bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling potential consequences of climate-driven sex reversal on Southern and Summer Flounder population dynamics
Authors: Conrad H. M. , Kindsvater H. K.
Published: April 2024

Objective

We investigate the interacting effects of fishery selectivity and sexual dimorphism by using the fisheries for Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma and Summer Flounder P. dentatus as case studies. In both species, females are larger than males, and temperature-sensitive sex determination can lead to an increased proportion of males at sexual differentiation in warmer temperatures.

Methods

We developed a size-, age-, and sex-structured population dynamics model for each species to understand how temperature-induced sex reversal will interact with harvesting to impact population productivity. We considered scenarios with realistic sex ratios and varying levels of fishing pressure.

Result

Our models of these species show that population egg production, abundance, biomass, and catch will all be constrained if sex ratios at differentiation become more male-biased. For both species, climate-induced changes to the sex ratio in early-life stages could have a greater impact on relative catch than fishing mortality. We demonstrate that the spawning potential ratio may not be sensitive to climate-induced changes in the sex ratio unless we account for changes in the sex ratio at differentiation in the historic baseline reproductive potential.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of utilizing sex-specific stock assessments for species with temperature-sensitive sex determination mechanisms.
Comparing Essential Tremor with and without Soft Dystonic Signs and Tremor Combined with Dystonia: The TITAN Study
Authors: Erro Roberto , Lazzeri Giulia , Terranova Carmen , Paparella Giulia , Gigante Angelo Fabio , De Micco Rosa , Magistrelli Luca , Di Biasio Francesca , Valentino Francesca , Moschella Vincenzo , Pilotto Andrea , Esposito Marcello , Olivola Enrica , Malaguti Maria Chiara , Ceravolo Roberto , Dallocchio Carlo , Spagnolo Francesca , Nicoletti Alessandra , De Rosa Anna , Di Giacopo Raffaella , Sorrentino Cristiano , Padovani Alessandro , Altavista Maria Concetta , Pacchetti Claudio , Marchese Roberta , Contaldi Elena , Tessitore Alessandro , Misceo Salvatore , Bologna Matteo , Rizzo Vincenzo , Franco Giulia , Barone Paolo ,   TITAN study group
Published: April 2024

Background

Tremor disorders remain as clinical diagnoses and the rate of misdiagnosis between the commonest non‐parkinsonian tremors is relatively high.

Objectives

To compare the clinical features of Essential Tremor without other features (pure ET), ET plus soft dystonic signs (ET + DS), and tremor combined with dystonia (TwD).

Methods

We compared the clinical features of patients with pure ET, ET + DS, and TwD enrolled in The ITAlian tremor Network (TITAN). Linear regression models were performed to determine factors associated with health status and quality of life.

Results

Three‐hundred‐eighty‐three patients were included. Sex distribution was significantly different between the groups with males being more represented in pure ET and females in TwD. The initial site of tremor was different between the groups with about 40% of TwD having head tremor and ET + DS unilateral upper limb tremor at onset. This pattern mirrored the distribution of overt dystonia and soft dystonic signs at examination. Sensory trick, task‐specificity, and position‐dependence were more common, but not exclusive, to TwD. Pure ET patients showed the lowest degree of alcohol responsiveness and ET + DS the highest. Midline tremor was more commonly encountered and more severe in TwD than in the other groups. Regression analyses demonstrated that tremor severity, sex, age, and to a lesser degree the variable “group”, independently predicted health status and quality of life, suggesting the existence of other determinants beyond tremor.

Conclusions

Pure ET and TwD manifest with a phenotypic overlap, which calls for the identification of diagnostic biomarkers. ET + DS shared features with both syndromes, suggesting intra‐group heterogeneity.
Numerical insights of fractal–fractional modeling of magnetohydrodynamic Casson hybrid nanofluid with heat transfer enhancement
Authors: Ahmad Zubair , Crisci Serena , Murtaza Saqib , Toraldo Gerardo
Published: April 2024

Fractional calculus expands the idea of differentiation to fractional/non‐integer orders of the derivatives. It includes the memory‐dependent and non‐local system's behaviors while fractal–fractional derivatives is the generalization of fractional‐order derivatives which refers to a combination of fractional calculus and fractal geometry. In this article, we have considered the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of Casson hybrid nanofluid through a vertical open channel with the effect of viscous dissipation and Newtonian heating. The problem is modeled in terms of non‐linear and coupled integer‐order PDEs which is further generalized through fractal–fractional derivative of power law kernel. Due to non‐linearity and complexities, we have adopted the numerical procedure as it is used when the analytical solutions of PDEs are frequently difficult or impossible for complicated situations. We have established the numerical algorithms for both the classical and fractal–fractional‐order model and compared the results. The existence and uniqueness of the model's solution has been shown theoretically. The effect of various embedded parameters on the heat transfer and fluid flow has been simulated and presented through various figures while skin friction and Nusselt number are tabulated. The effect of fractional and fractal parameter is also shown. As the present model is taken for the hybrid nanofluid flow and for the heat transfer applications, we have considered mineral transformer oil as a base fluid while titania and cadmium telluride nanoparticles are dispersed in it. From the results, it is observed that hybrid nanofluid have a better heat transfer enhancement up to 19.71% while the unitary nanofluids are only capable to enhance the heat transfer up to 9%.
Knowledge‐based planning for Gamma Knife
Authors: Zhang Binghao , Babier Aaron , Ruschin Mark , Chan Timothy C. Y.
Published: April 2024

Background

Current methods for Gamma Knife (GK) treatment planning utilizes either manual forward planning, where planners manually place shots in a tumor to achieve a desired dose distribution, or inverse planning, whereby the dose delivered to a tumor is optimized for multiple objectives based on established metrics. For other treatment modalities like IMRT and VMAT, there has been a recent push to develop knowledge‐based planning (KBP) pipelines to address the limitations presented by forward and inverse planning. However, no complete KBP pipeline has been created for GK.

