bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite element analysis part 2 of 2: Glenohumeral bone stress distribution depends on implant configuration for anatomic and reverse stemless shoulder implants
Authors: Housset Victor , Srikumaran Umasuthan , Daudet Jean‐Marie , Fradet Léo , Bianco Rohan‐Jean , Nourissat Geoffroy
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Our purpose was to quantify stresses in the bone surrounding stemless implants in various configurations.

Methods

A detailed finite element model of the glenohumeral joint was used to simulate abduction kinematics before and after arthroplasty and to measure bone stresses around the implants. Two digital patients were simulated: one healthy and one with supraspinatus muscle impairment (deficiency). Two anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) configurations were placed in a 135° cutting plane. Two reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) configurations with cutting angles of 135° and 145° were simulated with asymmetrical and symmetrical polyethylene cups, respectively, to obtain humeral neck‐shaft angles of 145°.

Results

Compared with preoperative models, TSA preserved and RSA restored abduction kinematics. The bone mechanical stresses were located mainly around the central stud of the TSA and were more peripheral to the RSA humeral components. The RSA configuration with the 145° cutting angle and symmetrical cup generated the lowest maximal bone stress and bone volume involvement. Stresses in the scapular cortical bone were highest in the supraspinatus fossa for TSA and the crest of the acromion for RSA.

Conclusion

Early stability and glenohumeral bone stress change with implant configuration and should not be extrapolated from anatomic clinical data to reverse configurations.

Level of Evidence

Diagnostic tests or criteria; Level IV.
Evaluation of the biodegradability of hazardous industrial solid waste: Study of key parameters
Authors: Auset M. , Margarit L. , Cuadros J. , Fernández‐Ruano L. , Claramunt M. , Mundet X.
Published: September 2024

The biological stability of solid waste is one of the main problems related to the environmental impact of landfills and their long‐term emission potential. Current European legislation (European Landfill Directive, EC/99/31) introduced the need to reduce biodegradable organic compounds deposited in landfills; however, it set neither official parameters nor methods to define the stability of such a waste. In Spain, biodegradability is generally evaluated using the biological oxygen demand/chemical oxygen demand (BOD5/COD) ratio, measuring it on the leachate, thus not considering the non‐soluble fraction and therefore creating false negatives. To solve this problem, the biodegradability of hazardous industrial waste has been determined by measuring its respirometric activity (AT4). Our results show that the measure of the AT4 is independent of the enrichment with a microbial inoculum, and a sample size no higher than 20 g could be a reasonable value for a sensitive biodegradability determination. The highest respirometric index is obtained in waste with pH values between 6.5 and 10.5. Furthermore, respirometric biodegradability values are independent of traditional parameters of organic matter characterization such as BOD5/COD ratio, volatile content, and total and dissolved organic carbon. Consequently, the AT4 parameter provides new information on the composition and stability of organic matter in hazardous industrial waste. Its incorporation into pre‐disposal waste characterization protocols allows to identify waste that exceeds recommended biodegradability thresholds. This approach ensures that only waste meeting specified biodegradability standards is deposited, avoiding landfill emissions and related environmental impacts, and thereby improving the overall effectiveness and sustainability of waste management practices.
High rate of uncontrolled hypertension among adults receiving integrated HIV and hypertension care with aligned multi‐month dispensing in Malawi: results from a cross‐sectional survey and retrospective chart review
Authors: Whitehead Hannah S. , Phiri Khumbo , Kalande Pericles , van Oosterhout Joep J. , Talama George , Phiri Sam , Moucheraud Corrina , Moses Agnes , Hoffman Risa M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

People living with HIV have high rates of hypertension. Integrated HIV and hypertension care with aligned multi‐month dispensing of medications (MMD) could decrease the burden of care for individuals and health systems. We sought to describe hypertension control and evaluate its association with different durations of MMD among Malawian adults receiving integrated care with aligned dispensing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and antihypertensive medication.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey and retrospective chart review of adults (≥18 years) receiving integrated HIV and hypertension care on medications for both conditions for at least 1 year, with aligned MMD at seven clinics in Malawi. Data were collected from July 2021 to April 2022 and included socio‐demographics, clinical characteristics, antihypertensive medications and up to the three most recent blood pressure measurements. Bivariate analyses were used to characterize associations with hypertension control. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as ≥2 measurements ≥140 and/or ≥90 mmHg. Chart reviews were conducted for a random subset of participants with uncontrolled hypertension to describe antihypertensive medication adjustments in the prior year.

Results

We surveyed 459 adults receiving integrated care with aligned dispensing (58% female; median age 54 years). Individuals most commonly received a 3‐month aligned dispensing of ART and antihypertensive medications (63%), followed by every 6 months (16%) and every 4 months (15%). Hypertension control was assessed in 359 respondents, of whom only 23% had controlled hypertension; 90% of individuals in this group reported high adherence to blood pressure medications (0−1 missed days/week). Control was more common among those with longer aligned medication dispensing intervals (20% among those with 1‐ to 3‐month dispensing vs. 28% with 4‐month dispensing vs. 40% with 6‐month dispensing, p = 0.011). Chart reviews were conducted for 147 individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. Most had high self‐reported adherence to blood pressure medications (89% missing 0−1 days/week); however, only 10% had their antihypertensive medication regimen changed in the prior year.

