bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing post-fire material degradation: A ship structural analysis case study
Authors: Komariyah S , Lesmana R , Hariadi M R F , Anggara S
Published: December 2024

A bulk carrier ship caught fire while loading fertilizer at the dock, originating from generator of auxiliary engine No. 2 portside. It took approximately 12 hours to successfully extinguish the fire. As the consequence of this accident, the ship suffered significant damage to its structure, machinery, and electrical systems in various areas, including the engine room, superstructure and deck house. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate the structural integrity of the ship, particularly concerning the post-fire material strength degradation, as well as the impacts of using seawater to extinguish the fire. Destructive tests were carried out on eight material samples taken from parts of the structure heavily affected by fire-induced deformation and from areas that were visually affected by the fire accident. The test results show that there is a decrease in strength of the materials, particularly in areas experiencing slow cooling due to the annealing phenomenon. Areas of the structure exposed to water spray during the firefighting process did not exhibit material embrittlement, as no martensite phase was detected in the microstructure. Additionally, the hardness value remained significantly lower than that associated with the martensite phase.
Evaluation of tol laut in Tahuna and Natuna as underdeveloped, remote, outermost, and border areas
Authors: Kurniawan A , Kharisma A A , Yasadhi K I P , Bahri S , Wirawan A
Published: December 2024

Tahuna (North Sulawesi) and Natuna (Riau Islands) are included in the 3TP (underdeveloped, remote, outermost, and border) areas and use sea transportation to support for their economic activities. High inflation and price disparities are economic problems in this area. “Tol Laut” is government initiative designed to distribute essential basic goods, through a subsidized sea transportation system. These routes connect the economic hub in Java with the 3TP areas. The analysis process uses a mix method, quantitative and qualitative analysis. Port Assessment analysis using weighted scoring, Supply Demand Analysis using index consumption demand, and Regulation Review. To evaluate the implementation of Tol Laut, it focuses on aspects of port location, connectivity, port facilities, potential feeder ships, production performance, hinterland, as well as administration and commerce. Tol Laut in Tahuna can fulfill the supply-demand of essential basic goods significant quantities around 30% from local demand and is supported by the regional government’s commitment, allowing Tol Laut to reduce price disparities. On the contrary, Tol Laut in Natuna can only the supply 16%, resulting inability to control price disparities effectively. There is an urge to optimize and coordinate regarding Tol Laut by involving agencies for the successful enforcement of regulations.
Techno-economic and supply chain model of a small-scale LNG for BMPP in Sambelia
Authors: Abdillah H N , Artana K B , Zakaria M I
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses a method for creating the supply chain model of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to a barge-mounted power plant (BMPP) of 30 MW in Sambelia. This paper conducts the supply chain using a landing craft tank (LCT) ship as the LNG carrier, equipped with a specific principal dimension, and an ISO tank as the LNG storage facility. The use of LCT has the advantage of being able to sail in coastal areas and can be converted using existing ships. This comprehensive techno-economic assessment consists of calculating the LNG demands for the BMPP, the arrangement of ISO containerized tank stacking in the LCT, and identifying the LNG terminal facilities. Moreover, the research points for a future LNG economy are highlighted; cost-effective production and utilization solutions for enhancing the feasibility of LNG. The Landing Craft Tank (LCT), a vessel with a load capacity of 32 container tanks (20 ft) and a volume of 20.38 m3, distributes LNG to BMPP Sambelia. The economic analysis of LNG distribution patterns from Benoa LNG Terminal to BMPP 30 MW Sambelia, using LCT ships with FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) receiver terminals, reveals that at a margin of $2.2, the most optimal option has an IRR of 11.6%, a payback period of 5.7, and an ROI of 17.41%.
Pometia pinnata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) as urban tree species: A chloroplast genome and phylogenetic studies
Authors: Salmah N S , Nugroho A , Dwiyanti F G , Siregar I Z , Pratama R
Published: December 2024

