bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical frailty, genetic predisposition, and the risks of severe non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis: a cohort study
Authors: Yang Honghao , Ou Fengrong , Chang Qing , Jiang Jinguo , Liu Yashu , Ji Chao , Chen Liangkai , Xia Yang , Zhao Yuhong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundFrailty, defined as a phenotype of decreased physiological reserves and diminished ability to respond to stressors, has been linked to the development of chronic diseases. Epidemiological evidence connecting frailty to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis risks remain sparse. We aimed to assess the longitudinal associations of frailty with the risks of severe NAFLD and cirrhosis in middle‐aged to older adults and further explore the modification role of genetic risk on these associations.MethodsThis study included a total of 398 386 participants from the UK Biobank. Incident cases of severe NAFLD and cirrhosis were ascertained through linked hospital records and death registries. Frailty status was assessed by a modified version of the frailty phenotype, encompassing five key components: weight loss, tiredness, physical activity, gait speed, and grip strength. Participants were classified as pre‐frailty if they met one or two of these criteria, and as frailty if they met three or more. Genetic predisposition to NAFLD and cirrhosis was estimated by genetic risk score (GRS) and further categorized into high, intermediate, and low genetic risk levels according to tertiles of GRSs. Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for their associations.ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) age of the study population was 56.6 (8.03) years. 214 408 (53.8%) of the participants was female; 14 924 (3.75%) of participants met the criteria for frailty, 170 498 (42.8%) for pre‐frailty, and 212 964 (53.5%) for non‐frailty. Over a median follow‐up of 12.0 years, we documented 4439 incident severe NAFLD and 3323 incident cirrhosis cases, respectively. Compared with non‐frailty, both pre‐frailty (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.40–1.60) and frailty (HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.77–2.21) were associated with increased risk of NAFLD. Similar associations were observed for cirrhosis, the corresponding HRs (95% CIs) for non‐frailty, pre‐frailty, and frailty were 1.00 (reference), 1.29 (1.20, 1.38), and 1.90 (1.66, 2.18). Such associations were consistent across all genetic risk levels, with no observed interactions between frailty and GRSs (all P for interactions ≥0.10). Compared with participants with frailty and a low level of genetic risk, the greatest risk increasement in developing severe NAFLD (HR: 3.36; 95% CI: 2.83–3.99) and cirrhosis (HR: 2.81; 95% CI: 2.29–3.44) was both observed in those with frailty and a high level of genetic risk.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that frailty is a significant predictor of severe NAFLD and cirrhosis, irrespective of genetic predisposition.
Effects of exercise or metformin on myokine concentrations in patients with breast and colorectal cancer: A phase II multi‐centre factorial randomized trial
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Spielmann Guillaume , Yang Shengping , Compton Stephanie L. E. , Jones Lee W. , Irwin Melinda L. , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity and metformin pharmacotherapy are associated with improved clinical outcomes in breast and colorectal cancer survivors. Myokines are cytokines secreted from skeletal muscle that may mediate these associations.MethodsThis hypothesis‐generating analysis used biospecimens collected from a multi‐centre 2 × 2 factorial randomized design of 116 patients with stage I–III breast and colorectal cancer who were randomized to 12 weeks of (1) aerobic exercise (moderate intensity titrated to 220 min/week); (2) metformin (850 mg daily for 2 weeks and then titrated to 850 mg twice per day); (3) aerobic exercise and metformin; or (4) control. Fourteen myokines were quantified using a multiplex panel. Myokine concentrations were log‐transformed, and main effects analyses were conducted using linear mixed‐effects regression models. The type I error rate was controlled with the Holm sequential testing procedure.ResultsRandomization to exercise increased leukaemia inhibitory factor (1.26 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69, 1.84; adjusted P = 0.001) and interleukin‐15 (2.23 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.87, 3.60; adjusted P = 0.013) compared with randomization to no exercise. Randomization to metformin decreased apelin (−2.69 pg/mL, 95% CI: −4.31, −1.07; adjusted P = 0.014) and interleukin‐15 (−1.74 pg/mL, 95% CI: −2.79, −0.69; adjusted P = 0.013) compared with randomization to no metformin. Metformin decreased myostatin, irisin, oncostatin M, fibroblast growth factor 21 and osteocrin; however, these changes were not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons.ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrates that randomization to exercise and metformin elicit unique effects on myokine concentrations in cancer patients. This hypothesis‐generating observation warrants further basic, translational and clinical investigation and replication.
