Background Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent occupational health problem in workplace settings, with non-steady noise exposure being particularly widespread. Although kurtosis-adjusted equivalent sound level (\begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document}) methods based on linear regression are available to assess hearing damage, the complexity of kurtosis effects necessitates introducing new metrics through nonlinear regression to improve predictive accuracy for hearing loss from non-steady noise exposure. Objective To examine the adjustment terms [\begin{document}$ \mathrm{lg}(\beta _{N}/{\beta }_{G}) $\end{document}] and coefficients (λ) of \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document} using nonlinear regression and evaluate the method’s effectiveness in assessing occupational hearing loss associated with non-steady noise exposure. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed, enrolling 1034 manufacturing workers and evaluating noise exposure to estimate hearing loss metrics. Quantile regression analysis quantified the proportional contributions of influencing factors for noise-induced permanent threshold shift at 3, 4, and 6 kHz frequencies (NIPTS₃₄₆). \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document} was computed using multiple linear regression and nonlinear least squares optimization. Paired t-tests analyzed predictive efficacy before and after kurtosis adjustment to evaluate its impact on ISO 1999 NIPTS₃₄₆ predictions. Chow tests compared the similarity of logistic regression curves for high-frequency noise-induced hearing loss (HFNIHL) incidence between non-steady noise (\begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document}) and steady noise (\begin{document}$ {{L}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document}), thereby validating the effectiveness of \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document}. Results The quantile regression analysis showed that kurtosis was a significant indicator of occupational hearing loss risk from non-steady noise (contribution rate was 27.5%, P<0.05). The linear regression and nonlinear least squares methods obtained six different combinations of coefficients (λ) and adjustment terms [\begin{document}$ \mathrm{lg}(\beta _{N}/{\beta }_{G}) $\end{document}]. Incorporating these \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document} adjustments into the ISO 1999 predictive model significantly reduced NIPTS underestimation (from 14.2 dB HL with \begin{document}$ {{L}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document} to 11.5–5.6 dB HL with \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document}, P < 0.001). The model \begin{document}$ {{{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}\text{,6}}=L}_{\mathrm{E}\mathrm{X},8\;\mathrm{h}}+7.9\mathrm{lg}({{\beta }_{N}}/{10}) $\end{document} achieved the most significant improvement, reducing underestimation by 8.7 dB HL. The logistic curve analysis further demonstrated that all \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document} dose-response relationships for non-steady noise aligned more closely with the steady noise group than \begin{document}$ {{L}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document}, with \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}\text{,6}} $\end{document} showing the smallest divergence (difference: 4.1%). Conclusions \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document} demonstrates superior efficacy in assessing the risk of occupational hearing loss induced by non-steady noise exposure. The \begin{document}$ {{L'}}_{\text{EX,}\text{8}\text{ h}} $\end{document} metric, constructed by calculating adjustment terms and coefficients through nonlinear regression analysis, exhibits greater effectiveness than linear regression methods in evaluating occupational hearing loss associated with non-steady noise exposure.

