bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A close examination of BCRP's role in lactation and methods for predicting drug distribution into milk
Authors: Sychterz Caroline , Shen Hong , Zhang Yueping , Sinz Michael , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Schmidt Brian J. , Gaohua Lu , Galetin Aleksandra
Published: September 2024

Breastfeeding is the most complete nutritional method of feeding infants, but several impediments affect the decision to breastfeed, including questions of drug safety for medications needed during lactation. Despite recent FDA guidance, few labels provide clear dosing advice during lactation. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) is well suited to mechanistically explore pharmacokinetics and dosing paradigms to fill gaps in the absence of extensive clinical studies and complement existing real‐world data. For lactation‐focused PBPK (Lact‐PBPK) models, information on system parameters (e.g., expression of drug transporters in mammary epithelial cells) is sparse. The breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is expressed on the apical side of mammary epithelial cells where it actively transports drugs/substrates into milk (reported milk: plasma ratios range from 2 to 20). A critical review of BCRP and its role in lactation was conducted. Longitudinal changes in BCRP mRNA expression have been identified in women with a maximum reached around 5 months postpartum. Limited data are available on the ontogeny of BCRP in infant intestine; however, data indicate lower BCRP abundance in infants compared to adults. Current status of incorporation of drug transporter information in Lact‐PBPK models to predict active secretion of drugs into breast milk and consequential exposure of breast‐fed infants is discussed. In addition, this review highlights novel clinical tools for evaluation of BCRP activity, namely a potential non‐invasive BCRP biomarker (riboflavin) and liquid biopsy that could be used to quantitatively elucidate the role of this transporter without the need for administration of drugs and to inform Lact‐PBPK models.
Relationship between vertical variation of cloud microphysical properties and thickness of the entrainment interfacial layer in Physics of Stratocumulus Top stratocumulus clouds
Authors: La Inyeob , Yum Seong Soo
Published: September 2024

This study examines the vertical variations of cloud microphysics and their correlation with the thickness of the entrainment interfacial layer (EIL) in stratocumulus clouds, observed in the Physics of Stratocumulus Top (POST) aircraft measurement campaign. From the mixing fraction analysis, we identified EIL between the free atmosphere and cloud top for all 15 POST flights, and found that EIL thickness significantly influenced the vertical variation of cloud microphysics and thermodynamics. In several flights, a trend toward stronger homogeneous mixing traits with increasing depth from the cloud top was found, indicative of the vertical movement of mixed (i.e., entrainment‐affected and diluted) parcels. However, in one flight, this trend was limited to the middle part of the cloud only, with the correlation between virtual potential temperature and liquid water content being strongly negative near the cloud top, suggesting limited downward movement of mixed parcels. Another important finding is that there was a robust negative correlation between long‐wave cooling rate near the cloud top and EIL thickness, highlighting differences in radiative cooling rates between mixed and unmixed parcels due to differences in liquid water content between them. These insightful findings will be crucial for enhancing our understanding of the role of EIL in modulating entrainment and the vertical movement of mixed parcels in stratocumulus clouds.
Cross‐administrative solutions for sustainable development: The case of the Watertown Hub
Authors: Zhai Jun , Shen Jiamin , Ge Nannan
Published: September 2024

Water‐abundant regions face challenges due to urbanization and development, which pose threats to local water networks and the environment. Fragmented water network management and administrative boundaries hinder cross‐administrative collaboration and ecological conservation. This study presents a framework centered around the “Watertown Hub” concept, which focuses on integrated ecological and green development, fostering multifunctional, shared spaces for coordinated management in the Watertown region of the Yangtze River Delta, China. By leveraging landscape infrastructure and ecological sensitivity assessment, shared spaces are established beyond administrative boundaries, promoting cross‐administrative coordination, management, and resource integration. The approach effectively balances the protection of basin ecology and economic development, mitigates water system fragmentation, and addresses environmental concerns. It enhances regional communication, connectivity, and sustainability. Although the focus is on China's Jiangnan region, this research provides insights applicable to other water‐rich areas in South Asia and beyond, fostering cross‐administrative ecological coordination and sustainable development amidst urbanization pressures.
Transportability of model‐based estimands in evidence synthesis
Authors: Remiro‐Azócar Antonio
Published: September 2024