Stress‐induced Rab11a‐exosomes induce amphiregulin‐mediated cetuximab resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mason John D. , Marks Ewan , Fan Shih‐Jung , McCormick Kristie , Wilson Clive , Harris Adrian L. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Cunningham Chris , Goberdhan Deborah C. I. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExosomes are secreted vesicles made intracellularly in the endosomal system. We have previously shown that exosomes are not only made in late endosomes, but also in recycling endosomes marked by the monomeric G‐protein Rab11a. These vesicles, termed Rab11a‐exosomes, are preferentially secreted under nutrient stress from several cancer cell types, including HCT116 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. HCT116 Rab11a‐exosomes have particularly potent signalling activities, some mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand, amphiregulin (AREG). Mutant activating forms of KRAS, a downstream target of EGFR, are often found in advanced CRC. When absent, monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, which target the EGFR and block the effects of EGFR ligands, such as AREG, can be administered. Patients, however, inevitably develop resistance to cetuximab, either by acquiring KRAS mutations or via non‐genetic microenvironmental changes. Here we show that nutrient stress in several CRC cell lines causes the release of AREG‐carrying Rab11a‐exosomes. We demonstrate that while soluble AREG has no effect, much lower levels of AREG bound to Rab11a‐exosomes from cetuximab‐resistant KRAS‐mutant HCT116 cells, can suppress the effects of cetuximab on KRAS‐wild type Caco‐2 CRC cells. Using neutralising anti‐AREG antibodies and an intracellular EGFR kinase inhibitor, we show that this effect is mediated via AREG activation of EGFR, and not transfer of activated KRAS. Therefore, presentation of AREG on Rab11a‐exosomes affects its ability to compete with cetuximab. We propose that this Rab11a‐exosome‐mediated mechanism contributes to the establishment of resistance in cetuximab‐sensitive cells and may explain why in cetuximab‐resistant tumours only some cells carry mutant KRAS.
Does a subset of mature T‐cell leukemias with features akin to T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia but lacking rearrangement of the TCL1 represent peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, NOS in a leukemic phase?
Authors: Gajzer David C. , Chen Xueyan , Sabath Daniel E. , Poh Christina , Naresh Kikkeri N. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the current WHO classification, a T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL) diagnosis requires lymphocytosis of >5 × 109/L, evidence of monoclonality, and TCL1A or MTCP1 rearrangement. However, the 2019 consensus document suggested that in the absence of rearrangement of TCL1‐family, the presence of abnormalities involving chromosome 11 (11q22.3; ATM), chromosome 8 (idic(8)(p11), t(8;8), trisomy 8q), 5, 12, 13, 22, or a complex karyotype, as well as involvement specific sites (e.g., splenomegaly, effusions) would suffice for a diagnosis of T‐PLL. We present a patient diagnosed with T‐PLL with MTCP1 rearrangement who was successfully treated with alemtuzumab followed by consolidative allogeneic unrelated donor stem cell transplantation. Eight years later, the patient presented with inguinal lymphadenopathy with features more akin to peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, NOS (PTCL, NOS) of the GATA3 subtype, and there was no evidence of peripheral blood involvement. However, the lymphoma cells were clonally related to those at presentation. Currently, literature on T‐PLL‐like cases lacking the rearrangement of TCL1A is limited, and the possibility of whether a proportion of such cases could represent PTCL, NOS (with leukemic involvement) needs consideration.