Conclusions

Uncontrolled hypertension was common among Malawian adults receiving integrated care with aligned MMD and was associated with shorter refill intervals and few antihypertensive medication escalations. Integrated care with aligned MMD is promising, but further work is needed to understand how to optimize hypertension outcomes.
A hybrid repair strategy for full‐thickness cartilage defects: Long‐term experimental study in eight horses
Authors: Fugazzola Maria C. , De Ruijter Mylène , Veraa Stefanie , Plomp Saskia , van Buul Ward , Hermsen Gied , van Weeren René
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate a non‐resorbable implant for the focal repair of chondral defects in eight adult horses with 12‐month follow‐up. The bi‐layered construct composed of a polycarbonate‐urethane‐urea biomaterial which was printed in 3D fashion onto a bone anchor was implanted into surgically created osteochondral defects into the femoropatellar joints of eight horses. The analysis of post‐mortem outcomes were compared to defects treated with microfracture in the same animal on the contralateral femoropatellar jointfemoropatellar joint. The overall macroscopic scoring after 12 months yielded higher scores in the OCI‐treated stifles compared to MF treatment (p = 0.09) with better quality and filling of the defect. Histology revealed good anchorage of repair tissue growing into the 3D structure of the implant and histopathology scoring for adjacent native cartilage showed no difference between groups. MRI and micro‐CT showed overall less sclerotic reactions in the surrounding bone in the implant group and no foreign body reaction was detected. Biomechanical analysis of the repair tissue revealed a significantly higher peak modulus (p < 0.05) in the implant group (0.74 ± 0.45) compared to the microfracture control group (0.15 ± 0.11). Dynamic loading yielded higher values for the repair tissue overgrowing the implant group (0.23 ± 0.17) compared to the microfracture control (0.06 ± 0.06) (p < 0.05). The bi‐layered osteochondral implant provided a safe implant for focal repair of full‐thickness osteochondral defects, as no adverse reaction was seen within the joints and the level of degeneration of adjacent cartilage to the repair site was not different compared to that seen in defects treated with microfracture after 12 months.
A Novel Incident Circular Polarized Light Raman Optical Activity (ICP‐ROA) Spectrometer With Advanced Polarization Control
Authors: Hofmann Klaus , Martin Luisa , Fischer Ingo
Published: September 2024

The design and setup of a novel and simple backscatter Raman optical activity (ROA) spectrometer with incident light circular polarization (ICP) is presented, constructed from commercially available components. Incident light polarization is controlled using a combination of waveplates, compensating for unwanted birefringence and beam offsets. Realignment of the spectra in post‐processing reduced artifacts caused by spatial offsets. Spurious signals from achiral solvents like toluene and water are almost completely removed. The setup was validated by measuring references samples, including α‐pinene, carvone, and glucose in aqueous solution. The spectra show very good agreement with previously published results.
Effect of Check Dams on Sediment Concentration in a Watershed in the Loess Hilly Area During a Heavy Rain Event
Authors: Li Mian , Shen Zhenzhou , Hui Bo , Lv Xizhi , Yang Er , Ma Li , Ni Yongxin , Bao Hongzhe
Published: September 2024

Understanding the changes of sediment concentration in rivers, especially under heavy rains, is of great significance to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of soil and water conservation measures in the Loess Hilly Area. On July 26, 2017, an extremely heavy rain (maximum rain intensity of 66.6 mm/h, the highest rainfall of 256.8 mm in 10 h, and a return period of 100 years) occurred over the 821 km2 Xiaoli River watershed in the Wuding River watershed. In order to understand the sediment concentration during the heavy rain event, 10 dam‐controlled catchments in the center of the rainstorm (3 in the Xiaoli River watershed and 7 in its adjacent watersheds) without drainage and damage were selected. All the retained runoff and sediment in the check dams were measured by the cross‐sectional survey according to the flood marks left by the heavy rain. Combined with the observed runoff and sediment transport data by the hydrological station at the outlet of the Xiaoli River watershed as well as the deposited sediment investigated in the watershed during the heavy rain event, the change of sediment concentration and the role of check dam were analyzed. Results showed that under heavy rain, all the sediment concentrations of runoff in the dam‐controlled catchments ranged from 344 to 552 kg/m3, suggesting that the sediment retaining effect of slope measures (woodland, grassland, and terrace) is limited and cannot prevent the occurrence of hyperconcentrated flows. The gully measures (check dams) in the Xiaoli River watershed can hold a large amount of sediment under heavy rain and make the runoff no longer a hyperconcentrated flow at the watershed outlet. In order to control the transport of hyperconcentrated flows to the downstream, more attention should be paid to the construction of check dams while carrying out vegetation ecological construction in the Loess Hilly Area.
Sunlight‐Activated Eu2+‐Doped Red Persistent Luminescence Material for Night‐Vision Signage, Anti‐Counterfeiting and Location Detection
Authors: Huo Xiaoxue , Wang Zhijun , Meng Xue , Zhou Mingxin , Wang Yu , Suo Hao , Li Panlai
Published: September 2024