background Current assessment of noise-induced hearing loss relies on the hearing threshold statistical distribution table of ISO 7029-2017 standard (ISO 7029), which is based on foreign population data and lacks a hearing threshold distribution table derived from pure-tone audiometry data of the Chinese population, hindering accurate evaluation of hearing loss in this group. Objective To establish a statistical distribution table of hearing threshold level (HTL) for otologically normal Chinese adults and to provide a scientific basis for revising the diagnostic criteria of occupational noise-induced deafness in China. Methods A total of 1271 otologically normal Chinese adults aged 18-60 years were divided into four groups with 10-year age intervals. Based on the pure tone audiometry data and power function operation formula, the relevant parameters of the median and percentile calculation formula of ISO 7029 were adjusted. Based on the adjusted parameters, a statistical distribution table of HTL of normal Chinese adults in otology was preliminarily constructed according to the calculation formula of ISO 7029. A nonparametric rank sum test was used to compare the difference between the adjusted median deviation value and the ISO 7029 calculation. Results Except for a few frequencies (2000, 3000, and 8000 Hz), the value of parameter α adjusted for the auditory threshold deviation of the Chinese population (α_CHN-md) increased with the increase of frequency, while the value of parameter β adjusted for the auditory threshold deviation of the Chinese population (β_CHN-md) decreased with the increase of frequency. The preliminary distribution table of otologically normal Chinese adults' median hearing threshold deviation (ΔH_CHN-md) showed that the hearing threshold deviation increased with age and frequency. At 8000 Hz, the increase in ΔH_CHN-md with age was the greatest for both men and women, from 0 dB to 23 dB and 21 dB respectively. The minimal threshold elevation was noted at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, which increased from 0 dB to 2 dB. In otologically normal Chinese adults, the maximum increase of ΔH_CHN-md with frequency was observed at age of 50 years, which increased from 2 dB at 500 Hz to 23 dB at 8000 Hz in men and from 2 dB at 500 Hz to 21 dB at 8000 Hz in women. The comparison results with the ISO 7029 calculation showed that the trend was consistent. The median hearing threshold deviation value of the adjusted Chinese population was lower than that of the ISO 7029 calculation (ΔH_md). However, they had no significant statistical difference (P>0.05). For otologically normal normal Chinese men and women, the maximum difference of ΔH_md between the 50-year-old group and the ISO calculation at 8000 Hz was 7 dB and 9 dB, respectively. Conclusion This preliminary analysis of hearing threshold deviations in otologically normal Chinese adults suggests that current standards may potentially underestimate hearing loss at frequencies below 8000 Hz while possibly overestimating it at 8000 Hz. These findings require further validation through expanded sample sizes to more accurately assess the characteristics of hearing thresholds in the Chinese population and their discrepancies with existing standards.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin in green tea, possesses various biomedical activities and has garnered significant attention because of its notable anticancer properties. This article reviews the research progress on the antitumor mechanisms of EGCG, focusing on its roles in inducing tumor cell apoptosis; inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis; modulating the tumor microenvironment; and influencing epigenetic modifications. Given its natural origin, safety, and low cost, EGCG could be a preferred option for the development of new cancer therapeutic drugs or enhancing the efficacy of combination therapies. This work aims to provide a theoretical foundation for further research and development of EGCG and scientific evidence for its application in cancer prevention and treatment.

The role of glial scar after intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)remains unclear.This study aimed to inves-tigate whether microglia-astrocyte interaction affects glial scar formation and explore the specific function of glial scar.We used a pharmacologic approach to induce microglial depletion during different ICH stages and examine how ablating microglia affects astrocytic scar formation.Spatial transcriptomics(ST)analysis was performed to explore the potential ligand-receptor pair in the modulation of microglia-astrocyte interaction and to verify the functional changes of astrocytic scars at different periods.During the early stage,sustained microglial depletion induced disorganized astrocytic scar,enhanced neutrophil infiltration,and impaired tissue repair.ST analysis indicated that microglia-derived insulin like growth factor 1(IGF1)modulated astrocytic scar formation via mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling activation.Moreover,repopulating microglia(RM)more strongly activated mTOR signaling,facilitating a more protective scar formation.The combination of IGF1 and osteopontin(OPN)was necessary and sufficient for RM function,rather than IGF1 or OPN alone.At the chronic stage of ICH,the overall net effect of astrocytic scar changed from protective to destructive and delayed microglial depletion could partly reverse this.The vital insight gleaned from our data is that sustained microglial depletion may not be a reasonable treatment strategy for early-stage ICH.Inversely,early-stage IGF1/OPN treatment combined with late-stage PLX3397 treatment is a promising therapeutic strategy.This prompts us to consider the complex temporal dynamics and overall net effect of microglia and astrocytes,and develop elaborate treatment strategies at precise time points after ICH.

Liver is an organ with strong regenerative potential. After trauma, infection, surgery and so on, it will initiate a series of regulation for orderly regeneration to rapidly restore liver function and liver volume and thus maintain normal physiological function. This article summarizes the process of liver regeneration after hepatectomy, the evaluation methods for liver regeneration and the factors affecting liver regeneration, so as to provide references for clinical precision liver surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging system with optimizes imaging chain. METHODS: Based on 3D tomography and DBT imaging scanning, we analyzed the methods for projection data correction, geometric correction, projection enhancement, filter modulation, and image reconstruction, and established a hardware testing platform. In the experiment, the standard ACR phantom and high-resolution phantom were used to evaluate the system stability and noise level. The patient projection data of commercial equipment was used to test the effect of the imaging algorithm. RESULTS: In the high-resolution phantom study, the line pairs were clear without confusing artifacts in the images reconstructed with the geometric correction parameters. In ACR phantom study, the calcified foci, cysts, and fibrous structures were more clearly defined in the reconstructed images after filtering and modulation. The patient data study showed a high contrast between tissues, and the lesions were more clearly displayed in the reconstructed image. CONCLUSIONS This DBT imaging system can be used for mammary tomography with an image quality comparable to that of commercial DBT systems to facilitate imaging diagnosis of breast diseases.
Algorithms ; Artifacts ; Breast ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Mammography ; methods ; Phantoms, Imaging ; Radiographic Image Enhancement ; methods