Pometia pinnata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) is a native Indonesian forest plant increasingly used in urban landscaping. It produces both edible fruits and valuable timber. As with other tree species, enhancing its genetic quality is essential to maximize the utilization of this promising species. However, the information on genetic and genomic data is still lacking, including the analysis of the genetic relationship of this species. This study aims to generate the chloroplast genome of P. pinnata, identify the most suitable DNA marker, and evaluate the relationship within the Sapindaceae family using long-read sequence data generated by MinION Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). The study involved several steps: DNA extraction, DNA quality and quantity tests, DNA sequencing, assembly of the chloroplast genome, and reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree using three markers, i.e., rbcL, matK, and rbcL+matK combinations. The DNA sequencing yielded 449,068 reads, with 2,856 reads after mapping, an N50 read length of 4,188 bp, a total base of 1,135,927 Mb, and a chloroplast genome of 160,372 bp. These results indicated that the DNA isolated from P. pinnata is good quality. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the combination of rbcL and matK markers effectively differentiates groups within the Sapindaceae family, revealing P. pinnata as closely related to Nephelium lappaceum, Nephelium mutabile, Sapindus mukorossi, Dimocarpus longan, Bligia sapida, Litchi chinensis, Acer yangbiense, and Lepisanthes alata. This study enriches genetic studies on P. pinnata, establishing a foundation for species identification based on the rbcL and matK marker and supporting future tree improvement programs.
The potential of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) as bioindicators at IPB Dramaga Campus
Authors: Haneda N F , Rahmadhani K
Published: December 2024

Insects such as longhorn beetles play a crucial role in the environment as they serve as indicators of ecosystem balance. Longhorn beetles are commonly utilized as bioindicators for assessing ecosystem damage due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. This research aims to analyze the presence of longhorn beetles as potential bioindicators in several stands at IPB Dramaga Campus, namely in the Segitiga Silvikultur (SS), Arboretum FAHUTAN (AF), and Taman Hutan Kampus (THK). The research method employed Artocarpus traps to capture longhorn beetles. The results indicate that the highest abundance of longhorn beetles was found in the THK plot due to the availability of sufficient food sources. The abundance of longhorn beetles was recorded at 27 individuals comprising 5 species, with Acalolepta rusticatrix dominating all research plots. Several factors influencing the presence of longhorn beetles include climatic factors, tree diversity, and human activities. Some longhorn beetle species have the potential to serve as bioindicators of forest ecosystem changes due to their distinctive habitats, such as Sybra fuscotriangularis, Epepeotes luscus, Pterolophia sp., and Ropica marmorata.
Evaluation of growth variation of the red jabon tree as a potential species for reducing pollution in urban areas
Authors: Qolbi R H S , Sudrajat D J , Siregar I Z
Published: December 2024

Red jabon (Neolamarckia macrophylla (Roxb.) Bosser) is a fast-growing tree species with potential in urban forest development. Reducing air pollution is a significant problem for communities, and the red jabon shows potential for growth and absorption. Growth evaluation of progeny testing is needed to select the optimum family for urban forest development. This study aims to analyze the growth diversity and genetic parameters of the red jabon progeny test at the Parungpanjang Forest Research Station, Bogor. The research results showed that the family factor (genetic) significantly affects the growth, such as diameter, height, and volume of red jabon trees. The heritability value at the family level is included in the high category with a range of 0.679-0.906. The greater the percentage of selection, the higher the value of genetic advance and genetic gain, but the smaller the population size and number of trees.
Tree risk and hazard assessment at UMK-Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (UMK-TRaCe), Pulau Banding, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Syafinie N K , Raj S , Jemali N J N , Rasat M S M , Amaludin N A
Published: December 2024