Persistent luminescence materials have been widely studied due to their excellent optical properties. However, they can only be activated by UV light; in other words, the charging method for these phosphors is limited. In fact, materials that can continuously emit light when exposed to sunlight are highly sought after for their potential to reduce energy consumption. Warm‐colored persistent luminescence materials are particularly useful for information storage, security marking, and preventing counterfeiting. Nevertheless, creating effective warm‐color persistent luminescence materials that are activated by sunlight remains a challenging task. To address this issue, novel daylight‐activated red persistent luminescence materials, Gd3‐xCax‐0.02GaO6:0.02Eu2+ (x = 0.3 ‐ 0.7) are explored. The material can be effectively activated by sunlight under all weather conditions, as well as by bright light from indoor lamps, mobile phone screens, and any form of visible light. Moreover, it possesses excellent water resistance. The process of electron trapping and release within the material is investigated through thermoluminescence experiments, photoluminescence spectra, and persistent luminescence spectra. Importantly, this phosphor has been demonstrated for various applications, including night vision marking, anti‐counterfeiting, optical information storage, and positioning, among others.
Polymer Single‐Chain Nanoparticles: Shaping Solid Surfactants
Authors: Li Shuailong , Sun Shuyi , Luo Jiaqiu , Xia Zhiqin , Wang Yaxin , Russell Thomas P. , Shi Shaowei , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: September 2024

Polymer single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) have found a wide range of applications spanning catalysts, sensors and nanomedicine. The generation of structured SCNPs from star‐shaped polymers with diverse architectures and functionalities affords a new avenue to expand the emerging research area. The large‐scale synthesis of structured SCNPs is described by the electrostatics‐mediated intramolecular crosslinking of three types of 3‐armed star‐shaped polymers (T‐P4VP, T‐PS‐b‐P4VP, and T‐P4VP‐b‐PS), whose configuration is tunable from spherical to cage‐shaped to dumbbell‐shaped and star‐shaped. The structured SCNPs are amphiphilic and can be used as solid surfactants to stabilize different types of emulsions.
Carbon emission constraint: A catalyst for the shift from real economy to financialization?
Authors: Liu Xinglin
Published: September 2024

The goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality have gained significant attention in China. Carbon‐intensive corporates are tasked with decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions. This research examines their potential for financialization based on the compulsory fulfillment requirement of carbon emission allowances and the emission‐free characteristics of financial assets. This research finds that carbon emission policy significantly promotes corporates to allocate more capital toward business operations in the real economy. It leads to an increase in capacity utilization efficiency and profitability for the main business. The findings support that the policy has a positive impact on the real economy.
Solvability of a sixth‐order boundary value problem with multi‐point and multi‐term integral boundary conditions
Authors: Haddouchi Faouzi , Houari Nourredine
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a sixth‐order differential equation involving nonlocal and integral boundary conditions. Firstly, we obtain the properties of the relevant Green's functions. The existence result of at least one nontrivial solution is obtained by applying the Krasnoselskii–Zabreiko fixed point theorem. Moreover, we also establish the existence of unique solution to the considered problem via Hölder and Minkowski inequalities and Rus's theorem. Finally, two numerical examples are included to show the applicability of our main results.
Natural polymers for emerging technological applications: cellulose, lignin, shellac and silk
Authors: Irimia‐Vladu Mihai , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar
Published: September 2024

In an effort to stave off the growth of electronic waste (e‐waste) that poses a critical environmental dilemma, scientists often look into nature as an unending inspirational pool of materials and chemical processes that ensure functionality, performance and safe dissolution at the end of life cycle. This short review highlights only four organic polymer materials of natural origin (i.e. cellulose, lignin, shellac and silk) from the very large pool of natural (bio)polymeric materials and looks not only into the recent developments at the industrial scale but also into the emerging niche applications of these materials, while highlighting their implementation into electronics and sensor development. This review exemplifies that natural polymeric materials have great potential for the development of eco‐friendly electronics, in other words the class of industrial products that has carefully considered the important issues of biocompatibility, biodegradability (even compostability), cost of production and energy expanded in production (i.e. the carbon footprint). © 2024 The Author(s). Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Early implementation of MAK robotic device in total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Barquín‐Santos E. , Cumplido‐Trasmonte C. , Gor‐García‐Fogeda M. D. , Plaza‐Flores A. , López‐Morón A. L. , Fernández Roemi , García‐Armada E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Effective rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial for enhancing both range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes. While robotics has demonstrated its potential in various medical contexts, the evidence on its application in TKA rehabilitation is still scarce. The marsi active knee (MAK), a robotic device that has already proven to be safe and beneficial in people with neurological disease, has been tested to facilitate the rehabilitation of TKA patients.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the safety, patient satisfaction, and clinical impact of integrating the MAK into an early rehabilitation regimen for TKA patients.