In evidence synthesis, effect modifiers are typically described as variables that induce treatment effect heterogeneity at the individual level, through treatment‐covariate interactions in an outcome model parametrized at such level. As such, effect modification is defined with respect to a conditional measure, but marginal effect estimates are required for population‐level decisions in health technology assessment. For noncollapsible measures, purely prognostic variables that are not determinants of treatment response at the individual level may modify marginal effects, even where there is individual‐level treatment effect homogeneity. With heterogeneity, marginal effects for measures that are not directly collapsible cannot be expressed in terms of marginal covariate moments, and generally depend on the joint distribution of conditional effect measure modifiers and purely prognostic variables. There are implications for recommended practices in evidence synthesis. Unadjusted anchored indirect comparisons can be biased in the absence of individual‐level treatment effect heterogeneity, or when marginal covariate moments are balanced across studies. Covariate adjustment may be necessary to account for cross‐study imbalances in joint covariate distributions involving purely prognostic variables. In the absence of individual patient data for the target, covariate adjustment approaches are inherently limited in their ability to remove bias for measures that are not directly collapsible. Directly collapsible measures would facilitate the transportability of marginal effects between studies by: (1) reducing dependence on model‐based covariate adjustment where there is individual‐level treatment effect homogeneity or marginal covariate moments are balanced; and (2) facilitating the selection of baseline covariates for adjustment where there is individual‐level treatment effect heterogeneity.
Nonparametric Biomarker Based Treatment Selection With Reproducibility Data
Authors: Byers Sara , Song Xiao
Published: September 2024

We consider evaluating biomarkers for treatment selection under assay modification. Survival outcome, treatment, and Affymetrix gene expression data were attained from cancer patients. Consider migrating a gene expression biomarker to the Illumina platform. A recent novel approach allows a quick evaluation of the migrated biomarker with only a reproducibility study needed to compare the two platforms, achieved by treating the original biomarker as an error‐contaminated observation of the migrated biomarker. However, its assumptions of a classical measurement error model and a linear predictor for the outcome may not hold. Ignoring such model deviations may lead to sub‐optimal treatment selection or failure to identify effective biomarkers. To overcome such limitations, we adopt a nonparametric logistic regression to model the relationship between the event rate and the biomarker, and the deduced marker‐based treatment selection is optimal. We further assume a nonparametric relationship between the migrated and original biomarkers and show that the error‐contaminated biomarker leads to sub‐optimal treatment selection compared to the error‐free biomarker. We obtain the estimation via B‐spline approximation. The approach is assessed by simulation studies and demonstrated through application to lung cancer data.
Anchoring Bimetal Zinc–Aluminum Sites on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Catalyst for Efficient Conversion of CO2 Into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Li Wanchang , Wang Shuo , Huang Yifei , Fan Limao , Zhang Lei , Huang Kai
Published: September 2024

The design and synthesis of efficient carbon‐based materials incorporating multifunctional sites is prospective technology for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into high‐value chemicals. Here, nitrogen‐doped carbon catalysts (ZnAl‐NC) with bimetal zinc–aluminum sites were synthesized using nitrogen‐rich polyaniline (PANI) and ZnAl‐LDH through hydrothermal and in situ pyrolysis methods. ZnAl‐NC‐400, in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), exhibited excellent catalytic activity without solvent, achieving high yields (97.2% or 98.5%) in the cycloaddition of CO2 with propylene oxide (PO) under traditional or mild conditions. NH3‐TPD and CO2‐TPD results indicated that the enhanced catalytic activity resulted from the acid–base synergistic effect, involving Lewis acid sites from Zn and Al species and abundant Lewis base sites from the PANI matrix. The impact of calcination temperature on catalyst morphology, structure, and performance was investigated, along with catalyst recycling and adaptability to various epoxides. This work presents an efficient catalyst for CO2 conversion and suggests new approaches for designing catalytic sites in carbon‐based catalysts for CO2 capture and utilization.
Construction of “Metal Defect/Oxygen Defect Junction” in ZnFe2O4–NiCo2O4 Heterostructures for Enhancing Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zheng Jingxuan , Meng Dapeng , Guo Junxin , Zhang Anyu , Wang Zhao
Published: September 2024

Defect engineering is a promising approach to improve the conductivity and increase the active sites of transition metal oxides used as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, when metal defects and oxygen defects coexist closely within the same crystal, their compensating charges can diminish the benefits of both defect structures on the catalyst's local electronic structure. To address this limitation, a novel strategy that employs the heterostructure interface of ZnFe2O4–NiCo2O4 to spatially separate the metal defects from the oxygen defects is proposed. This configuration positions the two types of defects on opposite sides of the heterojunction interface, creating a unique structure termed the “metal‐defect/oxygen‐defect junction”. Physical characterization and simulations reveal that this configuration enhances electron transfer at the heterostructure interface, increases the oxidation state of Fe on the catalyst surface, and boosts bulk charge carrier concentration. These improvements enhance active site performance, facilitating hydroxyl adsorption and deprotonation, thereby reducing the overpotential required for the OER.
Achieving Higher Efficiency on N2 Reduction Reaction through Mo‐ and Bi‐Based Active Sites for Sustainable Photoelectrochemical Ammonia Production
Authors: Jesudass Sebastian Cyril , Jo Chanmin , Kim Daehyun , Surendran Subramani , Choi Heechae , Kwon Gibum , Jin Kyoungsuk , Kim Jung Kyu , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Sim Uk
Published: September 2024