Purpose

To develop a novel (KBP) pipeline, using inverse optimization (IO) with 3D dose predictions for GK.

Methods

Data were obtained for 349 patients from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. A 3D dose prediction model was trained using 322 patients, based on a previously published deep learning methodology, and dose predictions were generated for the remaining 27 out‐of‐sample patients. A generalized IO model was developed to learn objective function weights from dose predictions. These weights were then used in an inverse planning model to generate deliverable treatment plans. A dose mimicking (DM) model was also implemented for comparison. The quality of the resulting plans was compared to their clinical counterparts using standard GK quality metrics. The performance of the models was also characterized with respect to the dose predictions.

Results

Across all quality metrics, plans generated using the IO pipeline performed at least as well as or better than the respective clinical plans. The average conformity and gradient indices of IO plans was 0.737 0.158 and 3.356 1.030 respectively, compared to 0.713 0.124 and 3.452 1.123 for the clinical plans. IO plans also performed better than DM plans for five of the six quality metrics. Plans generated using IO also have average treatment times comparable to that of clinical plans. With regards to the dose predictions, predictions with higher conformity tend to result in higher quality KBP plans.

Conclusions

Plans resulting from an IO KBP pipeline are, on average, of equal or superior quality compared to those obtained through manual planning. The results demonstrate the potential for the use of KBP to generate GK treatment with minimal human intervention.
Fragility of overactive bladder medication clinical trials: A systematic review
Authors: Li Kevin D. , Venishetty Nikit , Fernandez Adrian M. , Hakam Nizar , Ghaffar Umar , Gupta Shiv , Patel Hiren V. , Breyer Benjamin N.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome significantly impairs quality of life, often necessitating pharmacological interventions with associated risks. The fragility of OAB trial outcomes, as measured by the fragility index (FI: smallest number of event changes to reverse statistical significance) and quotient (FQ: FI divided by total sample size expressed as a percentage), is critical yet unstudied.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials on OAB medications published between January 2000 and August 2023. Inclusion criteria were trials with two parallel arms reporting binary outcomes related to OAB medications. We extracted trial details, outcomes, and statistical tests employed. We calculated FI and FQ, analyzing associations with trial characteristics through linear regression.

Results

We included 57 trials with a median sample size of 211 participants and a 12% median lost to follow‐up. Most studies investigated anticholinergics (37/57, 65%). The median FI/FQ was 5/3.5%. Larger trials were less fragile (median FI 8; FQ 1.0%) compared to medium (FI: 4; FQ 2.5%) and small trials (FI: 4; FQ 8.3%). Double‐blinded studies exhibited higher FQs (median 2.9%) than unblinded trials (6.7%). Primary and secondary outcomes had higher FIs (median 5 and 6, respectively) than adverse events (FI: 4). Each increase in 10 participants was associated with a +0.19 increase in FI (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A change in outcome for a median of five participants, or 3.5% of the total sample size, could reverse the direction of statistical significance in OAB trials. Studies with larger sample sizes and efficacy outcomes from blinded trials were less fragile.
TGF‐β3 from fibroblasts promotes necrotising sialometaplasia by suppressing salivary gland cell proliferation and inducing squamous metaplasia
Authors: Yoshimoto Shohei , Yada Naomi , Ishikawa Ayataka , Kawano Kenji , Matsuo Kou , Hiraki Akimitsu , Okamura Kazuhiko
Published: April 2024

Necrotising sialometaplasia (NSM) is a non‐neoplastic lesion mainly arising in the minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. In the clinical features, NSM shows swelling with or without ulceration, and can mimic a malignant disease such as squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathologically, NSM usually shows the lobular architecture that is observed in the salivary glands. Additionally, acinar infarction and squamous metaplasia of salivary ducts and acini are observable. The aetiology of this lesion remains unknown, although it has a characteristic feature that sometimes requires clinical and histopathological differentiation from malignancy. In this study, we investigated upregulated genes in NSM compared with normal salivary glands, and focused on the TGF‐β3 (TGFB3) gene. The results of the histopathological studies clarified that fibroblasts surrounding the lesion express TGF‐β3. Moreover, in vitro studies using mouse salivary gland organoids revealed that TGF‐β3 suppressed salivary gland cell proliferation and induced squamous metaplasia. We demonstrated a possible aetiology of NSM by concluding that increased TGF‐β3 expression during wound healing or tissue regeneration played a critical role in cell proliferation and metaplasia. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A micromechanical study on shear performance of unidirectional composites with randomly distributed fibers in the transverse cross‐section
Authors: Muthukumar M. , Kumar Santosh , Shubham  , Yerramalli Chandra Sekher , Desai Y. M. , Naik N. K.
Published: April 2024

