bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Underwater noise characteristics of offshore exploratory drilling and its impact on marine mammals
Authors: Huang Long-Fei , Xu Xiao-Mei , Yang Liang-Liang , Huang Shen-Qin , Zhang Xin-Hai , Zhou Yang-Liang 
Published: February 2023

Geotechnical survey is an important prerequisite to the construction of offshore wind farms. However, the impact of underwater survey noises has not yet been studied in details. In this paper, we studied transmission of underwater noises from offshore exploratory drilling (OED) at the Xiamen port. The noises were categorized into three types: hammering noises (hammering down of casings, which were 180-mm diameter steel pipes), vibrating noises (vibration of casings that had been hammered down), and drilling noises (generated during the borehole drilling process). We considered the variation in intensity of these three noise types, and set up two fixed and one movable stations to measure and analyze the source and propagation characteristics of these noises. The results indicate that hammering noise is an impulsive sound with a dominant frequency below 10 kHz, and source levels (SLs) of 197.1 dB re 1μPa @ 1 m (rms over 95% energy duration. 1–64,000 Hz) and 212.9 dB re 1μPa @ 1 m (peak). Vibrating and drilling noises are non-impulsive sounds with the fundamental frequencies of 41 Hz and 45 Hz, and SLs of 158.9 dB re 1μPa rms @ 1 m and 155.9 dB re 1μPa rms @ 1 m, respectively. The impact assessment of OED noises on five groups of marine mammals with different audible frequency ranges (Low (LF), High (HF), and Very High (VHF) frequency cetaceans, sirenians (SI), and phocid pinnipeds (PW)) demonstrates that hammering noise can induce a high risk of hearing damage to their hearing, at as far as 300 meters for VHF group, while drilling noise can only induce hearing damage at about 40 meters. Marine mammals are susceptible to behavior alteration, with a detectable distance of 1.9 km from the source, and it is recommended to set a warning zone with a radius of 1.9 km during OED construction.
Chidamide as maintenance after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 27 children with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia: A real-world prospective study
Authors: Li Xin-Yu , Han Xia-Wei , Huang Ke , Zhang Ya-Ting , Xu Hong-Gui , Zhou Dun-Hua , Xu Lu-Hong , Fang Jian-Pei 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe long-term overall survival of children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is limited to approximately 80–85% because of a high incidence of relapse after achieving remission with intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Novel treatment strategies inducing long-term remission are needed to improve the outcome. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been reported to be effective in a series of T-ALL cases. Preclinical studies suggested that T-ALL cells are sensitive to Chidamide, which is a selective HDACi.MethodsThis preliminary clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Chidamide in combination with chemotherapy or post-HSCT for children with T-ALL at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg weight of patient twice per week for at least 6 months.ResultsIn total, 27 children with a mean age of 7.88 years were included. The high-risk proportion was 66.7%. After a median follow-up period of 37.8 months (9.5–67.9 months), the overall survival and event-free survival in the patients treated with Chidamide were 94.1 and 95.2%, respectively. All patients except two maintained persistent remission with &lt;0.01% blast cells in minimal residual disease.ConclusionThe combination therapy with Chidamide in a case series of T-ALL shows the promising clinical efficacy and good safety in children.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2000030357.
Histopathological evaluation of Onchocerca volvulus nodules by microscopy and by digital image analysis for the study of macrofilaricidal drug efficacy
Authors: Fischer Kerstin , Dubben Bettina , Debrah Linda B. , Kuehlwein Janina M. , Ricchiuto Arcangelo , Debrah Alexander Y. , Hoerauf Achim , Weil Gary J. , Fischer Peter U. , Klarmann-Schulz Ute 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundNovel drugs or drug combinations that kill or permanently sterilize adult Onchocerca volvulus worms would be very helpful for treatment and elimination of onchocerciasis. In absence of a reliable biomarker for viable adult worms, histopathological assessment of worms within onchocercal nodules is a standard method to determine macrofilaricidal activity. The goal of the present study was to determine the agreement between two independent experts in the analysis of nodule sections and to assess the value of digital imaging as a means of standardizing the analysis.Material and methodsTwo expert microscopists independently assessed 605 nodules by direct microscopy. At least two sections with two different stains hematoxylin &amp; eosin (H&amp;E, APR immunostain) of paraffin-embedded, ethanol-fixed whole-nodule cross-sections were analyzed. After variables were identified prone to observer discrepancies, we performed a second study to compare consolidated results for 100 nodules obtained by the two readers by microscopy and by analysis of scanned, high resolution digital images (20x magnification). The last data set analyzed was a quality panel of 100 nodules that has been previously examined by microscopy, and included additional immunostains for Wolbachia endobacteria. These slides were digitalized, read by the two assessors and results were compared with original microscopy results.ResultsThe degree of agreement between assessors varied for different parameters. Agreement for female worm counts in nodules was approximately 80%, while agreement regarding female worm viability was 98%. There were no major differences observed between results obtained by microscopy or digital images. Good agreement for important parameters was also observed for the nodules of the quality panel.ConclusionNodule analysis by experienced microscopists was reproducible with regard to important parameters such as identification of living female worms or detection of normal embryogenesis. Assessments varied more for other parameters, and we recommend continued use of two independent readers for detailed analyzes. Analysis of scanned images provided similar results to direct microscopy. This facilitates training and comparison of nodule findings by readers in different locations. Analysis of high quality digital images that can be viewed remotely should improve the quality and availability of nodule assessments that are primary endpoints for onchocerciasis clinical trials.