Hydrogen energy from water splitting is considered the highly anticipated modern energy resource; however, storage and transportation require complex and high‐cost facilities, which argue about the efficiency of hydrogen fuel compared to conventional fuels. Thereby, ammonia (NH3), which is a liquid at ambient conditions, promises a lower cost of storage and transportation, but the production of ammonia imposes difficulties with selectivity and efficiency over several products and, notably, hydrogen evolution reaction. Among several methods combining the advantages of electrochemical and photocatalytic properties, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) method is destined to improve the efficiency of ammonia production from N2 reduction reaction (NRR). Because of the multistep NRR process, enormous negative potentials, and poor reaction kinetics, the activity and selectivity of NRR are severely compromised. Therefore, Mo‐ and Bi‐based catalysts are rationally developed to promote the activity and selectivity of NRR processes. Combining the benefits of Mo‐ and Bi‐based catalysts is anticipated to result in highly effective PEC NRR activity. This review is predicted to emphasize the role and characteristics of PEC NRR and the value of Mo and Bi catalysts in raising ammonia's activity and selectivity.
Revealing Defect Passivation and Charge Extraction by Ultrafast Spectroscopy in Perovskite Solar Cells through a Multifunctional Lewis Base Additive Approach
Authors: Majhi Tanushree , Sridevi M. , Jain Sanyam , Kumar Mahesh , Singh Rajiv K.
Published: September 2024

Defect passivation inside the crystal lattice and the grain‐boundary (GB) surface of the perovskite films has become the most effective strategy to suppress the negative impact of the nonradiative recombination in perovskite solar cell. In this study, a unique approach to effectively passivate the defect states of MAPbI3 perovskite thin film using thionicotinamide (TNM) as a multifunctional Lewis base additive is demonstrated. TNM as an additive with three different types of Lewis base sites, i.e., pyridine, amino, and CS functional groups, is introduced to mitigate the trap states in the TNM‐modified perovskite films and thoroughly investigate the passivation defects. The nonbonded electron of the three different Lewis base sites can synergistically passivate the antisite lead (Pb) defects and improve the stability of the device. In addition, the NH2 group can form ionic bonds with negatively charged I– ions and inhibit ion migration caused by them. It is found that such passivation effect of TNM reduces the GB defects and improves the crystallinity significantly. As a result, a champion TNM‐modified device shows an improved power conversion efficiency of 19.26% from 16.86% along with enhanced open‐circuit voltage, fill factor, and negligible hysteresis.
A Physically Based Mean Field Model for Strain‐Induced Precipitation and Recrystallization in High‐Strength Low‐Alloy Steels
Authors: Tzini Maria‐Ioanna T. , Haidemenopoulos Gregory N.
Published: September 2024

A physically based mean field model developed to predict the microstructural evolution during the thermomechanical control process of X70 high‐strength low‐alloy (HSLA) steels is presented. The physically based mean field model incorporates a new integrated precipitation and recrystallization model developed to describe the interaction between strain‐induced precipitation of niobium and titanium carbonitrides and static recrystallization of austenite. The integrated model considers an effective Zener pinning force for the multimodal particle size distribution (PSD) of precipitates, an effective grain‐boundary mobility for the solute drag effect of niobium, and an inhomogeneous stored energy for austenite recrystallization. Given a processing route, the model predicts the variation of austenite grain size, recrystallized and precipitated fractions, and evolution of PSDs of precipitates. Model predictions reveal an excellent agreement with experimental grain size measurements and a final average ferrite grain size of 3.81 μm is achieved. The proposed model considers the heterogeneous nature of recrystallization and precipitation and can contribute to the process design of the HSLA and microalloyed steels.
“Powered by emotions”: Exploring emotion induction in out‐of‐school authentic science learning
Authors: Yonai Ella , Blonder Ron
Published: September 2024