The properties of unidirectional (UD) composites has been investigated by analyzing their elastic and strength characteristics under shear loading. The UD fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites usually consist of fibers randomly dispersed throughout the cross‐section in the transverse direction which is generally not accounted for. A micromechanical model based on finite element analysis (FEA) approach is utilized here to examine these properties. The study begins by identifying micro scale unit cells or repetitive unit cells (RUCs) at the micro scale, as well as representative volume elements (RVEs). The distribution of fiber volume fraction (Vf) varies among various micro scale unit cells positioned in the transverse cross‐section. The elastic properties and strength are estimated by considering the properties of the matrix and fibers, and the configuration of micro scale unit cells, which feature a fiber arrangement which is categorized as hexagonal and varying Vf at different locations (from 0.35 to 0.75). However, the overall Vf for the UD composite remains constant at 0.65. Studies are also carried out with the random distribution of fibers at micro scale unit cells. The findings reveal that the random distribution of fibers significantly impacts the shear behavior of the composite. This investigation provides valuable insights into how the mechanical properties of the UD composite are subjective by the distribution of fiber, thereby contributing to the design and development of this light weight high‐performance material.

Highlights

Elastic and strength analysis of UD composites is presented.

Emphasis is on fiber dispersion in transverse plane.

Microscale unit cells, RUCs and RVE are identified.

Studies are carried out based on micromechanical model.

Influence of fiber distribution on shear behavior is investigated.
Absorption and pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after bilateral topical administration in tonsillar fossae for posttonsillectomy pain relief
Authors: Berg Kristin Sandal , Seines Ellisiv , Gál Peter , Løberg‐Emanuelsen Lise , Stubhaug Audun , Nielsen Erik Waage , Spigset Olav
Published: April 2024

No previous studies have investigated the systemic absorption of bupivacaine when used topically for posttonsillectomy pain. The present study was undertaken to investigate the pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after administration by a swab in the tonsillar fossae over 4 min after tonsillectomy. Eleven adult patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy were recruited. After removal of both tonsils, each of the two tonsillar fossae was covered with a swab moistened with 2 mL of bupivacaine 5 mg/mL, that is, a total of 20 mg bupivacaine. Blood samples were drawn after 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min. Bupivacaine was analyzed with an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. The highest single measured bupivacaine serum concentration was 23.2 ng/mL and took place 10 min after drug administration. Mean (±SD) Cmax was 11.4 ± 6.0 ng/mL and mean tmax was 11.3 ± 4.7 min. Mean t1/2 was 31.6 ± 9.3 min. As the toxic concentration threshold has been reported to be in the interval 1500–4500 ng/mL, the concentrations measured were well below 2% of the lowest cited toxic threshold. In conclusion, this study shows that applying 4 mL of bupivacaine 5 mg/mL by a swab in the tonsillar fossae posttonsillectomy yields very low plasma concentrations, suggesting its safe application without any risk of systemic toxic effects.
Self‐Organization via Dewetting in Polymeric Assemblies
Authors: Nam Kibeom , Lee Dong Yun
Published: April 2024

Dewetting is a spontaneous process involving a thin liquid film that minimizes interfacial energy by reducing the surface area via the generation of defects on the film. In industry, dewetting is regarded as a problem that results in defects or a heterogeneous surface; however, in this study, dewetting is intentionally induced to create various patterns at intended positions spontaneously with polymeric materials and nanoparticles. The dewetting‐induced patterning process is conducted by controlling the capillary force and evaporation ratio through an evaporative self‐assembly system. The linear‐polymeric arrays on the substrate played an important role in modifying the surface geometry and treatment for a heterogeneous surface, and an additional patterning process is performed on patterned arrays to create dewetting‐induced self‐organizing patterns. Here, this method is used to introduce material arrays with specific shapes such as dots, dumbbells, potbellies, Vs, and trapezoids.
Anionic Coordination Control in Building Cu‐Based Electrocatalytic Materials for CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Hanxia , Mo Pengpeng , Zhu Junpeng , Xu Xiaoxue , Cheng Zhixiang , Yang Feng , Xu Zhongfei , Liu Juzhe , Wang Lidong
Published: April 2024

Renewable energy‐driven conversion of CO2 to value‐added fuels and chemicals via electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) technology is regarded as a promising strategy with substantial environmental and economic benefits to achieve carbon neutrality. Because of its sluggish kinetics and complex reaction paths, developing robust catalytic materials with exceptional selectivity to the targeted products is one of the core issues, especially for extensively concerned Cu‐based materials. Manipulating Cu species by anionic coordination is identified as an effective way to improve electrocatalytic performance, in terms of modulating active sites and regulating structural reconstruction. This review elaborates on recent discoveries and progress of Cu‐based CO2RR catalytic materials enhanced by anionic coordination control, regarding reaction paths, functional mechanisms, and roles of different non‐metallic anions in catalysis. Finally, the review concludes with some personal insights and provides challenges and perspectives on the utilization of this strategy to build desirable electrocatalysts.
Facilely Modified Nickel‐Based Hole Transporting Layers for Organic Solar Cells with 19.12% Efficiency and Enhanced Stability
Authors: Wang Zhengfei , Li Bolin , Liu Bin , Lee Jin‐Woo , Bai Qingqing , Yang Wanli , Wang Junwei , Yang Jie , Zhang Xiage , Sun Huiliang , Yang Xi , Kim Bumjoon J. , Guo Xugang
Published: April 2024

