy on ISIC 2017 and ISIC 2018 datasets as compared with other current state-of-the-art segmentation models, with Dice reached 92.41% and 86.62% and IoU reaching 92.31% and 86.48% on the two datasets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The proposed model is capable of effective and accurate segmentation of melanoma from dermoscopy images.
Melanoma/diagnosis* ; Humans ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Dermoscopy/methods* ; Skin Neoplasms ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Calibration ; Algorithms

Objective To investigate a rapid detection method for compressed Nitrous oxide(N2O).Methods The GC-MS system was employed under conventional chromatographic conditions(without replacing standard columns or utilizing headspace sampling)by directly injecting a small gas sample for analysis.N2O identification was performed via NIST spectral library matching,while qualitative and quantitative purity assessments were achieved by monitoring the relative abundance variation of the characteristic fragment ion m/z 30 to eliminate CO2 interference.Results The fragment ion m/z 30 demonstrated specificity for N2O identification.A linear correlation was observed between the peak area of m/z 30 and N2O purity(y=22.741x-1.4565,R2=0.912 6),enabling quantitative purity determination.Additionally,the abundance of m/z30 exhibited a correlation with N2O in CO2 mixtures(y=0.7787x-0.0387,R2=0.722 2).Conclusion Conventional N2O identification typically requires dedicated GC-MS systems,gas-specific chromatographic columns,and headspace sampling.This study successfully utilized routine chromatographic conditions for organic toxicant screening to achieve rapid N2O analysis.The proposed method holds practical significance for compressed N2O identification in forensic and analytical applications.

Objective To explore the clinical application effects of artificial dermis in the repair of traumatic finger skin defects with bone exposure.Methods From January 2022 to January 2024,10 patients with fingertip skin defects and bone exposure,totaling 10 fingers,were treated.The defect areas ranged from 0.5 cm × 1.0 cm to 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm.After debridement,the wounds were covered with artificial dermis,and regular dressing changes were performed postoperatively.The artificial dermis was removed 3-4 weeks post-surgery.The wound healing,skin appearance,and sensory recovery of the fingertip were evaluated.Results All 10 fingertip wounds healed successfully,with a healing time of 3 to 4 weeks.Patients were followed up for more than 3 months,and the wound healing was satisfactory.The finger pads appeared full,the skin was smooth and flat with no obvious scarring,and the texture was soft.Skin sensory ability recovered well,with no pain or hypersensitivity,and the two-point discrimination ability reached 3 to 8 mum.According to the upper limb function evaluation standards set by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association,the sensory recovery of all 10 fingertips achieved an S3+level,with a good to excellent rate of 100％.Conclusion The primary repair of fingertip skin defects with bone exposure using artificial dermis resulted in no donor site damage.The surgical procedure is safe and simple,and the appearance and sensory function of the fingers have recovered well,demonstrating reliable efficacy.

Objective:To investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics of norovirus (NoV) among infectious diarrhea patients in Linyi from 2021 to 2023, and provide the scientific evidence for norovirus control and prevention.Methods:The epidemiological information and fecal samples of patients with infectious diarrhea in Linyi from 2021 to 2023 were collected and detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The RdRp and capsid gene VP1 region of norovirus-positive specimens were amplified and sequenced used to analyze their genotype, phylogeny and homology.Results:Among the 2 311specimens, 123 (5.32%) were positive of NoV, with GI/GII group infection accounted for 17.07% (21/123) and 77.24% (95/123), respectively, GI/GII group mixed infection accounted for 5.69% (7/123). The detection rate of <1 year age group was the highest (8.86%), followed by the 1-3 years group (7.11%, 30/422) and the over 60 years group (5.29%, 23/123). The highest NoV detection rate was 7.96% (45/565) in the urban area, and the most abundant genotypes were found in the northern mountainous area. Sequence analysis showed that 61 identified NoV strains could be divided into 12 genotypes, with 4 NoV GI and 8 NoV GII. The dominant genotype differed during the 3 years, with GII.4 Sydney [P16] in 2021, GII.4 Sydney [P31] in 2022, and GII.2[P16] in 2023.Conclusions:NoV GII group was the main NoV infection in Linyi from 2021-2023 and genotypes were diverse. Children under 3 years of age and elderly people over 60 years old as susceptible groups should be given special protection. In addition, the monitoring of NoV genotype diversification should be strengthened in northern mountainous areas.

