A Review on the Application of Deep Learning Methods in Detection and Identification of Rice Diseases and Pests

In rice production,the prevention and management of pests and diseases have always received special attention.Traditional methods require human experts,which is costly and time-consuming.Due to the complexity of the structure of rice diseases and pests,quickly and reliably recognizing and locating them is difficult.Recently,deep learning technology has been employed to detect and identify rice diseases and pests.This paper introduces common publicly available datasets;summarizes the applications on rice diseases and pests from the aspects of image recognition,object detection,image segmentation,attention mechanism,and few-shot learning methods according to the network structure differences;and compares the performances of existing studies.Finally,the current issues and challenges are explored fromthe perspective of data acquisition,data processing,and application,providing possible solutions and suggestions.This study aims to review various DL models and provide improved insight into DL techniques and their cutting-edge progress in the prevention and management of rice diseases and pests.

Technical Points of Green Prevention and Control Technology of Major Diseases and Pests in Lixian Rhubarb(Rheum palmatum L.)

Based on different types of diseases,pests and weeds in the whole growth period of rhubarb(sowing period-harvesting period),the corresponding green prevention and control technology is proposed,aiming to further reduce the application amount of pesticides and fertilizers in the production of medicinal sources of Lixian rhubarb during the"14 th Five-Year Plan"period.The results will provide a theoretical basis for increasing the promotion and application of agricultural prevention and control(including disease-resistant varieties,ecological regulation),physical prevention and control,biological prevention and control measures,thus ensuring effective protection of the ecological environment,green,healthy and sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine agriculture in Longnan,and source quality of authentic medicinal materials.

Major Diseases and Pests of Blueberry in Guizhou Province and Progress in Their Prevention and Control

As the blueberry industry continues to evolve,the effective control of its diseases and pests has become an essential component of local agricultural development.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the principal types of blueberry diseases and pests in Guizhou Province,along with the corresponding control measures,in order to serve as a valuable reference for blueberry growers.

Comprehensive Prevention and Control Technology of Vegetable Diseases and Pests in Shandong Province

An in-depth research and practice has been conducted on vegetable diseases and pests in Shandong Province,and the principles of comprehensive and ecological control of diseases and pests are put forward,including agricultural control measures such as crop rotation,field cleaning,fertilizer and water management,physical control measures such as catching and killing,trapping,blocking,photoelectric energy treatment,biological control measures such as the use of natural enemies,pathogenic microorganisms,other beneficial organisms and metabolites,and scientific and rational chemical control measures.Comprehensive prevention and control not only controls vegetable diseases and pests effectively,but also protects the ecological environment.

Advanced biosensing technologies for monitoring of agriculture pests and diseases:A review

The threat posed to crop production by pests and diseases is one of the key factors that could reduce global food security.Early detection is of critical importance to make accurate predictions,optimize control strategies and prevent crop losses.Recent technological advancements highlight the opportunity to revolutionize monitoring of pests and diseases.Biosensing methodologies offer potential solutions for real-time and automated monitoring,which allow advancements in early and accurate detection and thus support sustainable crop protection.Herein,advanced biosensing technologies for pests and diseases monitoring,including image-based technologies,electronic noses,and wearable sensing methods are presented.Besides,challenges and future perspectives for widespread adoption of these technologies are discussed.Moreover,we believe it is necessary to integrate technologies through interdisciplinary cooperation for further exploration,which may provide unlimited possibilities for innovations and applications of agriculture monitoring.