Hole transporting layers (HTLs), strategically positioned between electrode and light absorber, play a pivotal role in shaping charge extraction and transport in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the commonly used poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) HTL, with its hygroscopic and acidic nature, undermines the operational durability of OSC devices. Herein, an environmentally friendly approach is developed utilizing nickel acetate tetrahydrate (NiAc·4H2O) and [2‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)ethyl] phosphonic acid (2PACz) as the NiAc·4H2O/2PACz HTL, aiming at overcoming the limitations posed by the conventional PEDOT:PSS one. Encouragingly, a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.12% is obtained for the OSCs employing NiAc·4H2O/2PACz as the HTL, surpassing that of devices with the PEDOT:PSS HTL (17.59%), which is ranked among the highest ones of OSCs. This improvement is attributed to the appropriate work function, enhanced hole mobility, facilitated exciton dissociation efficiency, and lower recombination loss of NiAc·4H2O/2PACz‐based devices. Furthermore, the NiAc·4H2O/2PACz‐based OSCs exhibit superior operational stability compared to their PEDOT:PSS‐based counterparts. Of significant note, the NiAc·4H2O/2PACz HTL demonstrates a broad generality, boosting the PCE of the PM6:PY‐IT and PM6:Y6‐based OSCs from 16.47% and 16.79% (with PEDOT:PSS‐based analogs as HTLs) to 17.36% and 17.57%, respectively. These findings underscore the substantial potential of the NiAc·4H2O/2PACz HTL in advancing OSCs, offering improved performance and stability, thereby opening avenue for highly efficient and reliable solar energy harvesting technologies.
Synergistic Stabilization of Zn Metal Anodes by 3D Carbon Frameworks with Multiple Ion Channels Loaded with Zincophilic BaTiO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Chuyi , Jiang Shengyang , Li Yang , Li Yongliang , Zhang Peixin , He Chuanxin , Sun Lingna , Yang Hui Ying
Published: April 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) suffer from rampant Zn dendrites growth, corrosion and sluggish transport kinetics, all of which have a serious impact on their performance and practical applications. Therefore, porous carbon nanofibers (BTO@PCNFs) loaded with BaTiO3 nanoparticles (BTO NPs) are constructed as a multifunctional interlayer for stabilizing the Zn anodes. Owing to the synergistic effect of BTO NPs and 3D porous carbon framework, this interlayer can achieve uniform electric field distribution, accelerate Zn2+ migration, and promote ion flux homogenization, thus leading to uniform Zn deposition. Meanwhile, the BTO@PCNFs interlayer demonstrates excellent anti‐corrosion effect, which can effectively prevent the side reactions. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of interlayers, the BTO@PCNFs multifunctional interlayers achieve a comprehensive optimization of the Zn anodes. The BTO@PCNFs‐Zn electrode exhibits lower nucleation overpotential (33.5 mV) at 0.5 mA cm−2. The Zn//Zn symmetrical cell with BTO@PCNFs interlayer exhibits ultra‐low overpotential (14 mV) and ultra‐long cycle life (5250 h at 0.5 mA cm−2). Even at high current density (30 mA cm−2), the BTO@PCNFs‐Zn electrode can be stably cycled for more than 830 h, achieving an ultra‐high cumulative capacity of 12 450 mAh cm−2. The multifunctional interlayers can provide a reference for the design of high‐performance Zn anodes.
Gas‐Blows‐Liquid Spinning Strategy Toward Mechanically Strong, Thermally Protective, Efficiently Hemostatic Aerogel Fibers/Fabrics
Authors: Lyu Jing , Liu Zengwei , Zhang Xuetong
Published: April 2024

Nanoporous aerogel fibers enjoy the luxury of being one of the most attractive nanomaterials. However, the representative fabrication pathways have faced up with low production rates due to significant speed mismatch between slow sol–gel transition and as fast as possible spinning in the same period. Herein, a novel gas‐blows‐liquid spinning (GS) strategy with a spinning speed of 300–700 m s−1 is developed to get the high‐speed and high‐efficiency production of aerogel fibers/fabrics. The spinning speed of the GS strategy is 900 times higher than various techniques reported for aerogel fibers. The resulting aerogel fibers exhibit a high specific surface area (180 m2 g−1). In comparison, the aerogel fiber possesses the highest tensile strength (58.7±3.9 MPa) among its counterparts and aerogel fabric with surprising water‐absorption and microparticle‐blocking performances exhibits the application prospect for better hemostasis than that of commercial gauze and cotton ball. Besides, the GS aerogel fabrics with hierarchical aligned structures show better thermal insulation (≈0.035 Wm−1K−1) than wet spinning aerogel fabric and commercial insulation felts. This work has provided inspiration for fast fabricating more aerogel fibers/fabrics with this GS strategy, and the resulting aerogel fibers/fabrics may find significant application in the fields of 5G smart phones, wound hemostasis, etc.
Rational Design Toward Advanced Non‐Flow Aqueous Zinc‐Bromine Systems Boosted by Alkaline‐Neutral Decoupling Electrolytes
Authors: Dong Wenju , Liu Chenxu , Tang Zhenghua , Cheng Shuang
Published: April 2024