The UMK-Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (UMK-TRaCe) in Pulau Banding, Perak, Malaysia, is an environmentally sensitive research facility that aims to integrate technology with nature. However, certain tree components have resulted in harm to the buildings and infrastructure within the center. This study presents a comprehensive tree risk assessment conducted at UMK-TRaCe using the standardized ISA Basic Tree Risk and Hazard Assessment Form. The assessment evaluated all 37 individual trees surrounding the facilities area comprising 19 species from 15 families, analyzing various parameters such as site factors, tree health, species proKile, load factors, tree defects, and conditions affecting the likelihood of failure and risk categorization using a standardized survey form of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The results show that 24.3% of the trees (9 trees) fall under the category of potential tree risk hazard, while 43.2% (16 trees) are considered low risk. Notably, 21.6% (8 trees) are classiKied as high-risk, with Alstonia scholaris identiKied as the most hazardous and high-risk tree. These Kindings hold signiKicant importance for the management of UMK-TRaCe, as they provide valuable insights for planning and maintaining the health of trees, as well as ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment. The study recommends the implementation of a comprehensive tree risk management plan, including regular monitoring, targeted maintenance, and, if necessary, the removal or replacement of high-risk trees. By addressing tree risks, UMK-TRaCe can continue to serve as a guardian of the forest while ensuring the safety and well-being of its visitors and infrastructure.
Analysis of vegetation and associations of Amorphophallus beccarii in Tarlola Village, Batang Natal District, Mandailing Natal Regency
Authors: Rambey R , Pranoto S H , Sutomo  , Rahmawaty  , Saputra M H , Kuswanda W , Yuzammi  , Kembaren Y
Published: December 2024

Amorphophallus is a genus of Araceae with 170 species distributed throughout the world, 25 species grow in Indonesia and 18 are endemic. Tarlola Village is one of the habitats of Amorphophallus beccarii. This research aims to analyze the distribution of Cindings and structure of A. beccarii in Tarlola Village and analyze the association of A. beccarii with other plants. The A. beccarii habitat study was carried out using the Nested method with a plot area of 1 ha and a square shape taken from the A. beccarii plot. The data taken is regional vegetation, including tree vegetation calculated on 1 ha plots, pole vegetation on 0.25 ha plots, sapling vegetation on 0.0625 ha plots, and seedling and understory vegetation calculated on 0.01 ha plots. Based on the research results, it was found that there were 30 A. beccarii individuals. The highest Important Value Index (IVI) was obtained at the understorey level with Selaginella deoderleinii 57.39%. The association results found at the lower plant level were 13 species with positive associations and 15 species with negative associations, at the seedling level there were 12 species with positive associations and 14 species with negative associations, at the sapling level there were 12 species with positive associations and 19 species with negative associations, at the pole level there were 9 species. positively associated and 15 negatively associated species, at tree level there are 14 positively associated species and 9 negatively associated species.
Molecular underpinnings of plasticity and supergene-mediated polymorphism in fire ant queens
Authors: Waugh Alex H , Catto Michael A , Arsenault Samuel V , Kay Sasha , Ross Kenneth G , Hunt Brendan G
Published: December 2024

Characterizing molecular underpinnings of plastic traits and balanced polymorphisms represent 2 important goals of evolutionary biology. Fire ant gynes (pre-reproductive queens) provide an ideal system to study potential links between these phenomena because they exhibit both supergene-mediated polymorphism and nutritional plasticity in weight and colony-founding behaviour. Gynes with the inversion supergene haplotype are lightweight and depend on existing workers to initiate reproduction. Gynes with only the ancestral, non-inverted gene arrangement accumulate more nutrient reserves as adults and, in a distinct colony-founding behaviour, initiate reproduction without help from workers. However, when such gynes overwinter in the natal nest they develop an environmentally induced lightweight phenotype and colony-founding behaviour, similar to gynes with the inversion haplotype that have not overwintered. To evaluate the extent of shared mechanisms between plasticity and balanced polymorphism in fire ant gyne traits, we assessed whether genes with expression variation linked to overwintering plasticity may be affected by the evolutionary divergence between supergene haplotypes. To do so, we first compared transcriptional profiles of brains and ovaries from overwintered and non-overwintered gynes to identify plasticity-associated genes. These genes were enriched for metabolic and behavioural functions. Next, we compared plasticity-associated genes to those differentially expressed by supergene genotype, revealing a significant overlap of the 2 sets in ovarian tissues. We also identified sequence substitutions between supergene variants of multiple plasticity-associated genes, consistent with a scenario in which an ancestrally plastic phenotype responsive to an environmental condition became increasingly genetically regulated.
Music Licensing in the Digital Streaming Era
Authors: Priest Eric
Published: December 2024