Differentiation of Wheat Diseases and Pests Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology with a Few Specific Bands

Hyperspectral imaging technique is known as a promising non-destructive way for detecting plants diseases and pests.In most previous studies,the utilization of the whole spectrum or a large number of bands as well as the complexity of model structure severely hampers the application of the technique in practice.If a detection system can be established with a few bands and a relatively simple logic,it would be of great significance for application.This study established a method for identifying and discriminating three commonly occurring diseases and pests of wheat,i.e.,powdery mildew,yellow rust and aphid with a few specific bands.Through a comprehensive spectral analysis,only three bands at 570,680 and 750 nm were selected.A novel vegetation index namely Ratio Triangular Vegetation Index(RTVI)was developed for detecting anomalous areas on leaves.Then,the Support Vector Machine(SVM)method was applied to construct the discrimination model based on the spectral ratio analysis.The validating results suggested that the proposed method with only three spectral bands achieved a promising accuracy with the Overall Accuracy(OA)of 83%.With three bands from the hyperspectral imaging data,the three wheat diseases and pests were successfully detected and discriminated.A stepwise strategy including background removal,damage lesions recognition and stresses discrimination was proposed.The present work can provide a basis for the design of low cost and smart instruments for disease and pest detection.

Main Pests and Diseases of Zingiberaceae and Their Control

The primary diseases affecting Zingiberaceae plants include ginger plague, spot blotch, anthracnose, leaf spot, leaf blight, and soft rot. Insect pests that pose a threat to these plants encompass root-knot nematode disease, drilling bugs, beet nightshade moths, mesquite, thrips, and aphids. This article aims to summarize the defining features of the principal pests and diseases as well as their control methods. The intention is to offer theoretical support for the preservation of ginger plants.

Effects of Diseases and Pests on Quality, Industry and International Trade of Tea

Starting from the effects of diseases and pests on tea quality,tea industry and export trade,the status quo and control of tea diseases and pests,assurance and traceability of tea quality safety,tea industry and export trade development are analyzed in detail,and green prevention and control measures against tea diseases and pests are put forward combined with the status quo of tea in China.

Species and Control Techniques of Main Diseases and Insect Pests of Camellia oleifera in Anhui Province

[Objectives]The paper was to master the species,incidence regularity and control techniques of main diseases and insect pests of Camellia oleifera in Anhui Province.[Methods]The species of main diseases and insect pests of C.oleifera in major C.oleifera afforestation bases and seedling bases in Anhui Province were investigated through field survey and literature search.Afterwards,the symptom characteristics,occurrence regularity and harms of diseases and insect pests were analyzed,and scientific and reasonable control techniques were put forward.[Results]The main diseases of C.oleifera in Anhui Province were soft rot disease,blister blight,anthracnose,sooty blotch,etc.,and the main insect pests were Euproctis pseudoconspersa,Biston marginata,Hypomeces squamosus,Curculio chinensts,Chrenoma atritarsis,etc.The control techniques mainly included ecological regulation,physical prevention and control,chemical prevention and control,and biological prevention and control.[Conclusions]The results will promote the high-quality development of C.oleifera industry in Anhui Province,and contribute to the improvement of China s edible vegetable oil supply and national grain and oil security.

The role of exosomes in adult neurogenesis:implications for neurodegenerative diseases

Exosomes are cup-shaped extracellular vesicles with a lipid bilayer that is approximately 30 to 200 nm in thickness.Exosomes are widely distributed in a range of body fluids,including urine,blood,milk,and saliva.Exosomes exert biological function by transporting factors between different cells and by regulating biological pathways in recipient cells.As an important form of intercellular communication,exosomes are increasingly being investigated due to their ability to transfer bioactive molecules such as lipids,proteins,mRNAs,and microRNAs between cells,and because they can regulate physiological and pathological processes in the central nervous system.Adult neurogenesis is a multistage process by which new neurons are generated and migrate to be integrated into existing neuronal circuits.In the adult brain,neurogenesis is mainly localized in two specialized niches:the subventricular zone adjacent to the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus.An increasing body of evidence indicates that adult neurogenesis is tightly controlled by environmental conditions with the niches.In recent studies,exosomes released from different sources of cells were shown to play an active role in regulating neurogenesis both in vitro and in vivo,thereby participating in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders in patients and in various disease models.Here,we provide a state-of-the-art synopsis of existing research that aimed to identify the diverse components of exosome cargoes and elucidate the therapeutic potential of exosomal contents in the regulation of neurogenesis in several neurodegenerative diseases.We emphasize that exosomal cargoes could serve as a potential biomarker to monitor functional neurogenesis in adults.In addition,exosomes can also be considered as a novel therapeutic approach to treat various neurodegenerative disorders by improving endogenous neurogenesis to mitigate neuronal loss in the central nervous system.