Non‐flow aqueous zinc‐bromine batteries (AZBBs) are highly attractive owing to their lightweight construction and largely reduced cost compared with the flow ones. Yet, their development is restricted by the sluggish reaction kinetics of Br2/Br−, the shuttle of soluble polybromide species (Brn−, n is odd), and the poor stability of Zn‐based anode. Herein, an effective alkaline‐neutral electrolyte decoupling system is constructed to mitigate these issues, where nitrogen‐doped carbon felt with high catalytic activity to Br2/Br− reaction is developed for cathode, a cost‐effective cation exchange membrane (CEM) of polyethersulfone/sulfonated polyether ether ketone (PES/SPEEK‐M) that can stop Brn− is used as separator, and glucose that can inhibit dendrites is introduced as anolyte additive. The constructed flowless AZBB mainly consists of two separate redox couples, including Zn/Zn(OH)42− in alkaline anolyte and Br2/Br− in neutral media, where non‐cations (e.g. OH−, Zn(OH)42−, H2O,  and Brn−) can be restricted to their respective chamber by the PES/SPEEK‐M while cations can pass by. In the optimized system, good electrochemical performance is achieved, mainly including a surprising discharge voltage of 2.01 V, a high average Coulombic efficiency of 96.7%, and a good cycling life of ≈1000 cycles without obvious capacity decay at a fixed charge capacity of 2 mAh cm−2.
Optimizing sustainable concrete compressive strength prediction: A new particle swarm optimization‐based metaheuristic approach to neural network modeling for circular economy and disaster resilience
Authors: Ulucan Muhammed , Gunduzalp Emrullah , Yildirim Güngör , Alatas Bilal , Alyamac Kursat Esat
Published: April 2024

This study aims to predict the final‐age compressive strengths of sustainable concrete series produced using different aggregate types with high accuracy using an artificial intelligence model and to reduce environmental degradation and conserve rapidly decreasing natural resources within the scope of sustainable development and circular economy goals. For this purpose, 45 different sustainable concrete series containing all‐natural, recycled, natural, and recycled concrete aggregates were produced and subjected to compressive strength tests at 7 and 28 days. In addition, this study also considers whether deep neural network models, which have gained popularity in recent years but have high time and resource costs, or shallow models are more suitable for determining the compressive strength values with high accuracy. For this purpose, a method is proposed that can automatically generate the optimal neural network model using a metaheuristic approach that eliminates the human factor. For this purpose, the proposed method was extensively compared with different classical machine learning algorithms. The proposed method predicted the 7 and 28‐day compressive strength with a coefficient of determination of 0.999 and presented better compressive strength predictions than all other algorithms. Considering the number of buildings to be constructed after earthquakes, the widespread use of concrete, and the importance of compressive strength, the proposed method will likely provide significant gains within sustainable development, circular economy, and disaster risk reduction.
Role of formyl peptide receptor 2 in steatosis of L02 cells exposed to Mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate
Authors: Feng Xuemin , Zhang Ruxuan , Miao Xiaohan , Li Xu , Cui Jianwei , Xu Hang , Fang Xiaoqi , Zhou Chunkui , Ye Lin , Zhou Liting
Published: April 2024

Mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) can accumulate in the liver and then lead to hepatic steatosis, while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Inflammation plays an important role in the disorder of hepatic lipid metabolism. This study aims to clarify the role of the inflammatory response mediated by formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) in steatosis of L02 cells exposed to MEHP. L02 cells were exposed to MEHP of different concentrations and different time. A steatosis model of L02 cells was induced with oleic acid and the cells were exposed to MEHP simultaneously. In addition, L02 cells were incubated with FPR2 antagonist and then exposed to MEHP. Lipid accumulation was determined by oil red O staining and extraction assay. The indicators related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response were measured with appropriate kits. The relative expression levels of FPR2 and its ligand were determined by Western blot, and the interaction of them was detected by co‐immunoprecipitation. As a result, MEHP exposure could promote the occurrence and progression of steatosis and the secretion of chemokines and inflammatory factors in L02 cells. MEHP could also affect the expression and activation of FPR2 and the secretion of FPR2 ligands. In addition, the promotion effect of MEHP on the secretion of total cholesterol and interleukin 1β in L02 cells could be significantly inhibited by the FPR2 antagonist. We concluded that FPR2 might affect the promotion effect of MEHP on steatosis of L02 cells by mediating inflammatory response.
Role of squeezing phenomenon in the reactive dynamics of Jeffrey fluid
Authors: Rehman Shahida , Muhammad Noor
Published: April 2024