This study explored the impact of authentic out‐of‐school learning on students' beliefs about their science learning efficacy and career aspirations. The learning activity, designed following an authentic learning framework, was led by research scientists. We examined how students' emotions, induced in an authentic scientific activity, mediated the connection between the perceived authenticity and the self‐efficacy/aspiration beliefs. Data were gathered from 177 secondary science students participating in an out‐of‐school activity using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three questionnaires were applied: (1) Perceived authenticity (Post, 7 items, Likert scale); (2) Semantic differential emotion questionnaire (SDEQ) (Pre‐Post, 5 items); and (3) Beliefs questionnaire in two parts: Self‐efficacy and science aspirations (pre‐post, 7 + 5 items, Likert scale). The collected data were integrated into quantitative models of affect with authenticity as an independent variable, the differences in the pre‐post belief structures as the dependent variable, and the emotions as mediators. Multiple regression analyses were performed to develop the models by evaluating the size and significance of the relationships between the variables. The results indicated the perceived authenticity significantly predicted both self‐efficacy and the career aspiration pre‐post differences. However, emotions behaved as a mediating variable only for self‐efficacy growth. An additional model evaluated the connection between students' emotions learning science in school and their experience of authenticity and emotions in the out‐of‐school activity. The study contributes to the literature by revealing underlying affective mechanisms related to out‐of‐school authentic science activities and suggesting theoretical and empirical justifications.
Perspectives on the clinical use of anti‐amyloid therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Insights from the fields of cancer, rheumatology, and neurology
Authors: Jicha Gregory A. , Abner Erin L. , Coskun Elif P. , Huffmyer Mark J. , Tucker Thomas C. , Nelson Peter T.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The advent of disease‐modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has raised many questions and debates in the field as to the clinical benefits, risks, and costs of such therapies. The controversies have resulted in the perception that many clinicians are apprehensive about prescribing these medications to their patient populations. There also remains widespread uncertainty as to the economic impact, cost benefit ratio, and safety oversight for use of these medications in standard clinical care settings.

Methods

To contextualize such issues, the present study compared anti‐amyloid biologic therapy (lecanemab) to four commonly used biologic agents in other fields, including trastuzumab for breast cancer, bevacizumab for lung cancer, etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis, and ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis.

Results

The data presented demonstrate comparable costs, clinical benefits, and risks for these biologic agents in their disparate disease states.

Discussion

These results provide context for the costs, clinical benefits, and safety regarding the mainstream use of anti‐amyloid biologic agents for the prevention of cognitive loss. While the era of disease‐modifying therapies for AD is now in its infancy, there is an expectation that these discoveries will be followed by improved therapies and combination treatments leading to greater efficacy in ameliorating the clinical trajectory of AD.

Highlights

Anti‐amyloid therapy costs are comparable to other commonly used biologics.

Anti‐amyloid therapy efficacy is comparable to other commonly used biologics.

Anti‐amyloid therapy safety is compatible with other commonly used biologics.
Exploring sustainable solutions: Utilizing recycled coffee grounds as a new bio‐adsorbent material for removal of Pb(II) ions from water
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Oanh Doan Thi Yen , Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong , Nguyen Manh Ha , Nguyen Thi Huong , Bui Thi Thu Trang , Nguyen Ngoc Thanh , Nguyen Minh Viet , Nguyen Quang Tung , Hoang Thanh Duc
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the potential of utilizing spent coffee grounds (SCG) treated with Ca(OH)2 as an adsorbent for the removal of lead (Pb(II)) ions from aqueous solutions. The SCG was subjected to sequential treatments, including washing, drying, sieving, and immersion in Ca(OH)2 solutions of varying concentrations. Adsorption experiments were conducted under different conditions to evaluate the efficiency of the adsorbent, including variations in contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and initial Pb(II) ion concentration. Characterization of the SCG before and after treatment was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed significant changes in the structural properties of the SCG after treatment with Ca(OH)2, leading to enhanced adsorption performance. The adsorption experiments demonstrated that the efficiency of Pb(II) ion removal was influenced by factors such as contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and initial Pb(II) ion concentration. Optimal conditions for maximum adsorption efficiency were identified as a contact time of 270 min, pH 6, adsorbent dosage of 1 g, and temperature of 313 K, resulting in a maximum adsorption capacity qmax of 18.69 mg g−1. The highest desorption rate was observed using HNO3, measured at 90.6%. The reusability efficiency of the adsorbent material was 87.98% in the first use, decreased to 75.41% after five reuses, and further reduced to 39.96% after ten reuses, indicating a decline in performance with repeated use. These findings highlight the potential of SCG as an effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the removal of potentially toxic elements from aqueous solutions.
Metastatic cholangiocarcinoma in a cow presenting as suspect bovine tuberculosis in Ireland
Authors: Schoening Janne M. , McAloon Conor G. , Jahns Hanne
Published: September 2024

Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumour of bile duct epithelial cells, an uncommon primary hepatic neoplasm in cattle. A 9‐year‐old Simmental cow presented with watery diarrhoea, crusty skin lesions, loss of appetite and hepatomegaly. Suspecting severe liver disease, the cow was euthanased due to poor prognosis. During gross postmortem examination, large numbers of multifocal to coalescing nodules often with soft necrotic centres ranging from miliary to 7 cm in size were present in the liver, lung, mesentery, peritoneum and lymph nodes. These features were suggestive of bovine tuberculosis. However, direct tissue smears stained by Ziehl Neelsen stain were negative for the presence of acid‐fast bacteria, and subsequent histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations confirmed the presence of metastasizing cholangiocarcinoma. This case reminds clinicians and pathologists to keep an open mind during the diagnostic process and serves to highlight the value of histopathology in diagnosing seemingly characteristic gross lesions.
Oncology Nursing in the UAE
Authors: Nyakotyo Lois
Published: September 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a healthcare system comprised of private and public organizations. Oncology services are rapidly expanding in the private sector, with investment in oncologists and surgeons trained in the USA or the United Kingdom. However, there is minimal investment in oncology nurses, as there is a lack of recognition of specialist nursing roles and no UAE framework for developing and training oncology nurses. This chapter explores the current state of oncology nursing in the UAE and the areas for development to ensure that UAE oncology nursing practice is recognized as a specialist area on par with international standards.
Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine and Cancer Care in the UAE
Authors: Kussmann Heidi
Published: September 2024

Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) in oncology is an emerging field of care comprising over 40 different licensed professionals with varying amounts of evidence supporting their respective professional treatments and regimens. This chapter presents summary information about the TCIM profession of naturopathic medicine and the subspecialty of naturopathic oncology, as well as the evidence supporting the use of naturopathic options with conventional care for cancer. Evidence supporting integrative treatments and natural health products for each type of conventional cancer treatment is presented. There is an opportunity in the UAE to collaborate and include all integrative oncology professionals in all phases of care for people with cancer.
Nuclear Medicine in the UAE
Authors: Al Suhaili Abdulrahim
Published: September 2024

Nuclear medicine is the name given to the branch of medicine that uses radioactive materials that have not been sealed for diagnosis and therapy. It became a specialty in the 1950s, when more sophisticated imaging devices were invented. In the UAE, the start was in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, followed by Dubai, Fujairah, and Ras al-Khaimah, which are government hospitals. The private sector entered later at the Al-Zahra hospital in Sharjah, the Gulf Diagnostic Centre in Abu Dhabi, an American hospital, and Mediclinic in Dubai. Many centers can now be found throughout the UAE. Nuclear oncology became a sub-specialty as more cancer cases were detected as a result of earlier detection, increased awareness, and better equipment. Whenever you find advanced oncology, you will find advanced nuclear medicine next to it. Radionuclide therapy has expanded in the last 30 years with a new understanding of cell biology and how cancer cells are developing. As a result, the paradigm shifted from mass customization to fighting at the cellular, molecular, and gene levels. Radionuclides served as a Trojan horse, allowing us to infiltrate and kill within. Theranostic is an emerging new technology used for targeted therapy of cancers. In this chapter, we are highlighting the early start of nuclear medicine in this fast-developing country.
Pediatric Cancer in the UAE
Authors: Kanakande Kandy Zainul Aaabideen , Morad Ammar , Taryam Alshamsi Eman
Published: September 2024

In the United Arab Emirates, pediatric oncology has evolved as a separate branch of medicine over the last five decades. The nation of the UAE was formed in 1971. Since then, it has shown rapid advancement in many aspects, including healthcare. Initially, pediatric oncology services were developed in the government sector, but now they are available in the private sector as well (Al-Shamsi, Clin Pract. 12(6):955–85, 2022; Mpofu and Revesz, Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 13(1):1–7, 1996; El-Hayek et al., Med Pediatr Oncol. 41(5):486–7, 2003). Now, most of the services for pediatric cancer care are available in the country, including bone marrow transplantation (BMT) (Al-Shamsi et al., Clin Pract. 12(1):84–90, 2022); however, there are areas that need improvement as a priority. The government bears the costs for nationals, whereas expatriates are covered by insurance and a government-mandated program for those who do not have insurance. More recently, for patients who do not have insurance, many charities have been helping to cover these expenses.

Because of its comfortable and convenient facilities, as well as its safe environment, the UAE is one of the most popular holiday destinations. For the same reasons, the UAE can become one of the world’s most popular healthcare tourism destinations for pediatric cancer patients and for pediatric BMT.
Colorectal Cancer in the UAE
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Iqbal Faryal , Kourie Hampig R. , Zaabi Adhari Al , Abyad Amin M. , Abdelwahed Nadia
Published: September 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers in Arabs, with a dramatically increasing annual incidence rate. As a result, the UAE’s cancer burden is rising, with CRC being the most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women after breast and thyroid cancer, and the third most common cancer in both men and women. CRC screening needs to get more systematic in the UAE with proper call and recall as the current uptake here remains low and suboptimal. Many factors contribute to this low uptake, and it must be addressed if the incidence of CRC and other cancers is to be reduced. CRC preventive initiatives should be implemented in the UAE, with all infrastructure and resources geared toward providing comprehensive cancer care at all stages of the disease. The UAE scientific community must conduct studies on the cost-effectiveness of high-risk populations or nationwide screening alternatives in order to address the country’s CRC burden.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in the UAE
Authors: Srayaldeen Salman Wahib , Elkhalifa Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed
Published: September 2024

