bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte telomere length is associated with MRI‐thigh fat‐free muscle volume: data from 16 356 UK Biobank adults
Authors: Kirk Ben , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Liu Peiran , Xiang Meiruo , Earp Jacob E. , Kositsawat Jatupol , Kuchel George A. , Duque Gustavo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundTelomere attrition may share common biological mechanisms with bone and muscle loss with aging. Here, we investigated the association between these hallmarks of aging using data from UK Biobank, a large observational study.MethodsLeukocyte telomere length (LTL as T/S ratio) was measured using a multiplex qPCR assay at baseline (2006–2010). Bone mineral density (whole body and regional; via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry), trabecular bone score (via lumbar‐spine dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry images), fat‐free muscle volume (thighs; via magnetic resonance imaging), and muscle fat infiltration (thighs; via magnetic resonance imaging) were measured during the imaging visit (2014–2018). Regression models were used to model LTL against a muscle or bone outcome, unadjusted and adjusted for covariates.ResultsA total of 16 356 adults (mean age: 62.8 ± 7.5 years, 50.5% women) were included. In the fully adjusted model, thigh fat‐free muscle volume was associated with LTL in the overall sample (adjusted standardized β (aβ) = 0.017, 95% CI 0.009 to 0.026, P < 0.001, per SD increase in LTL), with stronger associations in men (aβ = 0.022, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.034, P < 0.001) than in women (aβ = 0.013, 95% CI 0.000 to 0.025, P = 0.041) (sex‐LTL P = 0.028). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for low thigh fat‐free muscle volume (body mass index‐adjusted, sex‐specific bottom 20%) was 0.93 per SD increase in LTL (95% CI 0.89 to 0.96, P < 0.001) in the overall sample, with stronger associations in men (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, P = 0.008) than women (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.98, P = 0.009), although the sex difference was not statistically significant in this model (sex‐LTL P = 0.37). LTL was not associated with bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, or muscle fat infiltration in the overall or subgroup analyses (P > 0.05).ConclusionsLTL was consistently associated with thigh fat‐free muscle volume in men and women. Future research should investigate moderating effects of lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, or chronic diseases) in the association between LTL and muscle volume.
MRI Extracellular Volume Fraction in Liver Fibrosis—A Comparison of Different Time Points and Blood Pool Measurements
Authors: Obmann Verena Carola , Ardoino Marie , Klaus Jeremias , Catucci Damiano , Berzigotti Annalisa , Montani Matteo , Peters Alan , Todorski Inga , Wagner Benedikt , Zbinden Lukas , Gräni Christoph , Ebner Lukas , Heverhagen Johannes Thomas , Christe Andreas , Huber Adrian Thomas 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundExtracellular volume (ECV) correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis.PurposeTo analyze the performance of liver MRI‐based ECV evaluations with different blood pool measurements at different time points.Study TypeProspective.Sample73 consecutive patients (n = 31 females, mean age 56 years) with histopathology‐proven liver fibrosis.Field Strength/Sequence3T acquisition within 90 days of biopsy, including shortened modified look–locker inversion recovery T1 mapping.AssessmentPolygonal regions of interest were manually drawn in the liver, aorta, vena cava, and in the main, left and right portal vein on four slices before and after Gd‐DOTA administration at 5/10/15 minutes. ECV was calculated 1) on one single slice on portal bifurcation level, and 2) averaged over all four slices.Statistical TestsParameters were compared between patients with fibrosis grades F0‐2 and F3‐F4 with the Mann–Whitney U and fishers exact test. ROC analysis was used to assess the performance of the parameters to predict F3‐4 fibrosis. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsECV was significantly higher in F3‐4 fibrosis (35.4% [33.1%–37.6%], 36.1% [34.2%–37.5%], and 37.0% [34.8%–39.2%] at 5/10/15 minutes) than in patients with F0‐2 fibrosis (33.3% [30.8%–34.8%], 33.7% [31.6%–34.7%] and 34.9% [32.2%–36.0%]; AUC = 0.72–0.75). Blood pool T1 relaxation times in the aorta and vena cava were longer on the upper vs. lower slices at 5 minutes, but not at 10/15 minutes. AUC values were similar when measured on a single slice (AUC = 0.69–0.72) or based on blood pool measurements in the cava or portal vein (AUC = 0.63–0.67 and AUC = 0.65–0.70).Data ConclusionLiver ECV is significantly higher in F3‐4 fibrosis compared to F0‐2 fibrosis with blood pool measurements performed in the aorta, inferior vena cava, and portal vein at 5, 10, and 15 minutes. However, a smaller variability was observed for blood pool measurements between slices at 15 minutes.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 3
Cochlear Implant Outcomes in Patients with Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wang Katherine , Gjini Emily K. , Kooper‐Johnson Sarah , Cooper Michael I. , Gallant Collyn , Noonan Kathryn Y. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the literature and summarize cochlear implantation (CI) outcomes after intralabyrinthine schwannoma (ILS) excision and tumor observation with CI.Data SourcesOVID Medline, Embase, Web of Science; conception to 2024.Review MethodsA literature review was performed using subject headings, MeSH terms, and keywords. Abstracts and full texts were reviewed by two independent reviewers and adjudicated by a third. Inclusion criteria included studies with ILS and CI with reported audiologic outcomes. Subjects were analyzed into two groups, ILS resection with CI and in situ ILS with CI. Patients with NF2 were included. The main outcome of interest was CI audiometric performance level, with secondary outcomes of CI user status and open‐set speech attainment.ResultsThere were 29 articles with a total of 93 patients who met inclusion criteria. The resection group had 17% low performers, 44% intermediate performers, and 38% high performers. The in situ group had 40% low performers, 32% intermediate performers, 27% high performers. The resection group had 69 patients with 97% maintaining user status and 92% with open‐set speech recognition. The observation group had 24 patients, with 87% user rate and 86% achieving open‐set speech recognition. There was a greater percentage of NF2 diagnosis seen in the in situ group.ConclusionThere is a paucity of literature on CI and ILS. Patients are managed with both resection of tumor and implantation in situ. Early data are limited, with improvement in hearing outcomes and high user rates in both populations.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 134:3910–3920, 2024
Environmentally Friendly High‐Performance Polydimethylsiloxane Composites Reinforced with Renewable Cellulose Nanocrystals Based on Dynamic Silyl Ether Linkages
Authors: Cao Jie , Chen Siyuan , Wu Yingdong , Xu Zhirui , Liu Xiaofei , Zheng Junping 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnvironmentally friendly high‐performance composites made from either reprocessable polymer matrix or renewable fillers have become increasingly significant in order to reach a sustainable future. Herein, polydimethylsiloxane/modified cellulose nanocrystals (PDMS/mCNC) composites showing outstanding mechanical and reprocessable properties via silyl ether linkages are prepared. With only 1 wt% mCNC, the PDMS/mCNC composite exhibits the tensile strength of 2.96 MPa, which is twice that of the pure PDMS elastomer, while the toughness can achieve 7.32 MJ m−3. Remarkably, the reprocessing efficiency can be as high as 100% even for triple reprocessing process. Additionally, the favorable effect of mCNC on constructing hybrid filler network within vitrimers is explored for the first time. Selection of boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) as the functional filler, 40 wt% BNNS is uniformly dispersed by only a small amount of mCNC and a homogeneous thermally conductive network is built, with the thermal conductivity of the PDMS/mCNC@BNNS composite increasing remarkably to 2.901 W m−1 K−1. In a word, this work paves the way to develop sustainable, mechanically strong, and reprocessable composites with mCNC as a renewable bio‐filler.