This study sheds light on the complex dynamics of squeezing flow in Jeffrey fluids and highlights the significance of considering Cattaneo‐Christov heat flux and reactive Species. To simplify the mathematical formulation and facilitate numerical analysis, a similarity transformation is utilized to transform the governing partial differential equations into a collection of interconnected ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The transformed ODEs are subsequently resolved utilizing bvp4c technique. The application of the bvp4c technique enables accurate numerical analysis, offering valuable insights into the behavior of viscoelastic fluids under squeezing conditions with thermal effects and chemical reactions. Through numerical simulations, the temperature distribution, flow characteristics, and reaction kinetics within the Jeffrey fluid under squeezing conditions are examined.
HCT: Historical Perspective
Authors: Granot Noa , Storb Rainer
Published: April 2024

HCT has evolved from a field that was declared dead in the 1960s to the amazing clinical results obtained today in the treatment of otherwise fatal blood disorders.
The EBMT: History, Present, and Future
Authors: Sureda Anna , Kröger Nicolaus , Apperley Jane , Gratwohl Alois
Published: April 2024

“Only he/she who knows the past has a future” is a proverb attributed to Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767–1835), a great historian, scientist, and philosopher (Spier, Big history and the future of humanity, Wiley, Chichester, 2015). It appears as an ideal introduction to a chapter on the history of EBMT. The context by which HCT evolved in the middle of the last century fits with modern views on history. The novel “big history” concept attempts to integrate major events in the past, beginning with the “big bang” up to today’s industrial revolution number IV (Spier, Big history and the future of humanity, Wiley, Chichester, 2015). According to this model, nothing “just happens.” Progress occurs when the conditions fit, at the right time and at the right place.
Processing, Cryopreserving, and Controlling the Quality of HSC
Authors: Wuchter Patrick
Published: April 2024

The efficiency of an autologous, as well as an allogeneic, HSC graft is mainly determined by the number of CD34+ cells present. The dose of transplanted CD34+ cells per kg body weight (bw) determines the kinetics of the neutrophil and platelet engraftment after auto-HCT (Weaver et al. Blood 86:3961–9, 1995). The measurement of CD34+ cells by flow cytometry is, therefore, an important method to assess the graft quantity and quality.
Vascular Access
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Caddeo Giulia
Published: April 2024

The central venous catheter (CVC) is a key tool for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. CVC ensures a stable, adequate, and safe venous access. The use of a CVC requires an adequate knowledge and training by health personnel to maintain its functionality and to prevent complications (malfunctioning, partial or complete occlusion, dislodgement, kinking, rupture, thrombosis, and catheter-related bloodstream infections) that can cause the premature removal of CVC or be life-threatening. The choice of CVC must consider the characteristics of the patient, the treatment plan, and the performance expected by the device.
Transfusion Support
Authors: Schrezenmeier Hubert , Körper Sixten , Höchsmann Britta , Weinstock Christof
Published: April 2024

Transfusions are an essential part of supportive care in the context of HCT. RBC and platelet concentrates (PCs) are the main blood products transfused in the peri-transplant period. Here we summarize indication for transfusion, selection of product type and immunohematological challenges in the context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
GVHD Prophylaxis
Authors: Boelens Jaap Jan , Bonifazi Francesca , Gjærde Lars Klingen , Michonneau David , Ruggeri Annalisa , Saavedra Laura , Socié Gérard
Published: April 2024

A potentially life-threatening complication of allo-HCT is graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which occurs when T-cells from the recipient recognize host antigens on healthy tissues. Despite 50 years of history and over half a million procedures performed worldwide, GVHD remains a challenging issue that physicians are facing on a daily basis.
Neurological Complications
Authors: Duléry Rémy , Schmidt-Hieber Martin , Sharrack Basil
Published: April 2024

Neurological complications of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation are frequent and often highly challenging to manage. These complications can stem from various causes, including neurotoxic drugs, infectious pathogens, cerebrovascular illness, metabolic encephalopathy, hematological disease relapse, immune-mediated disorders, thrombotic microangiopathy, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. While many of these complications are transient, a substantial subset is potentially fatal. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment, guided by a neurologist, can be crucial in reducing the risks of irreversible complications, impairment of the quality of life, and transplantation-related mortality.
Prevention and Treatment of Relapse by Drugs
Authors: Kröger Nicolaus , Gagelmann Nico
Published: April 2024

Relapse has become the most frequent cause of treatment failure after HCT (Horowitz et al. 2018). Because outcome after relapse remains poor, major efforts are focused on prevention of relapse. Beside adoptive cell-based options, such as DLI and CAR T cells, the availability of novel effective pharmacological compounds has opened new avenues in clinical research to use those drugs early after HCT in order to prevent and treat relapse (Kroger et al. 2014). The optimal pharmacological compound should have a safe toxicity profile, an antitumor effect to the underlying disease, and an immune profile which can be used to booster the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and to reduce the risk of GVHD.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults
Authors: Stelljes Matthias , Marks David I. , Giebel Sebastian
Published: April 2024