Objective To explore the clinical application effects of artificial dermis in the repair of traumatic finger skin defects with bone exposure.Methods From January 2022 to January 2024,10 patients with fingertip skin defects and bone exposure,totaling 10 fingers,were treated.The defect areas ranged from 0.5 cm × 1.0 cm to 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm.After debridement,the wounds were covered with artificial dermis,and regular dressing changes were performed postoperatively.The artificial dermis was removed 3-4 weeks post-surgery.The wound healing,skin appearance,and sensory recovery of the fingertip were evaluated.Results All 10 fingertip wounds healed successfully,with a healing time of 3 to 4 weeks.Patients were followed up for more than 3 months,and the wound healing was satisfactory.The finger pads appeared full,the skin was smooth and flat with no obvious scarring,and the texture was soft.Skin sensory ability recovered well,with no pain or hypersensitivity,and the two-point discrimination ability reached 3 to 8 mum.According to the upper limb function evaluation standards set by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association,the sensory recovery of all 10 fingertips achieved an S3+level,with a good to excellent rate of 100％.Conclusion The primary repair of fingertip skin defects with bone exposure using artificial dermis resulted in no donor site damage.The surgical procedure is safe and simple,and the appearance and sensory function of the fingers have recovered well,demonstrating reliable efficacy.

Objective To investigate a rapid detection method for compressed Nitrous oxide(N2O).Methods The GC-MS system was employed under conventional chromatographic conditions(without replacing standard columns or utilizing headspace sampling)by directly injecting a small gas sample for analysis.N2O identification was performed via NIST spectral library matching,while qualitative and quantitative purity assessments were achieved by monitoring the relative abundance variation of the characteristic fragment ion m/z 30 to eliminate CO2 interference.Results The fragment ion m/z 30 demonstrated specificity for N2O identification.A linear correlation was observed between the peak area of m/z 30 and N2O purity(y=22.741x-1.4565,R2=0.912 6),enabling quantitative purity determination.Additionally,the abundance of m/z30 exhibited a correlation with N2O in CO2 mixtures(y=0.7787x-0.0387,R2=0.722 2).Conclusion Conventional N2O identification typically requires dedicated GC-MS systems,gas-specific chromatographic columns,and headspace sampling.This study successfully utilized routine chromatographic conditions for organic toxicant screening to achieve rapid N2O analysis.The proposed method holds practical significance for compressed N2O identification in forensic and analytical applications.

Objective:To investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics of norovirus (NoV) among infectious diarrhea patients in Linyi from 2021 to 2023, and provide the scientific evidence for norovirus control and prevention.Methods:The epidemiological information and fecal samples of patients with infectious diarrhea in Linyi from 2021 to 2023 were collected and detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The RdRp and capsid gene VP1 region of norovirus-positive specimens were amplified and sequenced used to analyze their genotype, phylogeny and homology.Results:Among the 2 311specimens, 123 (5.32%) were positive of NoV, with GI/GII group infection accounted for 17.07% (21/123) and 77.24% (95/123), respectively, GI/GII group mixed infection accounted for 5.69% (7/123). The detection rate of <1 year age group was the highest (8.86%), followed by the 1-3 years group (7.11%, 30/422) and the over 60 years group (5.29%, 23/123). The highest NoV detection rate was 7.96% (45/565) in the urban area, and the most abundant genotypes were found in the northern mountainous area. Sequence analysis showed that 61 identified NoV strains could be divided into 12 genotypes, with 4 NoV GI and 8 NoV GII. The dominant genotype differed during the 3 years, with GII.4 Sydney [P16] in 2021, GII.4 Sydney [P31] in 2022, and GII.2[P16] in 2023.Conclusions:NoV GII group was the main NoV infection in Linyi from 2021-2023 and genotypes were diverse. Children under 3 years of age and elderly people over 60 years old as susceptible groups should be given special protection. In addition, the monitoring of NoV genotype diversification should be strengthened in northern mountainous areas.