Methods

The intervention comprised 14 one‐hour sessions administered thrice a week, utilizing the MAK within 48 h post‐TKA surgery. The rehabilitation sessions incorporated exercises involving passive mobilizations, sit‐to‐stand transitions, and gait training. Comprehensive data encompassing safety parameters, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes were meticulously collected and analyzed.

Results

Six participants successfully completed the rehabilitation protocol with the MAK device. Notably, no significant adverse events were documented. Application of the device corresponded to perceptible reductions in self‐reported pain levels. Vital signs remained within minimal variance pre‐ and post‐rehabilitation. Participants proficiently engaged in all assisted exercises facilitated by the device, culminating in a high overall satisfaction rating of 4.6 ± 0.5 out of 5.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the MAK device exhibits a commendable level of safety while obtaining considerable patient satisfaction during the early rehabilitation phase following TKA, suggesting this device may be a reliable adjunct to TKA protocols.
Monitoring of plant diseases caused by Fusarium commune and Rhizoctonia solani in bok choy using hyperspectral remote sensing and machine learning
Authors: Nguyen Derrick Hoang Danh , Tan Arinah Jing Hui , Lee Ronjin , Lim Wei Feng , Wong Jia Yih , Suhaimi Fadhlina
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Local vegetable production is susceptible to various fungal pathogens, the most common and lethal of which are Fusarium commune and Rhizoctonia solani. Early detection of these pathogens is challenging, and by the time visual symptoms appear, the pathogens may have already spread extensively, causing massive damage to the production. In this study, we explored the use of hyperspectral data for early detection of diseases caused by F. commune or R. solani in bok choy Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis by collecting hyperspectral data from healthy plants and plants inoculated with either fungal pathogen in a controlled experimental set‐up.

RESULTS

Based on the collected data, we employed various tree‐based, distribution‐based, geometric, neural networks and ensemble learning algorithms to train detection models. Among the trained models, Multi‐Layer Perceptron (MLP) models performed the best with overall accuracy reaching 95.9 ± 0.26%. MLP models could differentiate between healthy and infected plants with 99% precision after 1 day of infection, and distinguish between different fungal pathogens with 99% precision after 2 days. During this period, no visible symptoms of fungal infection could be observed. Further analysis into trained MLP models and general reflectance profiles of plants also revealed a high correlation of the spectral regions 445–460, 560–595, 606–620 and 719–728 nm with fungal infection in bok choy plants.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the potential of hyperspectral imaging as a highly precise early detection tool for fungal diseases in plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Geniposidic Acid Attenuates Chronic Tubulointerstitial Nephropathy Through Regulation of the NF‐ƙB/Nrf2 Pathway Via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling
Authors: Wang Yan‐Ni , Li Xiao‐Jun , Wang Wen‐Feng , Zou Liang , Miao Hua , Zhao Ying‐Yong
Published: September 2024

Renal fibrosis is an outcome of chronic kidney disease, independent of the underlying etiology. Renal fibrosis is caused primarily by oxidative stress and inflammation. We identified the components of Plantaginis semen and elucidated their anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms. The renoprotective components and underlying molecular mechanisms of P. semen were investigated in rats with adenine‐induced chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy (TIN) and in idole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA)–stimulated NRK‐52E cells. Acetate and n‐butanol extracts were found to be the bioactive fractions of P. semen. A total of 65 compounds including geniposidic acid (GPA), apigenin (APG), and acteoside (ATS) were isolated and identified. Among the seven main extract components, treatment with GPA, APG, and ATS reduced the serum levels of creatinine and urea in TIN rats. Mechanistically, GPA ameliorated renal fibrosis through repressing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling and regulating redox signaling including inhibiting proinflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐ƙB) and its target gene products as well as activated antioxidative nuclear factor‐erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target gene products in both TIN rats and IAA‐stimulated NRK‐52E cells. The inhibitory effect of GPA on AHR, NF‐Ƙb, and Nrf2 signaling were partially abolished in IAA‐stimulated NRK‐52E cells treated with CH223191 compared with untreated IAA‐stimulated NRK‐52E cells. These data demonstrated that GPA alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation partly by suppressing AHR signaling.
Strategic intentions of higher education for sustainable development goals: Qualitative evidence from universities in Türkiye
Authors: Göçoğlu Volkan
Published: September 2024