The prognosis of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia is constantly improving. Beside optimization strategies of conventional chemotherapies and close monitoring of treatment response (e.g. by PCR-based measurement of measurable disease, which helps to early identify patients at risk for relapse), the integration of antibody (e.g. anti-CD20)/antibody-based drugs (blinatumomab and inotuzumab-ozogamicin) to frontline and/or salvage therapy protocols led to significant improvements. However, allogeneic HCT still plays a fundamental role in the treatment of high-risk patients in 1st line consolidation and for patients with relapsed/refractory disease.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Baermann Ben-Niklas , Dietrich Sascha
Published: April 2024

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma, which is characterized by the chromosomal translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) and overexpression of cyclin D1 in the vast majority of cases. Most patients present with advanced stage disease often with extra-nodal dissemination. High Ki67 proliferation index (Hoster et al. 2016), blastoid histologic variant (Bernard et al. 2001), and TP53 mutations represent high-risk features at diagnosis (Eskelund et al. 2017).
Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Martínez Carmen , Bazarbachi Ali , Sureda Anna
Published: April 2024

HL is a malignancy arising from germinal centre or post-germinal centre B cells. The cancer cells form a minority of the tumour and are surrounded by a reactive inflammatory milieu comprising lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, histiocytes and plasma cells. These malignant cells can be pathognomonic, multinucleate giant cells or large mononuclear cells and, together, are referred to as Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells.
Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Alexander Tobias , Sharrack Basil , Rovira Montserrat , Saccardi Riccardo , Farge Dominique , Snowden John A. , Greco Raffaella
Published: April 2024

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases affecting 8–10% of the Western population, which constitute a heavy burden to society and are often debilitating and disabling for affected individuals. ADs are defined as an impairment of the immune system resulting in the loss of immune tolerance against self-tissues, by the existence of autoreactive T and B cells and by a complex mechanism of multifactorial aetiology, across genetics and environmental factors (Alexander and Greco 2022). Autoimmunity is also linked to autoinflammation, having common features as the activation against self, with subsequent systemic inflammation (Chap. 93).
Solid Tumours
Authors: Ladenstein Ruth , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Rosti Giovanni
Published: April 2024

In the absence of randomized prospective trials, the EBMT registry remains an important source to survey indications, outcome and clinical risk factors in patients with solid tumours treated by auto- and allo-HCT. At the end of 2022, the EBMT registry included 65,586 HCT for solid tumours in 47,221 patients, with a slight prevalence in adults compared with children (58% vs. 42%). Auto-HCT represented 97% of the total HCT, whereas allo-HCT was used in 3% of the procedures. Multiple transplants were performed in 1/3 of the cases (Table 94.1; Figs. 94.1 and 94.2) compare activity and indications between adults and children.
Women Arrive in the Parliamentary Workplace
Authors: Sawer Marian , Maley Maria
Published: April 2024

Despite achieving the right to stand for parliament, women’s role as wife and mother was expected to largely preclude political ambitions. Parliaments resisted the presence of women, even as Hansard reporters, although out of public view they filled administrative roles in the offices of parliamentarians and ministers. Politics remained a ‘two-person career’, with wives expected to contribute unpaid political support for their husbands, as well as managing family and household. The eventual inflow of younger women into parliament in the 1990s (in Australia, after the adoption of party quotas) led to a struggle to convert a masculine institution into a family-friendly one. Babies in the chamber could no longer be treated as ‘strangers’ and parental leave and childcare were needed. Women took on prominent roles in ministers’ offices, though such positions of influence could be perilous. This chapter tracks changing perspectives on the social expectations, organisational practices and institutional norms that served to exclude women from political careers or to constrain their contribution once they had arrived in parliament.
The Arrival of #MeToo Breaks the Silence
Authors: Sawer Marian , Maley Maria
Published: April 2024

International standard-setting bodies began drawing attention to the problem of bullying and sexual harassment in the parliamentary workplace even before the arrival of the #MeToo movement led to more and more women politicians and staffers speaking out. Australia was unique in what followed—large protest events around the issue of women’s safety in parliament, which helped make it an election issue. More generally, as scandal mounted, parliaments commissioned surveys to ascertain the extent of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. The surveys confirmed the prevalence of misconduct and the need for an intersectional approach to analysis and solutions. Precedents from the way financial scandals had been handled (path dependence) became important in the way Westminster parliaments responded, as did policy transfer.
Trying to Turn Parliament into a Model Workplace: UK, Canada and New Zealand
Authors: Sawer Marian , Maley Maria
Published: April 2024

The chapter describes the steps taken to reform parliamentary workplaces in the United Kingdom (UK), Canada and New Zealand. There is a particular emphasis on the history of reforms in the UK, as a first mover in the creation of independent oversight of the parliamentary workplace and a source drawn on by later reformers. The three cases demonstrate the difficulties involved in creating robust systems to tackle sexual and sexist misconduct in parliaments. Where regimes are strongly independent—as in the UK—parliamentarians may perceive them as unfair and as a challenge to parliamentary sovereignty. Where they are under the control of parliamentarians—as in Canada—they lack critical independence. In New Zealand’s case, a lack of commitment within the parliament has made constructing a standards regime difficult.
Metabolic profiling identifies Qrich2 as a novel glutamine sensor that regulates microtubule glutamylation and mitochondrial function in mouse sperm
Authors: Zhang Guohui , Guo Juncen , Yang Haoxuan , Li Qing , Ye Fei , Song Yuelin , Xiong Dongsheng , Zeng Jiuzhi , Zhi Weiwei , Yuan Shuiqiao , Lv Yunyun , Li Tongtong , Wang Yan , Liao Lu , Deng Dong , Liu Weixin , Xu Wenming
Published: April 2024