In just over a decade, digital streaming transformed how music is consumed and monetized. Eighty-five percent of recorded music revenue now derives from streaming. This rapid and profound change inevitably put pressure on copyright law and the music business institutions that came of age in the twentieth century, including music publishers, record companies, and performing rights organizations. This chapter outlines the current “state of play” concerning key laws, industry practices, and industry players in the U.S. music streaming ecosystem. It then discusses how the continuing evolution of the streaming music market could further transform music industry stakeholders and licensing practices.
Synchronization Licensing in the New Music Digital Ecosystem
Authors: Rosario-Richardson Lita , Simson John
Published: December 2024

This chapter will review the historical basis for traditional music synchronization licensing, synchronization licensing for new digital media (including blanket, compulsory, PRO, and direct licensing), and the legal underpinning for synchronization licensing (including reproduction, performance, and derivative work rights). Also discussed are the differences between musical composition and master recording synchronization licensing, including a discussion of the limited performance right for master recordings. The chapter also reviews the procedures for securing synchronization licenses, typical rates, the resultant royalty streams from synchronization licensing, types of uses (i.e., visual vocal, background vocal, opening and ending credits), best practices and other practical issues, as well as legal issues in worldwide licensing. Finally, this chapter will examine the current state of social media music licensing.
Necropoleis and Civic Funerary Culture
Authors: Wiedergut Karin
Published: December 2024

This chapter investigates how civic societies in the Roman East dealt with their dead. As integral (though spatially separated) parts of the cities, the necropoleis served as spaces for commemoration. Necropoleis also offered prime opportunities for lasting representation of oneself and one’s family—through monuments, inscriptions, or rites at the tombsite. Topics treated include an overview of the most important types of epitaphs and their various uses, the more typical types of tomb monuments, the treatment of the dead body, and the use of the necropolis areas—from orchestrated gatherings to simply passing through. Special attention is given to the epigraphical sources, especially the pro futuro-epitaphs, and the ways in which elite and sub-elite individuals and families are represented and remembered.
Festivals and Civic Culture
Authors: Carless Unwin Naomi
Published: December 2024

The Greek city during the Imperial period witnessed the endurance of the agonistic mentality and the expansion of the festival calendar. Value continued to be attached to victories in agōnes; festivals as opportunities for a city to project an image of itself also continued to be exploited, most noticeably during processional performances. But there were also distinct aspects that marked the Graeco-Roman city apart. The impact of Roman rule was highly visible, with the integration of the imperial cult into civic rituals. Civic culture during the Imperial period also saw a shift, in particular in the intensified role of benefactors. The organization and commemoration of festivals under the Roman Empire have the potential to offer insights into the carefully balanced relationship between city and benefactors in the Graeco-Roman world, and into the importance of communal celebrations as opportunities for social cohesion and interstate interaction.
The Cities of Bithynia
Authors: Fernoux Henri
Published: December 2024

The cities of Bithynia, seen from Rome or Greece, seem to belong to a marginal world. Integrated into the imperium Romanum in 74 bc, they had a particular destiny under the empire: more than others marked institutionally by the mark of Rome (the lex Pompeia), their societies were real cultural melting pots. Epigraphic documentation helps us to understand the particularities of these societies, in particular the importance of networks. The study of interpersonal relations and associative structures allows us to draw the outline of local societies that were not necessarily constituted in fixed blocks. Remarkable literary testimonies attest to the vitality and vigour of a local political life which, moreover, benefits from undeniable economic assets. However, despite a favourable geography, the cities of the region only experienced their full economic and social development from the Severan period onwards.
Ephesos
Authors: Kirbihler François
Published: December 2024