Although the literature on the role of higher education in sustainable development is extensive, a notable gap remains in universities' intentions to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the contexts they pay attention to, and the measurement tools they use in different country samples. Aiming to contribute to this gap with the sample of Türkiye, a country with minimal progress on SDG reporting, this study conducts a three‐tiered content analysis on 121 state universities' strategic plans. The prominent results show that universities in the country prioritize SDGs 8, 16, 9, 11, and 4, with 40% or higher proportions. Besides, there exists a lack of strategic targets set by any universities for SDGs 1, 10, 12, 14, and 17. While most universities pay attention to sustainability on institutional and societal aspects, with 45% or higher proportions, environmental concerns are determined to be low, and there exists a high diversity among the measurement tools with 12 types, with all 30% or lower proportions. The results present supportive evidence from Türkiye to the existing literature, particularly on Western countries' SDG prioritization, and thus, to the insight that the similarities and differences in SDG prioritization in different countries samples emerge from the geographical and regional affinities rather than educational levels. Finally, the need to promote and foster SDG reporting initiatives to make universities' SDG contributions more systematic and consistent appears to be a critical managerial implication for Turkish higher education.
Prebiotic Environmental Conditions Impact the Type of Iron‐Sulfur Cluster Formed
Authors: Valer Luca , Hu Yin Juan , Cini Alberto , Lantieri Marco , Walton Craig R. , Shorttle Oliver , Fittipaldi Maria , Mansy Sheref S.
Published: September 2024

Iron‐sulfur clusters are ancient cofactors that could have played a role in the prebiotic chemistry leading to the emergence of protometabolism. Previous research has shown that certain iron‐sulfur clusters can form from prebiotically plausible components, such as cysteine‐containing oligopeptides. However, it is unclear if these iron‐sulfur clusters could have survived in prebiotically plausible environments. To begin exploring this possibility, we tested the stability of iron‐sulfur clusters coordinated to a tripeptide and to N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine methyl ester in a variety of solutions meant to mimic prebiotically plausible environments. We also assessed the impact of individual chemical components on stability. We find that iron‐sulfur clusters form over a wide variety of conditions but that the type of iron‐sulfur cluster formed is strongly impacted by the chemical environment and the coordinating scaffold. These findings support the general hypothesis that iron‐sulfur clusters were present on the prebiotic Earth and that different types of iron‐sulfur cluster predominated in different environments.
Ultrasound‐assisted minimally invasive technique for tissue collection from bovine mammary glands
Authors: Vang Alysia L. , Frizzarini Waneska S. , Webster Haylee H. , Cunha Thiago O. , Nelson Kathryn M. , Dorea Joao R. R. , Hernandez Laura L.
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

The objective of this case report was to describe an ultrasound‐guided, minimally invasive method for longitudinal mammary gland tissue collection from the bovine species.

Materials and Methods

Biopsies were performed on 14 8‐week‐old calves and 113 10‐week‐old calves. A subset of 36 animals had repeated mammary gland biopsies through the first lactation. Mammary gland biopsies were performed using a disposable biopsy punch. The technique was also performed on multiparous cows on other independent research trials.

Results

One‐hundred and thirteen animals healed from the 10‐week biopsies with no complications. Of the 36 animals that received repeated biopsies, one developed mastitis due to premature suture removal and one had recurring mastitis in all quarters. Thirty‐three animals underwent all biopsies during gestation. Thirty of the original 36 are currently in lactation and still undergoing repeated biopsies. The method has also been successfully replicated on multiparous cows in separate studies.

Discussion and Conclusion

The described technique is a safe, reliable method for cattle mammary gland biopsies beginning at eight weeks of age and can be utilized to obtain repeated tissue collection from individual animals. The technique is also straightforward to perform and utilizes simple tools while providing acceptable amounts of tissue for most applications, with low risk for infection and long‐term tissue damage.
Shouldice versus Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pompeu Bernardo Fontel , Pasqualotto Eric , Marcolin Patrícia , Delgado Lucas Monteiro , Pigossi Beatriz D’Andrea , Leme Luís Fernando Paes , Melland‐Smith Megan , Poli de Figueiredo Sergio Mazzola
Published: September 2024

Background

The Lichtenstein technique is the standard treatment for adult open inguinal hernia repair. Among the non‐mesh repair techniques, Shouldice has shown the best results and is comparable to mesh repairs in selected cases. Due to the risk of chronic groin pain associated with the Lichtenstein technique, Shouldice has increased in popularity, and some surgeons have adopted it as a viable first‐line option.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane, Central Register of Clinical Trials, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until February 2024. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random‐effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics with p‐values <0.10 and I2 > 25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using R Software, version 4.1.2.

Results

Fourteen RCTs comprising 2784 patients were included, of whom 1379 (47.5%) were submitted to the Shouldice hernia repair and 1513 (52.5%) to the Lichtenstein technique. Shouldice was associated with a significant increase in the recurrence rate (4.2% vs. 0.9%; RR 3.68; 95% CI 2.05–6.60; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) compared with Lichtenstein. The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one Shouldice recurrence was 30.3. There were no significant differences between groups in chronic pain, urinary retention, bladder injury, testicular atrophy, wound infection, hematoma–seroma, or hypesthesia.