Antisense therapy:a potential breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system.Currently,there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases and this means a heavy burden for patients and the health system worldwide.Therefore,it is necessary to find new therapeutic approaches,and antisense therapies offer this possibility,having the great advantage of not modifying cellular genome and potentially being safer.Many preclinical and clinical studies aim to test the safety and effectiveness of antisense therapies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.The objective of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the development of these new technologies to treat the most common neurodegenerative diseases,with a focus on those antisense therapies that have already received the approval of the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.

The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China

Infectious diseases are the common enemies of mankind.In the course of historical development,they persistently threaten human health and safety.Even today,despite the developments in medical science,we cannot escape the fear and suffering caused by infectious diseases.Whether in ancient or modern times,the source of infection,route of transmission,and a susceptible population are the three key conditions for the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases.All factors closely related to these three conditions can affect the prevalence of infectious diseases.China is one of the cradles of world civilization.The ancient people accumulated a great deal of experience and lessons in the long struggle against infectious diseases.In the face of the current threat posed by widespread infectious disease,it is imperative to review and summarize ancient Chinese ideas and health policies on epidemic prevention and control to inspire contemporary efforts in the prevention and control of infectious disease.The combination of prevention-oriented epidemic prevention ideology and traditional medicine provides valuable insights,especially for impoverished and medically underserved regions.

Correlation between the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases:a review of metagenomics evidence

A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.As a contributing factor,microbiota dysbiosis always occurs in pathological changes of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.High-throughput sequencing technology has helped to reveal that the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system is facilitated by the microbiota’s diverse microorganisms,and for both neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems.Here,we summarize the bioinformatics analysis and wet-biology validation for the gut metagenomics in neurodegenerative diseases,with an emphasis on multi-omics studies and the gut virome.The pathogen-associated signaling biomarkers for identifying brain disorders and potential therapeutic targets are also elucidated.Finally,we discuss the role of diet,prebiotics,probiotics,postbiotics and exercise interventions in remodeling the microbiome and reducing the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Genome-edited rabbits:Unleashing the potential of a promising experimental animal model across diverse diseases

Animal models are extensively used in all aspects of biomedical research,with substantial contributions to our understanding of diseases,the development of pharmaceuticals,and the exploration of gene functions.The field of genome modification in rabbits has progressed slowly.However,recent advancements,particularly in CRISPR/Cas9-related technologies,have catalyzed the successful development of various genome-edited rabbit models to mimic diverse diseases,including cardiovascular disorders,immunodeficiencies,agingrelated ailments,neurological diseases,and ophthalmic pathologies.These models hold great promise in advancing biomedical research due to their closer physiological and biochemical resemblance to humans compared to mice.This review aims to summarize the novel gene-editing approaches currently available for rabbits and present the applications and prospects of such models in biomedicine,underscoring their impact and future potential in translational medicine.

Efficiency of Botanical and Chemical Pesticides on the Control of Field Insect Pests under Cowpea Production