Ephesos, one of the best-documented big cities of the Greek world, came into contact with Rome in the 2nd century bc and became the capital of the province of Asia c. 85/4 bc. After various difficult phases in the 1st century bc, the reign of Augustus marked a turning point for the city. Between Augustus and the Severan dynasty, this polis underwent a substantial urban and monumental expansion. Its demography changed as well, as native Greeks and Italian immigrants gradually merged. The leading elite families engaged in a high level of civic and euergetic activity: a high number of magistracies and individual magistrates can be identified in Imperial Ephesos, and some members of the local elite eventually joined the equestrian and senatorial aristocracies. As a major harbour city, it experienced a more marked Roman influence and control than other cities of the province.
The Cities of Lydia
Authors: Altınoluk Sencan
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses the identity consciousness, religious beliefs, and cultural and economic life of the cities in Lydia under Roman rule. The integration of Lydian society into the Roman Empire took considerably longer than those of the coastal regions of Asia Minor. At the same time, the inhabitants of Roman Lydia benefited from the blessings of their geography famous for its agricultural productivity. Just as their ancestors had done, they continued to produce luxury goods, such as textiles, shoes, and precious stones. Music and dance dating back to the old Lydian kingdom were also fundamental performing arts in the cultural life of Roman Imperial Lydia.
The Greek Cities in Roman Syria
Authors: Sartre Maurice
Published: December 2024

Continuing the policy of founding cities inaugurated by the Seleucid kings in the 3rd century bc, the client kings of Rome and later the Roman emperors contributed to extending the network of poleis in Syria, Arabia, and Palestine until Late Antiquity. Despite the relative paucity of sources (absence of civic decrees, scarcity of civic careers), the surviving testimonies show that these cities behaved like those in the Aegean basin: institutions, competitions between poleis for honorific titles, euergetism. Greek was the official language of these cities (in Palmyra, Aramaic was also used) and gods coming from the Graeco-Roman world are adopted occasionally. This, however, did not prevent the survival of traditional local deities, languages, and sanctuaries, giving to the whole a certain cosmopolitanism. The Graeco-Roman style of urban setting and the numerous imported buildings (thermal baths, theatres, amphitheatres) contributed to standardize the aspect of the cities without erasing the regional originality.
The Greek Cities of Sicily
Authors: Campagna Lorenzo
Published: December 2024

The chapter presents the main aspects of the transformation process affecting the cities of Sicily since its entry into the orbit of Rome as the first province. Until the Principate, the trajectory is described by a capillary diffusion of the city through the adaptation of the model of the Hellenistic polis. However, the Augustan reorganization fuelled the beginning of profound changes marked first by a downsizing of the city as the privileged form of settlement. Only a small number of cities maintain a high standard of urban life and in all cases the development of a new monumental and epigraphic landscape shows a progressive dilution and hybridization of the original Hellenistic physiognomy. In the middle of the Imperial period, the Greek legacy appears more as the prerogative of restricted local circles than a vibrant heritage, no longer seeming to define the collective identity of the city in its outward projection.
Osteology, relationship, and feeding ecology of the theropod dinosaur Noasaurus leali, from the Late Cretaceous of North-Western Argentina
Authors: Hendrickx Christophe , Cerroni Mauricio A , Agnolín Federico L , Catalano Santiago , Ribeiro Cátia F , Delcourt Rafael
Published: December 2024

Noasaurus leali is a small (~2 m) carnivorous theropod and the nominal genus of the clade Noasauridae, one of the two radiations of abelisauroid ceratosaurs predominantly present in the Southern Hemisphere during the Mesozoic. This eponymous theropod from the Maastrichtian Lecho Formation of Salta, Argentina, is known from an incomplete skeleton of which the strongly curved manual ungual is the most peculiar element. We here provide for the first time a comprehensive description of the holotypic specimens of Noasaurus, whose phylogenetic position was explored using three independent datamatrices on theropod relationships. This species is diagnosed by several apomorphies such as a dorsal ridge in the maxillary fossa, a strongly arched quadrate, a cervical neural arch with anterior epipophyseal prongs, and a manual ungual with a subtriangular flexor fossa delimited by a V-shaped ridge. Results of the phylogenetic analyses recovered Noasaurus closely related to Velocisaurus, Masiakasaurus, and Laevisuchus, which together form a Late Cretaceous radiation of small-bodied noasaurids restricted to the Southern Hemisphere. The peculiar morphology of the lateral dentition and manual unguals suggests that Noasaurus was an opportunistic carnivore feeding on small prey items and a possible piscivore gaffing fish with its specialized hand claws.
First report of Phelipanche nana (Reut.) Soják on tobacco in Morocco
Authors: El Amri Majda , Fejjal Aya , Triqui Zine El Abidine , Mentag Rachid
Published: December 2024