Proteins with specific functions and characteristics play a crucial role in biomedicine and nanotechnology. De novo protein design enables the customization of sequences to produce proteins with desired structures that do not exist in the nature. In recent years, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning-based generative models have increasingly become powerful tools, enabling the design of functional proteins with atomic-level precision. This article provides an overview of the evolution of de novo protein design, with focus on the latest algorithmic models, and then analyzes existing challenges such as low design success rates, insufficient accuracy, and dependence on experimental validation. Furthermore, this article discusses the future trends in protein design, aiming to provide insights for researchers and practitioners in this field.
Artificial Intelligence ; Proteins/chemistry* ; Algorithms ; Protein Engineering/methods* ; Deep Learning

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of influenza virus detection in an influenza outbreak in schools, so as to provide a strategic basis for the treatment of influenza outbreaks in schools. Methods: A total of 1 702 samples were collected from 52 school influenza outbreaks reported in Linyi City in 2021-2022. The samples were divided into 3 types according to different symptoms during the management of the epidemic [group A:influenzalike illness (ILI) group; group B:mild illness group; group C:close contacts group]. Rt-PCR was used to detect influenza virus nucleic acid in the collected samples. The detection rate of influenza virus in the outbreaks was analyzed by χ2 test. Results: In total, 1 071 samples (62.93%) tested positive for influenza virus nucleic acid. Among them, 610 out of 726 samples (84.02%) were detected in group A, while 331 out of 634 samples (52.21%) were detected in group B. In group C, 130 out of 342 samples (38.01%) tested positive. The differences were statistically significant (χ2=260.71, P<0.01). In group A, males had a detection rate of 80.83% for influenza virus nucleic acid, compared to 91.36% for females. For group B, the rates were 53.31% for males and 50.87% for females. In group C, males had a rate of 30.72%, while females had a rate of 43.92%. Statistical significance for gender differences was observed only in groups A and C (χ2=12.67, 6.25, P<0.05). According to the days of onset, the detection rates of influenza virus nucleic acid among patients with onset 0-6 days were 56.30%, 74.49%, 89.35%, 86.23%, 69.67%, 62.75%, 34.33%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=128.27, P<0.01). Conclusions Mild cases and close contacts are likely key factors contributing to the prolonged emergence of new cases within classrooms during school influenza outbreaks. The progression of influenza symptoms is related to the risk of transmission.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a child with Spondyloocular syndrome (SOS) in order to enhance the awareness and understanding of this disease.Methods:A 3.5-year-old boy with SOS who had presented at the Department of Medical Genetics of Hunan Children′s Hospital on August 10, 2023 due to the repeated fractures for over 2 years and after binocular cataract surgery was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of his pedigree were collected, and peripheral venous blood samples were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA and subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and analyzed with bioinformatic software. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Hunan Children′s Hospital (No. KYSQ2022-263).Results:The child had manifested repeated fractures, bilateral bowed femur, osteoporosis, cataract, atrial septal defect, and developmental delay. Ultrasonography has revealed fetal edema, peritoneal effusion, pleural effusion and polyhydramnios. Trio-whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed that he has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the XYLT2 gene, namely c. 1103_1104delAG (p.Gln368Argfs*8) and c. 1238_1253delinsA (p.Val413_Pro418delinsGlu), which were inherited from his phenotypically normal father and mother, respectively. Neither variant was reported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and recommendations from the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen), the c. 1103_1104delAG was predicted as a pathogenic variant (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PP4), whilst the c.1238_1253delinsA was predicted as a likely pathogenic variant (PM4+ PM3+ PM2_Supporting+ PP4). Conclusion:The c. 1103_1104delAG and c. 1238_1253delinsA compound heterozygous variants of the XYLT2 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in this child. Above finding has enriched the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of SOS, and provided a basis for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, prognosis assessment and genetic counseling for this pedigree.