The pulse cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] holds a significant agricultural position in Uganda, ranking fourth among legume crops, following common beans, groundnuts, and soybeans. Known for its versatility, cowpeas are consumable at various developmental stages, from early seedling to maturity. However, the crop faces persistent pest challenges at each stage, leading to substantial yield losses. In Uganda, chemical insecticides are the primary pest control means, but their increased and excessive use raises environmental, health, and economic concerns. This has prompted a quest for alternative and sustainable solutions, prompting an exploration of botanical insecticides. This study, conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK), aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three selected botanical insecticides versus four established chemical insecticides for managing cowpea insect pests under field conditions. The treatments included: Carbofuran, Cypermethrin 10% EC, Dimethoate, Pestwin, Pyrethrum ewc , Pyrethrum 5ew, Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC mix, and Untreated, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The significant pests studied were aphids, thrips, pod-sucking bugs, and legume pod borer. Results indicated substantial impacts of the treatments on pest infestation, with Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC being the most effective against most pests. The plant parameter, plant height, was significantly affected by treatments in 2016B, while the number of pods was impacted in 2017A. Pestwin, a botanical insecticide blend (containing Azadirachtin indica, Pongamia pinnata, and Ricinus communis extracts) demonstrated superior efficacy against cowpea aphids. Moreover, it positively influenced plant height, number of pods, and pod biomass, surpassing many chemical insecticides. Pestwin’s environmental friendliness positions it as a potential contributor to reducing environmental pollution, making it a promising candidate for inclusion in IPM programs. Overall, the study underscores the importance of exploring botanical alternatives to chemical insecticides for sustainable pest management in cowpea cultivation.

Role of CD36 in central nervous system diseases

CD36 is a highly glycosylated integral membrane protein that belongs to the scavenger receptor class B family and regulates the pathological progress of metabolic diseases.CD36 was recently found to be widely expressed in various cell types in the nervous system,including endothelial cells,pericytes,astrocytes,and microglia.CD36 mediates a number of regulatory processes,such as endothelial dysfunction,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction,and inflammatory responses,which are involved in many central nervous system diseases,such as stroke,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and spinal cord injury.CD36 antagonists can suppress CD36 expression or prevent CD36 binding to its ligand,thereby achieving inhibition of CD36-mediated pathways or functions.Here,we reviewed the mechanisms of action of CD36 antagonists,such as Salvianolic acid B,tanshinone IIA,curcumin,sulfosuccinimidyl oleate,antioxidants,and small-molecule compounds.Moreover,we predicted the structures of binding sites between CD36 and antagonists.These sites can provide targets for more efficient and safer CD36 antagonists for the treatment of central nervous system diseases.

Toward understanding the role of genomic repeat elements in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases cause great medical and economic burdens for both patients and society;however, the complex molecular mechanisms thereof are not yet well understood. With the development of high-coverage sequencing technology, researchers have started to notice that genomic repeat regions, previously neglected in search of disease culprits, are active contributors to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe the association between repeat element variants and multiple degenerative diseases through genome-wide association studies and targeted sequencing. We discuss the identification of disease-relevant repeat element variants, further powered by the advancement of long-read sequencing technologies and their related tools, and summarize recent findings in the molecular mechanisms of repeat element variants in brain degeneration, such as those causing transcriptional silencing or RNA-mediated gain of toxic function. Furthermore, we describe how in silico predictions using innovative computational models, such as deep learning language models, could enhance and accelerate our understanding of the functional impact of repeat element variants. Finally, we discuss future directions to advance current findings for a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the clinical applications of genomic repeat elements.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone:a potential neuroprotective compound for neurodegenerative diseases targeting metabolism

Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a quinone described as a cofactor for many bacterial dehydrogenases and is reported to exert an effect on metabolism in mammalian cells/tissues.Pyrroloquinoline quinone is present in the diet being available in foodstuffs,conferring the potential of this compound to be supplemented by dietary administration.Pyrroloquinoline quinone’s nutritional role in mammalian health is supported by the extensive deficits in reproduction,growth,and immunity resulting from the dietary absence of pyrroloquinoline quinone,and as such,pyrroloquinoline quinone has been considered as a“new vitamin.”Although the classification of pyrroloquinoline quinone as a vitamin needs to be properly established,the wide range of benefits for health provided has been reported in many studies.In this respect,pyrroloquinoline quinone seems to be particularly involved in regulating cell signaling pathways that promote metabolic and mitochondrial processes in many experimental contexts,thus dictating the rationale to consider pyrroloquinoline quinone as a vital compound for mammalian life.Through the regulation of different metabolic mechanisms,pyrroloquinoline quinone may improve clinical deficits where dysfunctional metabolism and mitochondrial activity contribute to induce cell damage and death.Pyrroloquinoline quinone has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective properties in different experimental models of neurodegeneration,although the link between pyrroloquinoline quinone-promoted metabolism and improved neuronal viability in some of such contexts is still to be fully elucidated.Here,we review the general properties of pyrroloquinoline quinone and its capacity to modulate metabolic and mitochondrial mechanisms in physiological contexts.In addition,we analyze the neuroprotective properties of pyrroloquinoline quinone in different neurodegenerative conditions and consider future perspectives for pyrroloquinoline quinone’s potential in health and disease.