During a survey of parasitic plants occurrence in Morocco, a Phelipanche species was observed on roots of field-grown tobacco plants (35°6'49"N, 4°14'34"O) in north-central Morocco in the summer of 2021. The observed morphological traits coupled with molecular evidence, as well as phylogenetic analysis indicate the parasitic plant as Phelipanche nana. To our knowledge, this is the first record of P. nana occurrence in tobacco fields in Morocco. Hence, it is imperative to recognize the threat posed by this parasitic weed spreading to other cultivated fields, which results in significant reductions in crop yield. Consequently, urgent and effective control measures are necessary to prevent the further propagation of this parasite.
First report of Phelipanche tunetana (Beck) Soják on brussels sprouts in Morocco
Authors: El Amri Majda , Nehiri Hajar , Ramadan Mahmoud , Triqui Zine El Abidine , Mentag Rachid
Published: December 2024

Between June and July 2021, during a field survey in Agadir province, southern Morocco (30°20'37.8" N, 9°26'38.2" W), the parasitic plant Phelipanche tunetana was found parasitizing Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera L. (Brussels sprouts, Brassicaceae) plants. Morphological characterization, molecular, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identification of the parasite. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. tunetana infecting brussels sprouts in Morocco. These findings suggest that P. tunetana could potentially spread to other brassica crops-growing regions in Morocco in the future. Therefore, appropriate management strategies must be urgently taken to prevent further expansion of this parasitic weed.
An Innovative Approach to Navigating Microaggressions in Medical Education Settings
Authors: Morrison Nariell , Ashaye Olutunmise , Onanuga Simisola , Okechukwu Hannah , Wihba Kinan , Izzi-Engbeaya Chioma , Sam Amir H.
Published: December 2024

Problem

Microaggressions negatively affect the experiences of medical students, especially those from minoritized groups, indicating the need for heightened awareness and open dialogue. The increasing recognition of the potential harm caused by such behaviors has led to a call for educational strategies that enable medical students to identify and address microaggressions effectively. This report details an innovative approach designed to navigate the complexities of microaggressions within medical education settings.

Approach

In December 2023, 2 senior medical educators facilitated an in-person lecture, which consisted of short videos cocreated with students, interactive online surveys, and a presentation. The lecture aimed to enable third-year medical students at Imperial College School of Medicine to describe and recognize microaggressions and other forms of inappropriate behavior, understand the impact of microaggressions in medical education settings, develop problem-solving skills to challenge inappropriate behavior, and differentiate the informal and formal mechanisms to raise concerns.

Outcomes

The final data set consisted of 183 participants. Participants reported increases in confidence in identifying microaggressions (median [IQR], 4.00 [3.00-4.00] before vs 4.00 [4.00-5.00] after intervention; P < .001), understanding their potential effect on affected individuals (median [IQR], 4.00 [3.00-5.00] before vs 5.00 [4.00-5.00] after intervention; P < .001), and feeling better equipped to challenge inappropriate experienced (median [IQR], 2.00 [2.00-3.00] before vs 3.00 [2.00-4.00] after intervention; P < .001) or witnessed (median [IQR], 3.00 [2.00-3.00] before vs 4.00 [3.00-4.00] after intervention; P < .001) behaviors. They also reported increases in confidence in seeking support from their peers if they experienced (median [IQR], 4.00 [3.00-5.00] before vs 4.00 [4.00-5.00] after intervention; P < .001) or witnessed (median [IQR], 4.00 [3.00-4.00] before vs 4.00 [3.00-5.00] after intervention; P < .001) microaggressions.