Conclusion

The Lichtenstein technique was associated with reduced recurrence rates compared with Shouldice in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. However, the overall recurrence rate with the Shouldice technique was still low (4.2%), suggesting that it may be a viable option in selected patients.
Toward a Phenomenology of Media
Authors: Płotka Witold
Published: September 2024

In his aesthetics, as shown in Chap. 8, Blaustein formulated a sophisticated theory of the aesthetic experience and the aesthetic object. However, the value of his approach was evidenced not only by theoretical examinations but also by detailed and rich descriptions of different aesthetic phenomena. Whereas in the previous chapter I was interested in the basics of Blaustein’s aesthetic theory, the present chapter concerns its concrete applications; more precisely, I will outline his phenomenology of media as an example of the application of descriptive tools in the analysis of cinema and radio experiences. In doing so, I want to discuss Paul Majkut’s thesis that “[p]henomenological media studies begin with Roman Ingarden’s investigations into the ontology of a literary work, but extensions of ideas that were confirmed to print media are easily made to other media.” I attempt to show that Majkut did not take into account Blaustein’s contribution to the field, which was developed in the same period as Ingarden’s theory and which (contrary to Ingarden) directly addressed media (film and radio) experiences. Blaustein’s input was noticed by, for instance, Jan Czerkawski (together with Antoni B. Stępień and Stanisław Wielgus), Zofia Rosińska, Wioletta Miskiewicz, Jagna Brudzińska and, more recently, by Joanna Pluta. Czerkawski et al. called Blaustein “a pioneer in psychology pertaining to film and radio.” In this vein, Rosińska and Pluta also described him as a “pioneer” in studies on the reception of media and its influence on the human mind. Miskiewicz noted that Blaustein “[…] kept an active interest for research in […] media communication” and his research “[…] anticipated (with great subtlety) many theories, such as Wollheim’s ‘seeing-in’ in aesthetic theory and McLuhan’s ‘the medium is the message’ well known in media study.” In her text on aisthēsis and phantasma, Brudzińska identified Blaustein as the author of the “[…] first phenomenological theory of media,” in which he analyzed “[…] the mediating function of imaginative consciousness.” These views require a brief comment.
Meet XLM-RLnews-8: Not Just Another Sentiment Analysis Model
Authors: Di Nuovo Elisa , Cartier Emmanuel , De Longueville Bertrand
Published: September 2024

Although automatic sentiment analysis has been widely studied in the past decade, multilingualism remains an issue impairing real-life applications. This paper describes the development and evaluation of XLM-RLnews-8, a model based on XLM-RoBERTa-Large, domain-adapted using a novel dataset of multilingual news articles and fine-tuned for the tripartite sentiment analysis task. In addition, it provides a quantitative analysis of the Unified Multilingual Sentiment Analysis Benchmark, the dataset used for the fine-tuning and the in-domain evaluation. The model is also out-of-domain evaluated, on the IMDb dataset and a new multilingual news headlines silver dataset, and its performance is compared with current State-of-the-Art multilingual models. Models, notebooks and datasets developed for this publication are available at https://github.com/ElisaDiNuovo/XLM-RLnews-8/.
Probability Analysis Method of Seismic Response for Earth-Rockfill Dams
Authors: Xu Bin , Pang Rui
Published: September 2024

Seismic response probabilistic analysis for earth-rock dams is a crucial step in performance-based seismic safety evaluation. It represents a significant transition from deterministic analysis to stochastic analysis. To conduct such an analysis, it's essential to thoroughly consider the uncertainties associated with the seismic response of earth-rock dams and select appropriate and effective probabilistic analysis methods. In the following, the uncertainties present in the seismic response of earth-rock dams and the primary probabilistic analysis methods will be briefly outlined. Additionally, the theoretical foundation and solution procedures of these methods will be briefly introduced. This will establish the theoretical groundwork for subsequent analyses of stochastic dynamic responses and performance-based seismic safety evaluations for high concrete faced rockfill dams.
Clinical Cancer Research in the UAE
Authors: Ganesan Subhashini , Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Mostafa Mohamed , Zaher Walid Abbas
Published: September 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has cancer as the third leading cause of death. This chapter features clinical research in oncology, focusing on clinical trials in the UAE. Based on the last 10 years of data, the number of cancer-based clinical trials registered in the UAE is thin on the ground, which signifies the need for initiating clinical research on cancers specific to the Emirati population to strengthen evidence that can guide screening, diagnosis, and treatment policies.
Genomic Medicine in Cancer Care in the UAE
Authors: Khan Faraz A. , El Khoury Maroun
Published: September 2024