The Importance of Setting Treatment Goals for Cardiovascular Diseases

Background: Guidelines are issued by most major organizations that focus on a specific disease entity. Guidelines should be a significant help to the practicing physician who may not be up-to-date with the recent medical literature. Unfortunately, when conflicting guidelines for a specific disease are published, confusion results. Purpose: This article provides a suggested guideline outcome measure that would benefit the physician and patient. Methods: A review of 19 different guidelines for cardiovascular disease treatment is one example of the lack of specific outcomes that currently exist. The basic problem with most guidelines is that they do not state the expected end result (i.e., the benefit to the patient) if that guideline is followed. When guidelines use cardiovascular disease risk factors to dictate therapy, the end benefit is never stated so that the patient can make an appropriate choice of which (if any) guideline to follow. Results: A good example is guidelines published by the American Heart Association for reducing cardiovascular disease. These guidelines are risk factor based and only indicate that cardiovascular disease would be reduced if followed. No specific percentage in the reduction of the incidence of disease is given. In contrast, when elimination of the disease is the stated goal of the guideline, the end result is clear. To date, this goal has been stated by only one organization devoted to eliminating cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Guidelines need to be written to provide the physician and the patient with a specific end point that is expected when the guideline is followed. Patient acceptance and compliance will be much improved if the patient knows the risk/benefit of following the guideline’s recommendations.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of an Aloe barbadensis Based Biological Insecticide against Pests of Abelmochus esculentus for Promoting Ecological Agriculture (Far-North, Cameroon)

Chemical insecticides have been considered as a means to combat crop pests. Although their effectiveness is evident, their impact on the environment is increasingly being discussed. The aim of this study is to determine the agro-ecological potential of a biological insecticide (C25H32O12) based on Aloe barbadensis in a Sahelian context. For this purpose, a completely randomized block experimental design with 3 replications and 4 treatments was set up to experiment with Aloe barbadensis as a bioinsecticide against pests of Abelmoschus esculentus. However, data were collected using an observation and parameter monitoring grid. This includes the cultivation of Abelmoschus esculentus, soil preparation, seeding and watering, plot labeling, preparation of the bioinsecticide (selection and preparation of raw materials, grinding of Aloe barbadensis miller and extraction of the crude bioinsecticide, quantification of treatment doses and dilution, and obtaining the formulated bioinsecticide), plant watering, plant treatment, and finally parameter monitoring. The results obtained reveal that the level of damage is significantly high in the control treatment T0 (63%) compared to the other treatments, with 29% for treatment T1, 7% for T2, and 1% for T3, implying a strong action capability of this insecticide against pests of Abelmoschus esculentus. Therefore, it can be concluded that for a normal growing season of Abelmoschus esculentus, this biological insecticide should be sprayed 12 times. Furthermore, this biological insecticide is unique in that it does not inflict any gastric toxicity on the pests, which gives it the characteristic of being a repellent. It is a biological insecticide whose efficacy period has been tested, with a minimum duration of 21 days. In conclusion, this formulated bioinsecticide based on Aloe barbadensis demonstrates significant efficacy against pests of Abelmoschus esculentus. In the future, we will consider experimenting with its effectiveness against pests of other plants.