Imaging of glutamate in acute carbon monoxide poisoning using chemical exchange saturation transfer
Authors: Zheng Hongyi , Zheng Wenbin , Liu Hongkun , Zhang Gengbiao , Li Weijia , Zhuang Jiayan , Guo Yuelin 
Published: February 2023

AimsThis study adopted the Glutamate Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (GluCEST) imaging technique to quantitatively analyze cranial glutamate and discussed the effectiveness of GluCEST values in identifying the pathogenesis of encephalopathy after CO poisoning.MethodsThe routine MRI and functional MRI scans of two cohorts of subjects (CO group, n = 29; Control group, n = 21) were performed. Between-group comparisons were conducted for GluCEST% in regions of interest (ROI), including the basal ganglia, the thalamus, the frontal lobe, the occipital lobe, the genu of corpus callosum, the cingulate gyrus, and the cuneus. Moreover, an age-stratified subgroup analysis was devised, and a correlational analysis was performed for GluCEST% in each ROI, including the time in coma, Simple Mini-Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) score, Hamilton Anxiety Scale score, and blood COHb%.ResultsAs compared to the healthy control, the CO group led to significantly increasing GluCEST% in the basal ganglia, the occipital lobe, the genu of the corpus callosum, the cingulate gyrus, and the cuneus (p &lt; 0.05). In the subgroup analysis for age, adult patients had higher GluCEST% in the basal ganglia, the thalamus, the occipital lobe, the cingulate gyrus, and the cuneus compared to healthy adults (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, the correlational analysis of CO-poisoned patients revealed a statistical association between the GluCEST% and the MMSE in the thalamus and the genu of the corpus callosum.ConclusionThe GluCEST technique is superior to routine MRI in that it can identify the cerebral biochemical changes sooner after acute CO poisoning, which is significant for our understanding of the role of neurotransmitters in the pathological basis of this disease. Brain injury caused by CO poisoning may be different in adults and children.
Investigating the attentional focus to workplace-related soundscapes in a complex audio-visual-motor task using EEG
Authors: Rosenkranz Marc , Cetin Timur , Uslar Verena N. , Bleichner Martin G. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionIn demanding work situations (e.g., during a surgery), the processing of complex soundscapes varies over time and can be a burden for medical personnel. Here we study, using mobile electroencephalography (EEG), how humans process workplace-related soundscapes while performing a complex audio-visual-motor task (3D Tetris). Specifically, we wanted to know how the attentional focus changes the processing of the soundscape as a whole.MethodParticipants played a game of 3D Tetris in which they had to use both hands to control falling blocks. At the same time, participants listened to a complex soundscape, similar to what is found in an operating room (i.e., the sound of machinery, people talking in the background, alarm sounds, and instructions). In this within-subject design, participants had to react to instructions (e.g., “place the next block in the upper left corner”) and to sounds depending on the experimental condition, either to a specific alarm sound originating from a fixed location or to a beep sound that originated from varying locations. Attention to the alarm reflected a narrow attentional focus, as it was easy to detect and most of the soundscape could be ignored. Attention to the beep reflected a wide attentional focus, as it required the participants to monitor multiple different sound streams.Results and discussionResults show the robustness of the N1 and P3 event related potential response during this dynamic task with a complex auditory soundscape. Furthermore, we used temporal response functions to study auditory processing to the whole soundscape. This work is a step toward studying workplace-related sound processing in the operating room using mobile EEG.