Rapid and long‐lasting efficacy of high‐dose ambroxol therapy for neuronopathic Gaucher disease: A case report and literature review
Authors: Higashi Kanako , Sonoda Yuri , Kaku Noriyuki , Fujii Fumihiko , Yamashita Fumiya , Lee Sooyoung , Tocan Vlad , Ebihara Go , Matsuoka Wakato , Tetsuhara Kenichi , Sonoda Motoshi , Chong Pin Fee , Mushimoto Yuichi , Kojima‐Ishii Kanako , Ishimura Masataka , Koga Yuhki , Fukuta Atsuhisa , Tsuchihashi Nana Akagi , Kikuchi Yoshikazu , Karashima Takahito , Sawada Takaaki , Hotta Taeko , Yoshimitsu Makoto , Terazono Hideyuki , Tajiri Tatsuro , Nakagawa Takashi , Sakai Yasunari , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Ohga Shouichi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the GBA1‐encoded enzyme, β‐glucocerebrosidase. Enzyme replacement therapy is ineffective for neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD). High‐dose ambroxol has been administered as an alternative treatment for a group of patients with nGD. However, little is known about the clinical indication and the long‐term outcome of patients after ambroxol therapy. We herein report a case of a female patient who presented with a progressive disease of GD type 2 from 11 months of age and had the pathogenic variants of p.L483P (formerly defined as p.L444P) and p.R502H (p.R463H) in GBA1. A combined treatment of imiglucerase with ambroxol started improving the patient's motor activity in 1 week, while it kept the long‐lasting effect of preventing the deteriorating phenotype for 30 months. A literature review identified 40 patients with nGD, who had received high‐dose ambroxol therapy. More than 65% of these patients favorably responded to the molecular chaperone therapy, irrespective of p.L483P homozygous, heterozygous or the other genotypes. These results highlight the long‐lasting effect of ambroxol‐based chaperone therapy for patients with an expanding spectrum of mutations in GBA1.
Initial clinical and molecular investigation of 20q13.33 microdeletion with 17q25.3/14q32.31q32.33 microduplication in Chinese pediatric patients
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Zhang Na , Wang Junyu , Jiang Yuying , Zhang Hegan , Chen Chunnuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundLimited research has been conducted regarding the elucidation of genotype–phenotype correlations within the 20q13.33 region. The genotype–phenotype association of 20q13.33 microdeletion remains inadequately understood. In the present study, two novel cases of 20q13.33 microdeletion were introduced, with the objective of enhancing understanding of the genotype–phenotype relationship.MethodsTwo unrelated patients with various abnormal clinical phenotypes from Fujian province Southeast China were enrolled in the present study. Karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed to investigate chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variants.ResultsThe results of high‐resolution G‐banding karyotype analysis elicited a 46,XY,der(20)add(20)(q13.3) in Patient 1. This patient exhibited various clinical manifestations, such as global developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures, and other congenital diseases. Subsequently, a 1.0‐Mb deletion was identified in the 20q13.33 region alongside a 5.2‐Mb duplication in the 14q32.31q32.33 region. In Patient 2, CMA results revealed a 1.8‐Mb deletion in the 20q13.33 region with a 4.8‐Mb duplication of 17q25.3. The patient exhibited additional abnormal clinical features, including micropenis, congenital heart disease, and a distinctive crying pattern characterized by a crooked mouth.ConclusionIn the present study, for the first time, an investigation was conducted into two novel cases of 20q13.33 microdeletion with microduplications in the 17q25.3 and 14q32.31q32.33 regions in the Chinese population. The presence of micropenis may be attributed to the 20q13.33 microdeletion, potentially expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with this deletion.
Insights into the thermomechanical and interfacial behaviors of polymer‐clay nanocomposites via coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Nie Wenjian , Liao Yangchao , Ghazanfari Sarah , Wang Yang , Wang Xingyu , Huang Ying , Xia Wenjie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPolymer‐clay nanocomposites (PCNs) are commonly applied as multi‐functional structural materials with exceptional thermomechanical properties, while maintaining the characteristics of lightweight and optical clarity. In this study, building upon previously developed coarse‐grained (CG) models for nanoclay and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), we employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to systematically investigate the thermomechanical properties of PCNs when arranged in stacked configurations. Incorporating stacked clay nanofillers into a polymer matrix, we systematically conduct shear and tensile simulations to investigate the influences of variations in weight percentage, system temperature, and nanoclay size on the thermomechanical properties of PCNs at a fundamental level. The weight percentage of nanoclay in nanocomposites proves to have a significant influence on both the shear and Young's modulus (e.g., the addition of 10 Wt% nanoclay leads to an increase of 32.6% in the Young's modulus), with each exhibiting greater mechanical strength in the in‐plane direction compared to the out‐of‐plane direction, and the disparity between these two directions further widens with an increase in the weight percentage of nanoclay. Furthermore, the increase in the size of nanoclay contributes to an overall modulus enhancement in the composite while the growth reaches a saturation point after a certain threshold of about 10 nm. Our simulation results indicate that the overall dynamics of PMMA are suppressed due to the strong interactions between nanoclay and PMMA, where the confinement effect on local segmental dynamics of PMMA decays from the nanoclay‐polymer interface to the polymer matrix. Our findings provide valuable molecular‐level insights into microstructural and dynamical features of PCNs under deformation, emphasizing the pivotal role of clay‐polymer interface in influencing the thermomechanical properties of the composite materials.Highlights
CG modeling is performed to explore the thermomechanical behavior of PCN.