In our prior investigation, we discerned loss-of-function variants within the gene encoding glutamine-rich protein 2 (QRICH2) in two consanguineous families, leading to various morphological abnormalities in sperm flagella and male infertility. TheQrich2knockout (KO) in mice also exhibits multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) phenotype with a significantly decreased sperm motility. However, how ORICH2 regulates the formation of sperm flagella remains unclear. Abnormal glutamylation levels of tubulin cause dysplastic microtubules and flagella, eventually resulting in the decline of sperm motility and male infertility. In the current study, by further analyzing theQrich2KO mouse sperm, we found a reduced glutamylation level and instability of tubulin inQrich2KO mouse sperm flagella. In addition, we found that the amino acid metabolism was dysregulated in both testes and sperm, leading to the accumulated glutamine (Gln) and reduced glutamate (Glu) concentrations, and disorderly expressed genes responsible for Gln/Glu metabolism. Interestingly, mice fed with diets devoid of Gln/Glu phenocopied theQrich2KO mice. Furthermore, we identified several mitochondrial marker proteins that could not be correctly localized in sperm flagella, which might be responsible for the reduced mitochondrial function contributing to the reduced sperm motility inQrich2KO mice. Our study reveals a crucial role of a normal Gln/Glu metabolism in maintaining the structural stability of the microtubules in sperm flagella by regulating the glutamylation levels of the tubulin and identifiesQrich2as a possible novel Gln sensor that regulates microtubule glutamylation and mitochondrial function in mouse sperm.
A novel fatty acid analogue triggers CD36–GPR120 interaction and exerts anti-inflammatory action in endotoxemia
Authors: Boutanquoi Pierre-Marie , Khan Amira Sayed , Cabeza Lidia , Jantzen Lucas , Gautier Thomas , Yesylevskyy Semen , Ramseyer Christophe , Masson David , Van Waes Vincent , Hichami Aziz , Khan Naim Akhtar
Published: April 2024

Inflammation is a mediator of a number of chronic pathologies. We synthesized the diethyl (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-ylphosphonate, called NKS3, which decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mRNA upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) not only in primary intraperitoneal and lung alveolar macrophages, but also in freshly isolated mice lung slices. The in-silico studies suggested that NKS3, being CD36 agonist, will bind to GPR120. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays demonstrated that NKS3 induced protein–protein interaction of CD36 with GPR120in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Furthermore, NKS3, via GPR120, decreased LPS-induced activation of TAB1/TAK1/JNK pathway and the LPS-induced mRNA expression of inflammatory markers in RAW 264.7 cells. In the acute lung injury model, NKS3 decreased lung fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) production in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. NKS3 exerted a protective effect on LPS-induced remodeling of kidney and liver, and reduced circulating IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations. In a septic shock model, NKS3 gavage decreased significantly the LPS-induced mortality in mice. In the last, NKS3 decreased neuroinflammation in diet-induced obese mice. Altogether, these results suggest that NKS3 is a novel anti-inflammatory agent that could be used, in the future, for the treatment of inflammation-associated pathologies.
Accounting for residual errors in atmosphere–ocean background models applied in satellite gravimetry
Authors: Shihora Linus , Liu Zhijun , Balidakis Kyriakos , Wilms Josefine , Dahle Christoph , Flechtner Frank , Dill Robert , Dobslaw Henryk
Published: April 2024

The Atmosphere and Ocean non-tidal De-aliasing Level-1B (AOD1B) product is widely used in precise orbit determination and satellite gravimetry to correct for transient effects of atmosphere–ocean mass variability that would otherwise alias into monthly mean global gravity fields. The most recent release is based on the global ERA5 reanalysis and ECMWF operational data together with simulations from the general ocean circulation model MPIOM consistently forced with fields from the corresponding atmospheric dataset. As background models are inevitably imperfect, residual errors will consequently propagate into the resulting geodetic products. Accounting for uncertainties of the background model data in a statistical sense, however, has been shown before to be a useful approach to mitigate the impact of residual errors leading to temporal aliasing artefacts. In light of the changes made in the new release RL07 of AOD1B, previous uncertainty assessments are deemed too pessimistic and thus need to be revisited. We here present an analysis of the residual errors in AOD1B RL07 based on ensemble statistics derived from different atmospheric reanalyses, including ERA5, MERRA2 and JRA55. For the oceans, we investigate the impact of both the forced and intrinsic variability through differences in MPIOM simulation experiments. The atmospheric and oceanic information is then combined to produce a new time-series of true errors, called AOe07, which is applicable in combination with AOD1B RL07. AOe07 is further complemented by a new spatial error variance–covariance matrix. Results from gravity field recovery simulation experiments for the planned Mass-Change and Geosciences International Constellation (MAGIC) based on GFZ’s EPOS software demonstrate improvements that can be expected from rigorously implementing the newly available stochastic information from AOD1B RL07 into the gravity field estimation process.