Allium sativum: A potential natural compound for NAFLD prevention and treatment
Authors: Mardi Parham , Kargar Reza , Fazeli Ramina , Qorbani Mostafa 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results from an excessive accumulation of fat particles that causes liver inflammation, which ultimately causes liver damage. There is still considerable uncertainty about the effects of any nutritional supplements compared to no additional intervention. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Allium sativum (A. sativum), known as garlic, in preventing and treating NAFLD.MethodsA systematic search based on a search strategy consisting of two components of “NAFLD” and “Allium sativum” in databases including PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and SCOPUS was conducted on papers evaluating the effects of A. sativum on NAFLD treatment and prevention. We obtained studies from inception until 20 September 2022, followed by study selection and data extraction based on our eligibility criteria. Consequently, qualitative and quantitative synthesis was conducted.ResultsOur qualitative analysis reveals that A. sativum consumption is linked to the prevention of NAFLD, especially in males, although qualitative data in this study regarding the therapeutic properties of NAFLD was controversial. Our meta-analysis showed that NAFLD patients treated with A. sativum have significantly declined aminotransferase levels. That is to say, our meta-analysis revealed a lower alanine transaminase (ALT) (SMD = −0.580, 95%CI = −0.822 to −0.338), and aspartate transaminase (AST(SMD = −0.526, 95%CI = −0.767 to −0.284) in NAFLD patients treated with A. sativum compared to the placebo group. Also, pooling data from case-control studies showed that A. sativum consumption decreases the odds of being diagnosed with NAFLD by 46% (OR = 0.538, 95%CI = 0.451–0.625).ConclusionA. sativum consumption is not merely associated with NAFLD prevention but also results in a considerable decline in blood aminotransferase levels in patients diagnosed with NAFLD. To put it simply, A. sativum is linked to a decline in AST and ALT, which are considered reliable biomarkers of NAFLD response to treatment. Nevertheless, A. sativum is insufficient to improve NAFLD independent of other dietary amendments and lifestyle modifications.
Effects of selenium supplementation on concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-parallel controlled phase II clinical trial
Authors: Yang Mei , Pei Bo , Hu Qiancheng , Li Xiaoying , Fang Xiping , Huang Xue , Yang Zunjing , Chen Jiaquan , He Du , Sun Guogen , Lv Peng , Wang Li , Zhang Zixiong , Lai Lin , Huang Chuying 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveSelenium (Se) is an essential trace element and may affect cervical cancer occurrence and progression. The association between selenium supplementation and acute toxic reactions and clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the safety profile of add-on Se yeast and assess the potential of Se to ameliorate the hematologic toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer.MethodsPatients with Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB cervical cancer who met all inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received Se yeast tablets (100 μg Se, twice daily), while the control group received placebos (twice daily) for 5 weeks in total. All patients in both groups received standard treatment, including pelvic external irradiation, concurrent five cycles of chemotherapy, and brachytherapy. Measures included the incidence of myelosuppression, impairment of liver and kidney function, objective response rate (ORR), and blood Se concentrations before, during and after the treatment of the two groups.ResultsA total of 104 eligible patients were enrolled in the experimental group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 54). The ORR in the experimental group and control group were 96 and 94%, respectively (p = 0.47). The baseline levels of blood Se before treatment in the experimental and control groups were similar (58.34 ± 17.63 μg/L and 60.21 ± 18.42 μg/L, p = 0.60), but the concentrations became significantly different after course completion between the two groups (76.16 ± 24.47 μg/L and 57.48 ± 14.92 μg/L, respectively, p &lt; 0.01). Se dramatically decreased the incidence of grade 3 myelosuppression (48% vs. 63%, p = 0.034) compared to the control group. In the subgroup of patients with moderately well-differentiated cervical cancer, the incidence of thrombocytopenia induced by concurrent chemoradiotherapy was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (53.8% vs. 78.9%, p &lt; 0.01). However, no difference was observed in liver and kidney injuries between the two groups.ConclusionSupplementation with Se effectively increased blood Se levels in Se-inadequate cervical cancer patients. As an add-on to standard treatment, Se-yeast significantly decreased the hematologic toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies heparan sulfate proteoglycans acting as different progress subtypes of biliary atresia
Authors: Ding Zequan , Song Wenyu , Zhu Wei , Xie Hua , Zhu Zhongxian , Tang Weibing 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundBiliary atresia (BA) is a life-threatening disorder, which is characterized by the obliteration of biliary tracts. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are important regulators in liver diseases. Whether HSPGs participate in the development of BA is poorly understood.MethodsRNA-seq dataset GSE122340, including 171 BA and 7 normal liver tissue, was integrated for bioinformatic analysis. R function “wilcox.test” was used to compare HSPGs expression levels, and “cor.test” was used to evaluate the correlation analysis. MCPcounter was used to assess the abundance of immunocytes. Molecular subtypes of BA were clustered via NMF clustering and LASSO regression was applied to screen hub HSPGs genes in BA clusters. RT-PCR analysis was used to assess the expression of hub HSPGs in BA liver. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence assay were used to evaluated the location and expression of hub HSPGs in BA liver tissue.ResultsMajority of HSPGs was up-regulated in BA and correlated with liver fibrosis and ductular reaction markers. The abundance of immunocytes was higher in BA and associated with HSPGs. Based on the expression of HSPGs, BA patients were classified into 3 subtypes (C1, C2, and C3). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed C1 subtype had severe liver injury with SDC4 identified as the hub gene, while C3 subtype presented relatively normal liver condition with GPC3 identified as the hub gene. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the expression levels of 2 hub genes in BA liver tissue with different jaundice clearance standards. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence assay showed that SDC4 was mostly expressed in ductular reaction area, while GPC3 was mostly expressed in hepatocytes.ConclusionMajority of HSPGs are aberrant expressed in BA. The subtype hub gene SDC4 and GPC3 might be used as a potential indicator for different types of prognosis.