Health care in the United Arab Emirates has been undergoing rapid transformation over the last few years, with a number of new centers providing comprehensive cancer care. Utilization of genomics in cancer care has also increased, but local facilities and expertise in testing have been limited. However, with recent initiatives like the Emirati Genome Project and collaboration with local universities, there is hope that this will also facilitate expanding its use in cancer care. Many barriers remain to the optimal utilization of genomics in cancer care in the UAE that require frameworks with government, regulatory, and institutional support.
Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk in the UAE
Authors: Sakr Rita A. , Ghazal Hassan
Published: September 2024

Hereditary cancers are estimated to account for 10% of all cancers. Clinical genetics initially provided genetic testing to cancer patients and/or those with a strong family history of cancer. Hereditary cancer gene testing became more widely available as a result of research into inherited genes and the revolutionary development of genetic testing technologies. As a result, testing has been expanded to include medical specialties other than clinical genetics. The increased testing rate resulted in the identification of more patients with pathogenic mutations, but it also resulted in a very high detection rate of variants of uncertain significance, which can cause further confusion among families and distress in patients. Therefore, a crucial suggestion would be that multigene testing should be considered only after proper evaluation for clinical suspicion of hereditary cancer susceptibility, which would be best offered by clinical genetics and/or doctors trained in oncogenetics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Oncology in the UAE
Authors: Shaikh Khalid , Bekal Sreelekshmi
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in every aspect of life. It has deeply permeated various fields and ignited tremendous enthusiasm due to its potential to greatly improve people’s quality of life. In recent decades, AI has regained popularity and gained confidence across all dimensions of healthcare and research. There has been a remarkable increase in the application of AI in these domains, aiming to enhance early disease detection, accurate diagnosis, the development of effective therapies, and overall clinical outcomes. This surge is driven by the exponential rise in global cancer cases and the accompanying vast amount of data, for which AI serves as a potent panacea. This chapter provides an overview of the fundamental principles of AI and learning algorithms. It explores the novel applications of AI in cancer-related image analysis, precision oncology, genomics, clinical research, drug discovery, and more, with a specific emphasis on AI-based cancer care in the UAE. Additionally, it sheds light on the challenges that AI encounters in fully realizing its potential and presents future directions toward achieving AI-integrated oncology.
Cancer Care in the UAE
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Abyad Amin M.
Published: September 2024

Cancer mortality has been the fifth leading cause of death in the UAE in 2021. Over the last 40 years, cancer care in the UAE has advanced dramatically, from a single center in Al Ain in 1981 to more than 30 cancer centers and clinics across the country today, with at least four comprehensive cancer centers. Despite the significant advances in patient care, quality control across the UAE still needs to be improved, with marked variation in cancer care across the different centers. Access to clinical trials is still highly restricted due to a deficiency of expertise and research infrastructure. Education and training are other fields for improvement that require immediate intervention, and, in this review, we attempt to discuss these critical aspects for the different stakeholders to consider improving cancer care in the UAE. Programs for early cancer detection and screening are still developing in the UAE. There is also a need to enhance screening, tackle its barriers, and consider less invasive screening (ex-approved blood-based screening), which might be more likely to be acceptable to the UAE population. In this review, we are also addressing new topics that have not been addressed earlier, including oncology medical tourism, psycho-oncology, onco-fertility, precision oncology, survivorship, oncology nursing, a cancer support program, and the response of the oncology sector to the COVID-19 pandemic, to summarize the UAE’s current cancer landscape. Finally, we provide our recommendations to the different stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, payers, patient advocacy groups, and the national oncology community, for the delivery and further planning of the intended high-quality cancer care. These recommendations are in line with the UAE government’s vision to cut down on cancer-related mortality and provide high-quality healthcare for all UAE citizens and residents.
Genitourinary Malignancies in the UAE
Authors: Shahait Mohammed , Al-Qudah Hosam , Mula-Hussain Layth , Abu-Gheida Ibrahim H. , Alkasab Thamir , Thwaini Ali , Madi Rabii , Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Tirmazy Syed Hammad , Mukherji Deborah
Published: September 2024

The incidence of GU malignancies, specifically prostate cancer, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to rise in the coming decade due to changing population demographics and an aging population. There is an urgent need to establish population-based screening for prostate cancer, improve public awareness of the symptoms of GU malignancies, and control tobacco use. In general, patients have access to sub-specialist multidisciplinary care, the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities, and recently approved systemic therapies. Our recommendations include strengthening the UAE cancer registry to include treatment outcome data, adherence to recognized national and international guidelines, multidisciplinary sub-specialist care for all patients regardless of location or financial resources, and promotion of context-specific research collaboration.
Sarcoma in the UAE
Authors: Al-Awadhi Aydah , Berdel Philipp
Published: September 2024