The incidence of HCC in the UAE has been stable, with around 60–100 cases per year in the UAE between 2013 and 2021, with a potential future increase in incidence with rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

The age-specific incidence of HCC peaks between 80 and 90 years old, but new cases can be detected as early as 40 due to alcoholic liver disease. The prevalence of hepatitis C is low (0.1%) due to the availability of universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth. However, the incidence of HCC is expected to continue to increase due to rising obesity and diabetes.

Multiple risk factors contribute to the development of HCC in the UAE, including viral hepatitis (B and C), excessive alcohol consumption, and the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The growing population and associated lifestyle changes, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, also play a role.

The diagnosis of HCC is challenging in the early stages and is typically performed through noninvasive imaging. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary. Staging systems for HCC should take into account tumor burden, liver function, and patient performance status. The Milan criteria, used in the GCC, including the UAE, are used to determine eligibility for liver transplantation based on tumor size and spread. The availability of deceased donor organ transplantation in the UAE has enabled a total of 25 liver transplants to be performed, with 100% patient survival and 96% graft survival after a median follow-up of 647 days. No recurrence of HCC was observed in patients after transplantation.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) work together to provide high-quality and safe healthcare services to all citizens and residents of the UAE. The implementation of the National Agenda’s objectives, including the reduction of cancer-related mortality, is enabled by the presence of the DOH and DHA in all healthcare facilities.

To mitigate the impact of HCC in the UAE, various strategies have been implemented, including liver health awareness and screening programs and multiple modalities of treatment, including surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Additionally, the UAE has implemented policies to reduce the incidence of HCC, such as vaccination programs for hepatitis B, antiviral treatment for hepatitis C, restrictions on alcohol consumption, and measures to reduce the burden of NAFLD by promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods.
Thyroid Cancer in the UAE
Authors: Bendardaf Riyad , Talaat Iman M. , Elemam Noha M. , Al-Shamsi Humaid O.
Published: September 2024

This chapter sheds light on thyroid cancer and its prevalence in the UAE. It entails the different histopathological classifications and molecular pathogenesis of thyroid malignant tumors, as well as their grading and staging. Since thyroid cancer incidence has increased in 2021 to become the second most prevalent cancer in the UAE, it is crucial to understand the incidence, mortality, and gender variations among the UAE population. It also describes the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer.
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) in the UAE
Authors: Al-Awadhi Aydah , Al-Shamsi Humaid O.
Published: September 2024

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), despite their increasing incidence, are considered to be rare tumors. There is no published data about the incidence or prevalence of NETs in the UAE. In a survey in 2021 for oncologists in the UAE, 43 respondents completed the survey. Thirty-one respondents (72.1%) had active patients with neuroendocrine tumors at the time of the survey. Thirty-one respondents (73.8%) indicated that GI NET was the most common NET in their practice. Six respondents (14.3%) selected lung and two (4.8%) selected gynecological NETs as the most common NETs in their practices. This is the first study to address the potential burden of NETs in the UAE. More education for family physicians, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists in the UAE is needed to facilitate early diagnosis.
Emirates Oncology Society
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Abyad Amin M.
Published: September 2024

The Emirates Oncology Society (EOS) was established in 2016. It is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the comprehensive care of cancer patients across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by bringing together all of the practicing cancer specialists and healthcare workers from different backgrounds in the field of oncology. It is the professional society representing medical oncologists, radiotherapy, and palliative physicians in the United Arab Emirates. For a candidate to be eligible for membership, he or she must be a physician licensed to practice oncology or hematology in the UAE. There are 80 active members in EOS as of September 2022. The EOS holds the largest number of accredited conferences and CMEs in the UAE. The EOS delivered more than 200 accredited CME hours in 2020 and 2021. The EOS holds many events and activities as stand-alone activities or in collaboration with international cancer societies and organizations like the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). In 2021, the EOS was named by the EMA as the most scientific publishing society among all the 48 members of the EMA. The EOS is also supporting the initiative to establish accredited oncology and hematology fellowship training programs in the UAE. The EOS works closely with the regulators in the UAE to improve the quality of cancer care through the implementation of quality measures.
Nongovernmental Organizations’ (NGO) Role in Cancer Care in the UAE: Friends of Cancer Patients as an Example
Authors: Al Mulla Aisha , Mohamed Majed
Published: September 2024

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) around the world have been promoting cancer care, from prevention to palliation, due to their streamlined bureaucracy and flexible administrative structures. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), several support groups provide assistance to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients and mobilize resources for medical expenses, advanced treatments, and reintegration into society for cancer survivors.