Effects of nanoclay weight percentage and size on modulus are studied.
Interface leads to nanoconfinement effect on Tg and molecular stiffness.
Correlations between molecular stiffness and modulus are identified.
Simulations show spatial variation of dynamical heterogeneity.
Ultra‐strong and biodegradable nanocomposite fibers of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/cellulose nanocrystal prepared by dry‐jet wet spinning
Authors: Lee Youngeun , Kim Min Woo , Kim Hyo Jeong , Kim Jin Kyung , Won Tae Kyung , Miyawaki Jin , Chae Han Gi , Eom Youngho 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFiber‐based products constitute a significant portion of plastic waste and cause environmental damage. In particular, discarded sanitary masks and fishing gear disintegrate into microfiber plastics, posing a significant threat to human health and ecosystems. In this study, we developed robust biodegradable nanocomposite fibers of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) (1 and 2 wt%) through dry‐jet wet spinning, by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a common solvent. The control PBAT fibers exhibit remarkable mechanical performance with tensile strength and toughness of 160.0 MPa and 43.0 MJ m−3, respectively. CNC addition has a toughening effect with slightly reduced strength but enhanced toughness (148.8 MPa and 69.0 MJ m−3, respectively, for 2 wt% CNC); their mechanical performances are superior to those of previously reported PBAT‐based materials. The remarkable performance of the fibers is attributed to a highly oriented structure with a total draw ratio of 15 after post‐hot drawing. The control and nanocomposite fibers exhibit spot‐like patterns in 2D wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction patterns with Herman's orientation factor of 0.54–0.58. The theoretical Hansen solubility parameter confirmed the poor chemical affinity between the PBAT and CNC. Nonetheless, the rheological characterization revealed that well‐dispersed CNCs with DMSO produced a physical network in the PBAT matrix, resulting in the toughening effect. Such robust nanocomposite fibers consisting of fully biodegradable components are promising alternatives to nondegradable nylon and polyester fibers.Highlights
Robust biodegradable nanocomposite fibers of PBAT and CNC are prepared.
Nanocomposite fibers are dry‐jet wet spun using DMSO as a common solvent.
PBAT fibers exhibit strength and toughness of 160.0 MPa and 43.0 MJ m−3.
2 wt% CNC toughens the PBAT fibers with an enhanced toughness of 69.0 MJ m−3.
Rheological results confirm the toughening effect of well‐dispersed CNC in PBAT.
High elastic modulus polyethylene: Process‐structure‐property relationships
Authors: Cheng Chung‐Fu , McCraw Trevor J. , Solomon Theo H. , Yan Michael R. , Wnek Gary E. , Olah Andrew , Baer Eric 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that gel‐spun‐ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) produces thin fibril products that exhibit high tensile moduli (35–200 GPa). The elaborate gel‐spinning process involves complex drawing stages with solvent incorporation. In this study, a previously proposed two‐stage, environmentally friendly solventless methodology was optimized. The two‐stage process included cross‐rolling (Stage 1) and orientation (Stage 2) to obtain oriented HDPE thin rods with an impressively high modulus using conventional HDPE. The optimization of the process was successfully achieved by thoroughly investigating the voiding mechanism. In addition, rapid relaxation during orientation supports the cavitation mechanism. Owing to this optimization, a modulus of 75 GPa was readily attained. The significant enhancement in the mechanical properties was a direct result of the optimization of our processing methodology to achieve a high degree of orientation. Notably, the fabricated oriented HDPE thin rods showed moduli comparable to those of the gel‐spun UHMWPE fibers but were at least 40 times thicker. Our comprehensive characterization of the voiding process and stress relaxation during our two‐stage process indicated the formation of a highly taut network structure and craze‐like configuration with controlled delamination. Thus, our proposed hierarchical model was refined to elucidate the process‐structure‐property relationships in greater detail.Highlights
An optimized two‐stage environmentally friendly solventless process has been developed to create oriented polyethylene thin rods with impressively high modulus (75 GPa).