Renal screening sonography—A comparative study in a Portuguese basic emergency service
Authors: Miravent Sérgio , Jiménez Carmen , Barbancho Narciso , Lobo Manuel Duarte , Figueiredo Teresa , Gomes Carla , Ratusneac Ion , Gonçalves João Mário , Hasnas Corina , de Almeida Rui 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study intends to compare the accuracy and pertinence of sonographic findings obtained by a sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) with the imaging findings at the Referral Hospital (RH).MethodsThirty‐one patients suspected of having renal pathology underwent initial renal sonography screening with sonographer reporting at the BES and were subsequently referred to the RH for additional imaging examinations. The results of both examinations were compared to verify whether the findings from the BES were confirmed by the radiologist in the RH and to ensure that the patient referrals from BES to RH were appropriate.ResultsIn our sample, most patients (80%) exhibited varying degrees of pyelocaliceal distension, with nearly half (48%) presenting obstructions. A strong association between the sonographic findings in the BES and the RH was found in the variables “Dilatation of pyelocaliceal system” (V=0.895; p=0.000), “Simple cystic formation” (V=0.878; p=0.000), respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between BES and RH findings, indicating a strong association between these two variables respectively (k=0.890; p=0.000) and (k=0.870; p=0.000). In this research, an achieved sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 85% were demonstrated in the identification of pyelocaliceal dilatation.ConclusionRenal sonographer reporting screening successfully detected abnormalities in the urinary system of patients suspected of having renal colic. The sonographic data obtained at the BES demonstrated a strong correlation with the additional imaging findings from the RH in Portugal. These results suggest that Radiographers/Sonographers can have an important role in the preliminary assessment of urgent renal pathology in remote areas, contributing to a correct referral and early treatment.
Are There Hidden Adverse Events in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation: Comparing Social Media and a Federal Database
Authors: Bentan Mihai A. , Dawood Emaan , Moffatt David , Suurna Maria V. , Nord Ryan 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveHypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) can be an effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in positive airway pressure (PAP) intolerant patients. To better understand patient experiences with HNS therapy, we explored reported events from HNS‐related Facebook groups and the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.MethodsA retrospective analysis of HNS‐related Facebook posts from three groups pertaining to HNS therapy, from October 1, 2022 to October 1, 2023, was performed. Posts were analyzed for patient‐reported adverse events. Concurrently, the MAUDE database was reviewed for HNS‐related events during the same timeframe.ResultsFrom 737 Facebook posts, 132 (17.55%) adverse events were identified. Adverse events included pain (34.85%), stimulation discomfort (14.39%), lip weakness (6.82%) and issues related to lead tethering or tight leads around the neck (3.79%). Analysis of the MAUDE database found 428 adverse events, including pain (24.07%), lip weakness (0.44%), and lead tethering (1.64%).ConclusionFacebook group members reported higher rates of lip weakness and lead tethering than recorded in the MAUDE database. These findings illustrate how diverse data sources, such as social media, can enhance our understanding of patient experiences and identify gaps in patient education with HNS therapy.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:5217–5222, 2024
Ultrawide Dynamic Sensing from Single‐Photon Counting to Linear Detection Using a Segmented Superconducting Nanowire
Authors: Ru Sai‐Ying , Hao Hao , Zhao Qing‐Yuan , Li Zhi‐Jian , Liu Hao , Liu Zhen , Deng Jie , Huang Yang‐Hui , Yang Fan , Liu Nai‐Tao , Wan Chao , Tu Xue‐Cou , Zhang La‐Bao , Jia Xiao‐Qing , Chen Jian , Kang Lin , Wu Pei‐Heng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite their exceptional sensitivity, single photon detectors typically exhibit limited tolerance to strong light compared to conventional linear photodetectors. Consequently, a disparity arises between these two detector types, hindering the achievement of both high sensitivity and high dynamic range in sensing and imaging. To bridge this gap, a segmented architecture is implemented with a waveform‐variance readout scheme for extacting high‐flux photon informaiton.This approach gives an unprecedented ultra‐high dynamic range of 75 dB at a fixed bias current, where single photon counting mode and quasi‐linear photodetection mode coexist. High‐dynamic imaging, passive thermal imaging, and joint active and passive imaging are demonstrated, which validate the advantages of this dual‐mode detector. Such a versatile detector will offer enhanced flexibility, single‐photon sensitivity, as well as ultra‐wide dynamic range across various scientific and technical domains.