Soft tissue sarcoma is an uncommon and rare type of malignancy in adults, accounting for approximately 2% of all malignancies. The most common primary malignant bone tumors are osteosarcomas and tumors of the Ewing sarcoma group. The 2020 WHO Classification of Tumors—Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors (BS) and (STS) encompasses roughly 100 distinct pathologic entities, many of which are ultrarare (incidence 1 per million). Due to the rarity of the disease, there is limited information on STS and bone sarcomas in the UAE. In this chapter, we aim to shed light on all available published data on sarcoma in the UAE and discuss available services for STS and bone tumors, as well as the unmet needs.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) in the UAE
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Abyad Amin M. , Kanakande Kandy Zainul Aaabideen , George Biju , Dar-Yahya Mohammed , Kaloyannidis Panayotis , El-Saddik Amro , Rana Shabeeha , Khalil Charbel
Published: September 2024

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was not available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until July 2020, when the first adult HSCT was done in Abu Dhabi by the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center. HSCT is increasingly indicated for various non-malignant and malignant diseases. In the UAE, adults and pediatric patients that could benefit from HSCT were commonly travelling abroad for such procedures, with the associated cost, logistics of travel, delay in delivering HSCT, and social challenges of spending an extended period of time outside the UAE. In this chapter, we will highlight the progress of HSCT services in the UAE and also share our experiences and lessons learned during the establishment of a comprehensive pediatric and adult HSCT service in the UAE that is designed to cater for UAE citizens and residents as well as those in neighboring countries facing similar HSCT accessibility challenges.
Cardiac metastasis in uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Simek I.-M. , Sturdza A. , Knoth J. , Spannbauer A , Bergler-Klein J. , Vögele-Kadletz M. , Widder J. , Schmid M. P.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Cardiac metastasis from cervical cancer is rare and only scarcely documented. We aim to present a new case and systematically summarize the available literature.

Materials and methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria. Results were screened via title, abstract, and full text. Additionally, the reference lists of all papers chosen for the review were screened.

Results

Eighty-one papers were identified, describing 86 cases in total. Cardiac metastasis occurred at all stages of cervical cancer and in all age groups. Median time from initial diagnosis to diagnosis of cardiac metastasis was 12 months. Patients mainly complained of dyspnea and chest pain, 60.8% had pathologic ECG (electrocardiographic) findings. The cardiac mass was most frequently detected by transthoracic echography. The most common tumor histology was squamous cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy and surgical interventions were the main treatment modalities. Median survival after diagnosis of cardiac metastasis was 3 months.

Conclusion

This largest review on cardiac metastases from cervical cancer confirmed the heart as a very infrequent site of metastasis. There are < 100 cases described in the literature, with very poor prognosis and undefined clinical management.
TBI related death has become the new epidemic in polytrauma: a 10-year prospective cohort analysis in severely injured patients
Authors: van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , Benders Kim E. M. , Leenen Luke P. H. , Hietbrink Falco
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Advances in trauma care have attributed to a decrease in mortality and change in cause of death. Consequently, exsanguination and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have become the most common causes of death. Exsanguination decreased by early hemorrhage control strategies, whereas TBI has become a global health problem. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in injury severity,physiology, treatment and mortality in the last decade.

Methods

In 2014, a prospective cohort study was started including consecutive severely injured trauma patients > 15 years admitted to a Level-1 Trauma Center ICU. Demographics, physiology, resuscitation, and outcome parameters were prospectively collected.

Results

Five hundred and seventy-eight severely injured patients with predominantly blunt injuries (94%) were included. Seventy-two percent were male with a median age of 46 (28–61) years, and ISS of 29 (22–38). Overall mortality rate was 18% (106/578) with TBI (66%, 70/106) being the largest cause of death. Less than 1% (5/578) died of exsanguination. Trend analysis of the 10-year period revealed similar mortality rates despite an ISS increase in the last 2 years. No significant differences in demographics,and physiology in ED were noted. Resuscitation strategy changed to less crystalloids and more FFP. Risk factors for mortality were age, brain injury severity, base deficit, hypoxia, and crystalloid resuscitation.

Discussion

TBI was the single largest cause of death in severely injured patients in the last decade. With an aging population TBI will increase and become the next epidemic in trauma. Future research should focus on brain injury prevention and decreasing the inflammatory response in brain tissue causing secondary damage, as was previously done in other parts of the body.
Cognitive imperialism in artificial intelligence: counteracting bias with indigenous epistemologies
Authors: Ofosu-Asare Yaw
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a novel methodology for integrating indigenous knowledge systems into AI development to counter cognitive imperialism and foster inclusivity. By critiquing the dominance of Western epistemologies and highlighting the risks of bias, the authors argue for incorporating diverse epistemologies. The proposed framework outlines a participatory approach that includes indigenous perspectives, ensuring AI benefits all. The methodology draws from AI ethics, indigenous studies, and postcolonial theory, emphasizing co-creation with indigenous communities, ethical protocols for indigenous data governance, and adaptation of AI algorithms. Case studies in natural language processing, content moderation, and healthcare demonstrate the methodology’s effectiveness and importance. By offering a concrete methodology for decolonizing AI, this paper contributes significantly to AI ethics and social justice, providing a roadmap for equitable, culturally respectful AI.