The optimization was achieved by thoroughly investigating the voiding effect during cross‐rolling and crystalline relaxation during orientation.
Comparison of the modulus from our process are similar to various commercial, gel‐spun fibers. Our thin rod products are at least 40 times thicker than commercial gel‐spun fibers.
The thin rod product has impressively high modulus‐to‐weight and strength‐to‐weight ratios for future study in composite systems.
Discovery and biological characterization of a novel mesoionic insecticide fenmezoditiaz
Authors: Huang Huazhang , Dickhaut Joachim , Weisel Martin , Mao Lixin , Rankl Nancy , Takeda Haruka , Stam Lynn F , Peacock Quinn M , Höffken Hans Wolfgang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDMany piercing‐sucking insects have developed resistance or cross‐resistance to many insecticides targeting insect neural nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Here we are aiming to present the discovery of a novel mesoionic insecticide, fenmezoditiaz, by BASF through structure‐based drug design (SBDD) approaches. It has recently been added to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee mode of classification (IRAC 4E). It is being developed for plant protection against piercing‐sucking pests, especially rice hopper complex.RESULTSThe soluble acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) from the sea slug Aplysia californica was modified using site‐directed mutagenesis and based on putative aphid nAChR subunit sequences to create soluble insect‐like AChBPs. Among them, insect‐like β1 AChBP and native aphid membrane preparation showed the highest correlated biochemical affinity toward structurally diverse ligands. This mutant AChBP was used to understand how insect nAChRs structurally interact with mesoionics, which was then utilized to design novel mesoionics including fenmezoditiaz. It is an excellent systemic insecticide with diverse application methods and has a broad insecticidal spectrum, especially against piercing/sucking insects. It lacks cross‐resistance for neonicotinoid resistant plant hoppers. Field‐collected brown plant hopper populations from Asian countries showed high susceptibility.CONCLUSIONSFenmezoditiaz is a systemic insecticide with a broad spectrum, lack of cross‐resistance and it could be an additional tool for integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management, especially for the rice hopper complex. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Addressing corporate governance and carbon accounting disclosure gaps: A path toward firms commitment to sustainable development goal 13
Authors: Zhu Naiping , Wiredu Ishmael , Agyemang Andrew Osei , Osei Abednego 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe study examined the relationship between corporate governance and carbon accounting disclosure (CAD) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to address how firms can achieve sustainable development goal (SDG) 13. We employed purposive sampling to select 277 companies from 20 MENA countries from the period 2012–2022. A favorable relationship was found between board independence and CAD. Gender diversity was also found to have a beneficial effect on CAD. The sustainability committee and CAD also had a positive and significant connection. A positive association was also found between foreign nationals and CAD. We found positive and significant connection between board meetings and CAD. In contrast, we found a negative relationship between board size and CAD, as well as between boards with CEOs duality and CAD. We also found that shareholding proportion has inverse but insignificant impact on CAD. The results concur that corporate boards have a role to reduce carbon emission in MENA to accomplish SDG 13.
Advancing Membrane Technology: Ordered Macroporous ZIF‐67 as a Filler in Mixed Matrix Membranes for Enhanced Propylene/Propane Separation
Authors: Poloneeva Daria , Datta Shuvo Jit , Sicat Ronell , Khairova Rushana , Garzon‐Tovar Luis , Bavykina Anastasiya , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Gascon Jorge 
Published: March 2024

AbstractConventional separation technologies for valuable commodities require substantial energy, accounting for 10%–15% of global consumption. Mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) offer a promising solution by combining processable polymers with selective inorganic fillers. Here, the potential of using ordered microporous structured materials is demonstrated as MMM fillers. The use of ordered macroporous ZIF‐67 in combination with the well‐known 6FDA‐DAM polymer leads to superior performance in the important separation of propylene from propane. The enhanced performance can be rationalized with the help of advanced microscopy, which demonstrates that the polymer is able to penetrate the macroporous network around which the MOF (Metal‐Organic Framework) is synthesized, resulting in a much better interphase between the two components and the homogeneous distribution of the filler, even at high loadings.