Accelerated B1+$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1^{+} $$ mapping and robust parallel transmit pulse design for heart and prostate imaging at 7 T
Authors: Egger Nico , Nagelstraßer Sophia , Wildenberg Saskia , Bitz Andreas , Ruck Laurent , Herrler Jürgen , Meixner Christian Rainer , Kimmlingen Ralph , Lanz Titus , Schmitter Sebastian , Uder Michael , Nagel Armin Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the impact of reduced k‐space sampling on mapping and the resulting impact on phase shimming and dynamic/universal parallel transmit (pTx) RF pulse design.MethodsChannel‐wise 3D maps were measured at 7 T in 35 and 23 healthy subjects for the heart and prostate region, respectively. With these maps, universal phase shims optimizing homogeneity and efficiency were designed for heart and prostate imaging. In addition, universal 4kT‐point pulses were designed for the heart. Subsequently, individual phase shims and individual 4kT‐pulses were designed based on maps with different acceleration factors and tested on the original maps. The performance of the pulses was compared by evaluating their coefficients of variation (CoV), efficiencies and specific energy doses (SED). Furthermore, validation measurements were carried out for one heart and one prostate subject.ResultsFor both organs, the universal phase shims showed significantly higher efficiencies and lower CoVs compared to the vendor provided default shim, but could still be improved with individual phase shims based on accelerated maps (acquisition time = 30 s). In the heart, the universal 4kT‐pulse achieved significantly lower CoVs than tailored phase shims. Tailored 4kT‐pulses based on accelerated maps resulted in even further reduced CoVs or a 2.5‐fold reduction in SED at the same CoVs as the universal 4kT‐pulse.ConclusionAccelerated maps can be used for the design of tailored pTx pulses for prostate and cardiac imaging at 7 T, which further improve homogeneity, efficiency, or SED compared to universal pulses.
Fat suppression using frequency‐sweep RF saturation and iterative reconstruction
Authors: Zi Ruoxun , Benkert Thomas , Chandarana Hersh , Lattanzi Riccardo , Block Kai Tobias 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeTo introduce an alternative idea for fat suppression that is suited both for low‐field applications where conventional fat‐suppression approaches become ineffective due to narrow spectral separation and for applications with strong B0 homogeneities.MethodsSeparation of fat and water is achieved by sweeping the frequency of RF saturation pulses during continuous radial acquisition and calculating frequency‐resolved images using regularized iterative reconstruction. Voxel‐wise signal‐response curves are extracted that reflect tissue's response to RF saturation at different frequencies and allow the classification into fat or water. This information is then utilized to generate water‐only composite images. The principle is demonstrated in free‐breathing abdominal and neck examinations using stack‐of‐stars 3D balanced SSFP (bSSFP) and gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) sequences at 0.55 and 3T. Moreover, a potential extension toward quantitative fat/water separation is described.ResultsExperiments with a proton density fat fraction (PDFF) phantom validated the reliability of fat/water separation using signal‐response curves. As demonstrated for abdominal imaging at 0.55T, the approach resulted in more uniform fat suppression without loss of water signal and in improved CSF‐to‐fat signal ratio. Moreover, the approach provided consistent fat suppression in 3T neck exams where conventional spectrally‐selective fat saturation failed due to strong local B0 inhomogeneities. The feasibility of simultaneous fat/water quantification has been demonstrated in a PDFF phantom.ConclusionThe proposed principle achieves reliable fat suppression in low‐field applications and adapts to high‐field applications with strong B0 inhomogeneity. Moreover, the principle potentially provides a basis for developing an alternative approach for PDFF quantification.