The Sharjah-based Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) is one such organization that is actively raising awareness about screening and early detection, advocating for health, and providing moral and financial support to cancer patients in the UAE. In addition to providing medical financial aid and social support, FOCP also conducts fundraising events and awareness workshops to increase public knowledge and address misunderstandings about cancer care.
The cosmological constant problem and the effective potential of a gravity-coupled scalar
Authors: Ferrero Renata , Percacci Roberto
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We consider a quantum scalar field in a classical (Euclidean) De Sitter background, whose radius is fixed dynamically by Einstein’s equations. In the case of a free scalar, it has been shown by Becker and Reuter that if one regulates the quantum effective action by putting a cutoff N on the modes of the quantum field, the radius is driven dynamically to infinity when N tends to infinity. We show that this result holds also in the case of a self-interacting scalar, both in the symmetric and broken-symmetry phase. Furthermore, when the gravitational background is put on shell, the quantum corrections to the mass and quartic self-coupling are found to be finite.
Holographic description of an anisotropic Dirac semimetal
Authors: Bahamondes Sebastián , Salazar Landea Ignacio , Soto-Garrido Rodrigo
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Holographic quantum matter exploits the AdS/CFT correspondence to study systems in condensed matter physics. An example of these systems are strongly correlated semimetals, which feature a rich phase diagram structure. In this work, we present a holographic model for a Dirac semimetal in 2 + 1 dimensions that features a topological phase transition. Our construction relies on deforming a relativistic UV fixed point with some relevant operators that explicitly break rotations and some internal symmetries. The phase diagram for different values of the relevant coupling constants is obtained. The different phases are characterized by distinct dispersion relations for probe fermionic modes in the AdS geometry. We find semi-metallic phases characterized by the presence of Dirac cones and an insulating phase featuring a mass gap with a mild anisotropy. Remarkably, we find as well an anisotropic semi-Dirac phase characterized by a massless a fermionic excitation dispersing linearly in one direction while quadratically in the other.
Freeze-in as a complementary process to freeze-out
Authors: Capucha Rodrigo , Elyaouti Karim , Mühlleitner Margarete , Plotnikov Johann , Santos Rui
Published: September 2024

Abstract

There are many extensions of the Standard Model with a dark matter (DM) candidate obtained via the freeze-out mechanism. It can happen that after all experimental and theoretical constraints are taken into account, all parameter points have a relic density below the experimentally measured value. This means that the models solve only partially the DM problem, and at least one more candidate is needed. In this work we show that it is possible to further extend the model with a DM candidate obtained via the freeze-in mechanism to be in agreement with the relic density experimental measurement. Once the relic density problem is solved with this addition, new questions are raised. This new model with at least two DM candidates could have a freeze-out undetectable DM particle both in direct and indirect detection. This could happen if the freeze-out DM particle would have a very low density. Hence, a collider DM hint via excess in the missing energy with no correspondence in direct and indirect detection experiments, could signal the existence of a Feebly Interacting Massive Particle (FIMP). Conversely, if a DM particle is found and a particular model can explain all observables except the correct relic density, an extension with an extra FIMP would solve the problem. The freeze-in DM candidate, due to the small portal couplings, will not change the remaining phenomenology.
Parabolic recursions for Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials and the hypercube decomposition
Authors: Gurevich Maxim , Wang Chuijia
Published: September 2024

We employ general parabolic recursion methods to demonstrate the recently devised hypercube formula for Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials of $$S_n$$

S
n

, and establish its generalization to the full setting of a finite Coxeter system through algebraic proof. We introduce procedures for positive decompositions of q-derived Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials within this setting, that utilize classical Hecke algebra positivity phenomena of Dyer-Lehrer and Grojnowski–Haiman. This leads to a distinct algorithmic approach to the subject, based on induction from a parabolic subgroup. We propose suitable weak variants of the combinatorial invariance conjecture and verify their validity for permutation groups.
Orthogonal cutting of 3D printed multi-material workpiece: numerical investigation of machining forces, stress, and temperature distribution
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Duggen Lars , Malekan Mohammad
Published: September 2024