Characteristics and treatment of congenital perineal groove in male patients
Authors: Wang Kai , Pang Wenbo , Chen Wei , Zhang Dan , Wu Dongyang , Chen Yajun 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundCongenital perineal groove (CPG) of male patients has rarely been reported before. The purpose of this study was to review our cases and describe their characteristics and treatment.MethodsFour male patients diagnosed with CPG were included in this study. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Type of CPG and anal position index (API) of the patients were recorded. Follow-up was through outpatient visits.ResultsTheir age ranged from 4 years and 2 months to 10 years and 9 months. Among the four patients, two complained of intermittent CPG mucosal hemorrhage and the other two had mucous secreting and soiling. The API was 0.24, 0.35, 0.36, and 0.40 for each patient, respectively, all represented anterior displacement. Type of CPG for the four patients were all partial, and the sulcus was from the posterior perineum to the edge of anus. Two patients were associated with hydrocele, imperforated anus, and rectoperineal fistula; one patient had left varicocele; the remaining patient had sacrum split. All the patients had no postoperative complication, and during the follow-up period of 5–8 months, no symptoms recurred in the four patients; they all had normal defecation.ConclusionsBoth genders share the common three characteristics. In addition, shortened perineum with anterior anus, association of perineal malformations, and partial type occurrence are the extra morphological features in male patients. Furthermore, CPG in males are rarely accompanied by urinary tract infection. Favorable prognosis could be reached after operation.
Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of a cytoplasmic male sterility line and associated maintainer line in soybean
Authors: Wang Dagang , Wang Yanan , Zhang Lei , Yang Yong , Wu Qian , Hu Guoyu , Wang Weihu , Li Jiekun , Huang Zhiping 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionHeterosis is a critical phenomenon in crop improvement. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and Restorer gene (Rf) systems are essential components for heterosis-based breeding. However, the molecular mechanism underlying CMS remains largely unclear in soybean.MethodsWe integrated a morphological investigation with comparative analyses of transcriptomic and proteomic changes in pollen from the CMS line W931A and its maintainer line, W931B, at the uninucleate microspore (UM) and binucleate pollen (BP) stages.ResultsCompared to W931B, which had healthy, oval pollen grains, W931A showed shrunken or degraded pollen grains with an irregularly thickened endothelium and decreased starch accumulation. Transcriptomic comparisons revealed a total of 865 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in W931A over the two stages. These genes were primarily associated with pentose and glucuronate interconversions, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. Proteomic analysis revealed 343 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which were mainly involved in carbon metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and nitrogen metabolism. Consistently, Gene Ontology (GO) biological process terms related to pollen development were enriched among DEGs at the UM and BP stages. Notably, four genes with demonstrated roles in pollen development were differentially expressed, including AGAMOUS-LIKE 104, PROTEIN-TYROSINE-PHOSPHATASE 1, and PHOSPHOLIPASE A2. A total of 53 genes and the corresponding proteins were differentially expressed in W931A at both the UM and BP stages, and many of these were pectinesterases, polygalacturonases, peroxidases, and ATPases.DiscussionThe results of this study suggest that pollen development in W931A is likely regulated through suppression of the identified DEGs and DEPs. These findings increase our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying CMS in soybean, aiding future research into soybean fertility and promoting the efficient use of heterosis for soybean improvement.