Assessment of the changes in the petrous portion of temporal bone (pars petrosa ossis temporalis) under the influence of high temperature during the cremation process
Authors: Mackiewicz Klementyna , Pawelec Łukasz , Šimon Jan , Szczurowski Jacek 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe petrous parts of temporal bones are considered to be the densest parts of the human skeleton. Because of their high biomechanical strength, these elements can be preserved well even exposed to destructive processes. It has been proved that these bones are very well preserved in cremation graves and thus can be used as the foundation for anthropological analyses of cremated remains. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of shrinkage of the petrous portion of temporal bone under the influence of high temperature during the cremation. In a modern crematorium in Prague (Czech Republic), an experiment was conducted by burning 15 human temporal bones and a fresh pig's heads with soft tissues. Nine measurements were collected from each bone before the burning process. Cremation was carried out under controlled conditions in a modern cremation oven—the process took 45 min, and the temperature reached 1000°C. All the bones were burned together to maintain the same experimental conditions. Measurements of the individual bones were then repeated, and the significance of the dimensional changes was assessed. The presented study pointed out the significant size's reduction at level to 14% for dry petrous parts of temporal bones, while the size of fresh bones changed to 28% of their mass depending on the examined feature. Furthermore, the results of comparative analyses revealed that the differences between burning of dry and fresh bones are insignificant.
Wearable skin integrated flexible PVA‐nickel nanocomposite patch for temperature sensor
Authors: Gudadur Kavitha Sharanappa , Kumar Avinash , Veluswamy Pandiyarasan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe study focuses on developing a noninvasive, flexible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐nickel (Ni) nanocomposite thin film as a passive skin‐integrated patch sensor for wearable temperature monitoring, marking a significant advancement in the field of wearable sensors. This flexible PVA‐Ni nanocomposite thin film serves as a temperature‐sensitive material, offering several advantages over commercially available active‐type sensors. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) images show that Ni nanoparticles (NPs) are broadly dispersed throughout the PVA matrix, indicating the effectiveness of the conductive patch in detecting temperature variations. A PVA‐Ni nanocomposite patch with a thickness of 0.08 mm demonstrated superior flexibility, breathability, and lower tearing strength compared to a pure PVA patch. The film also exhibited excellent repeatability in bending tests, maintaining performance after 120 bending and unloading cycles, suggesting its durability for long‐term use as a wearable sensor. Furthermore, the fabricated sensors function as thermistors, with conductivity increasing linearly with temperature. The performance of these temperature sensors was compared, revealing a highest temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and thermal index of −1.08%/°C and 1271 K, respectively. The sensors showed high temperature sensitivity between room temperature and 50°C, outperforming typical commercial platinum temperature sensors. The stability and response time of the PVA‐Ni nanocomposite film were evaluated by adhering the patch to a human wrist and capturing thermal images using a FLIR thermal imaging camera. The observed maximum temperature difference of approximately 1.9–2.1°C highlights the patch's sensitivity in detecting temperature changes. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the conductive film were tested to assess its biocompatibility, confirming its potential for applications in energy storage, thermal management, and early breast cancer detection.
An efficient method to prepare high grafting montmorillonite with silane coupling agent and its improvements for styrene butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Peng Zhiliang , Li Yujie , Wang Yiqing , Liu Yuwan , Ding Xiaofang , Wu Xiaohui , Zhang Liqun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe quantity of silane chemically bonded to the organoclay's surface significantly influences its dispersion within the polymer matrix, as well as the interfacial interaction. This research presents a groundbreaking method for enhancing the surface properties of montmorillonite (Mt) through the use of γ‐(methacryloxy) propyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) coupled with acid treatment, leading to increased grafting efficiency. Confirmed by FT‐IR, TGA, and XRD, the process effectively bonds organo‐silanes to Mt and achieves a high grafting level of 1.59 mequiv/g. Utilizing a latex compounding method, Mt/rubber nanocomposites are synthesized with thoroughly modified clay for peak performance. Dispersion and interfacial properties are evaluated through XRD, TEM, AFM, and DMTA. The findings reveal that the well‐modified Mt is an exceptional filler, ensuring a high level of dispersion and robust interaction with the rubber matrix. This synergy translates to a marked improvement in the mechanical properties of the composite, with notable enhancements observed in both tensile strength and elongation at break of 9.7 MPa and 1141%, respectively. This innovative approach to the graft modification of clays presents a potent method, offering the potential for the industrial‐scale manufacture of high‐performance clay‐based composites.Highlights
A processing method for preparing high grafting clay with a silane coupling agent.
Functionalized clay presents better nano‐dispersion in the polymeric matrix.
Strong covalent interfacial interaction is constructed between clay and rubber.
Tensile Strength and elongation at break of the composites are obliviously improved.