With the development of 3D metal printers for rapid prototyping and industrial component production, heightened attention was directed towards post-processing operations for achieving precise surface quality and geometrical tolerances for these components. This paper investigated the orthogonal cutting of multi-material 3D printed workpieces using a coated cutting tool through finite element simulation. The workpieces featured different horizontal and vertical arrangements of layers composed of aluminum 7075-T6 alloy (Al), stainless steel 316 low alloy (SS), and Ti6Al4V alloy (Ti). The study explored the impacts of multi-material composition, coating thickness, and the rake angle of the cutting tool on machining forces, stress distribution, temperature distribution, and chip formation geometry. The results revealed a bimodal chip morphology in the machining process of horizontally arranged SS layers combined with other alloys. The SS layer resulted in a relatively uniform chip formation, while layers with two other materials exhibited a serrated chip formation. In contrast, a discontinuous chip formed when combining Al and Ti materials, as well as in the horizontally arranged layers made of Al, SS, and Ti alloys. The cutting force increased by 2.26 times when cutting workpieces with the horizontal arrangement of SS and Al layers compared to those with a single Al material. For the horizontal and vertical arrangement of layers made of Al and SS, von Mises stress values over the edge of the coated cutting tool significantly increased where the tool contacted the SS layer. Additionally, the horizontal arrangement of layers made of Al and SS materials caused the coated cutting tool to exhibit an extensive temperature distribution, with the maximum recorded temperature reaching 1448 °K. Increasing coating thickness led to a decrease in maximum principal stress at the surface of the tool and a rise in temperature at the cutting edge of the insert.
Challenging diagnosis: unveiling extensive multisystemic sarcoidosis with musculoskeletal involvement through a clinically ambiguous soft tissue mass in the palm
Authors: Weinrich Julius M. , Well Lennart
Published: September 2024

We report about a 33-year-old man who was referred for assessment of a progressively enlarging mass of the palmar hand muscles, serving as the initial indication of extensive multisystemic sarcoidosis with musculoskeletal involvement. The case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with the indolent course of sarcoidosis, highlighting the need for recognizing seemingly benign symptoms for early detection. Musculoskeletal imaging findings presented in the case stress the importance of considering sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis of orthopedic cases. This report emphasizes the importance of understanding possible musculoskeletal imaging findings in sarcoidosis, thereby enabling radiologists to effectively guide patient management.
Distal versus proximal radial access in coronary angiography: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lueg Julia , Schulze Daniel , Stöhr Robert , Leistner David M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Distal radial access (DRA) represents a promising alternative to conventional proximal radial access (PRA) for coronary angiography. Substantial advantages regarding safety and efficacy have been suggested for DRA, but the ideal access route remains controversial.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare safety, efficacy and feasibility of DRA to PRA.

Methods

National Library of Medicine PubMed, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials and registry studies comparing DRA and PRA that were published between January 1, 2017 and April, 2024. Primary endpoint was the rate of radial artery occlusion (RAO). Secondary endpoints were access failure, access time, procedure time, arterial spasm, hematoma, and hemostasis time. Data extraction was performed by two independent investigators. Relative risks were aggregated using a random effects model. We applied meta-analytic regression to assess study characteristic variables as possible moderators of the study effects.

Results

44 studies with a total of 21,081 patients were included. We found a significantly lower rate of RAO after DRA (DRA 1.28%, PRA 4.76%, p < .001) with a 2.92 times lower risk compared to the proximal approach (Log Risk Ratio = −1.07, p < .001). Conversely, the risk for access failure was 2.42 times higher for DRA compared to PRA (Log Risk Ratio = 0.88, p < .001).

Conclusion

In this largest meta-analysis to date, we were able to show that rates of RAO are reduced with DRA compared to conventional PRA. This suggests DRA is a safe alternative to PRA.

Graphical abstract
New analytical model for multi-layered composite plates with imperfect interfaces under thermomechanical loading
Authors: Shaat Mohamed , Gao Xin-Lin , Battentier Amandine , Massué Nicolas
Published: September 2024

A new analytical model for thermoelastic responses of a multi-layered composite plate with imperfect interfaces is developed. The composite plate contains an arbitrary number of layers of dissimilar materials and is subjected to general mechanical loads (both distributed internally and applied on edges for each layer) and temperature changes, which can vary from layer to layer and along two in-plane directions. Each layer is regarded as a Kirchhoff plate, and each imperfect interface is described using a spring-layer interface model, which can capture discontinuities in the displacement and stress fields across the interface. Unlike existing models, the governing equations and boundary conditions are simultaneously derived for each layer by using a variational procedure based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, which are then combined to obtain the global equilibrium equations and boundary conditions for the multi-layered composite plate. A general analytical solution is developed for a symmetrically loaded composite square plate with an arbitrary number of layers and imperfect interfaces by using a new approach that first determines the interfacial normal and shear stress components on one interface. Closed-form solutions for two- and three-layer composite square plates are obtained as examples by directly applying the general analytical solution. Numerical results for two-, three- and five-layer composite plates under different loading and boundary conditions predicted by the current model are provided, which compare well with those obtained from finite element simulations using COMSOL, thereby validating the newly developed analytical model.