Next Steps

Next steps include integrating small group workshops on microaggressions into curricula and adapting these interventions for other health care professionals.
Self-Harm as a Contributor to the Opioid Epidemic: Data From the Toxicology Investigators Consortium Registry
Authors: Weiss Stephanie T. , Li Xiaobai , Aldy Kim , Wax Paul M. , Brent Jeffrey ,   On behalf of the Toxicology Investigators Consortium
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Although considerable focus has been placed on understanding the causes of opioid drug overdoses, the intentions for such overdoses are not well characterized. We investigated the motivations behind nonfatal opioid exposures resulting in serious adverse health outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed prospectively collected data on nonfatal opioid overdoses in the multicenter Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Core Registry between 2014 and 2021. Included patients were age ≥11 years with serious toxicity after use of pharmaceutical and/or nonpharmaceutical opioids for whom the reasons for opioid exposure were determined. Pharmaceutical opioids were defined as United States Food and Drug Administration–approved medications. All other opioids were classified as nonpharmaceuticals.

Results

The 5250 cases meeting the criteria were 56.6% male with a median age of 36 years (IQR, 26–50). There were 2960 (56.4%) opioid misuse cases and 1456 (27.7%) self-harm attempts. Within the self-harm group, 1242 (85.3%) were suicidal, and 1187 (95.6%) of these used pharmaceutical opioids in their suicide attempt. Only 94 (4.2%) patients using nonpharmaceutical opioids did so in a suicide attempt. Pharmaceutical opioid suicide attempts as a percent of all registry cases peaked between 2015 and 2017 and fell dramatically thereafter (P = 0.005). For comparison, benzodiazepine overdoses similarly decreased (P = 0.003), whereas non-opioid analgesic or antidepressant overdoses increased.

Conclusions

A majority of serious opioid overdoses were sequelae of opioid misuse, but over a quarter were intentional self-harm attempts, primarily involving pharmaceutical opioids. Decreased prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines after 2016–2017 may have resulted in decreased pharmaceutical opioid and benzodiazepine misuse and self-harm attempts. Similar trends were not seen for nonpharmaceutical opioids.
Preferred Language and Race Impact Code Status in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Granada Stephanie , Mayeda Michelle R. , Fowler Jessica C. , Morrison Wynne E. , Yehya Nadir
Published: December 2024

IMPORTANCE:

Few studies have assessed the relationships between language, race, and code status in a PICU.

OBJECTIVES:

We aimed to identify whether non-English language preference (NELP) or race was associated with code status in a PICU.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of 45,143 patients admitted to the PICU between January 2013 and December 2022, excluding those with pre-PICU do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

Two separate exposures were tested simultaneously (NELP and race/ethnicity) for association with the primary outcome of placement of a DNR order in the PICU (logistic regression). The secondary outcome was time to DNR order in patients in whom DNR orders were placed (Cox regression). Potential confounders were age, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III at 12 hours score, religion, admission diagnosis, and hospital length of stay before PICU admission.

RESULTS:

Patients with Spanish-preference, Arabic-preference, or other NELP had higher odds of having a DNR order placed during PICU admission relative to English-preference (all adjusted odds ratios [aORs] between 1.81 and 3.59; all p < 0.001). Among patients with a DNR, Other NELP patients had faster times to DNR (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.30–2.39; p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic Black patients consistently had lower odds of having a DNR order relative to non-Hispanic White patients (aOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.91; p = 0.002). Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

Children with NELP had higher odds of having a new DNR order placed in the PICU, whereas non-Hispanic Black patients had lower odds. NELP may be correlated with unmeasured illness severity, thereby confounding the relationship between language and probability of DNR. However, our data support that demographic factors, such as Black race, are strong predictors of a change in code status to DNR and time to DNR.
Hospital-Acquired Complications in Critically Ill Children and PICU Length of Stay, Duration of Respiratory Support, and Economics: Propensity Score Matching in a Single-Center Cohort, 2015–2020
Authors: Schults Jessica A. , Hall Lisa , Charles Karina R. , Rickard Claire M. , Le Marsney Renate , Ergetu Endrias , Gregg Alex , Byrnes Joshua , Rahiman Sarfaraz , Long Debbie , Lake Anna , Gibbons Kristen
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

To identify the health and economic costs of hospital-acquired complications (HACs) in children who require PICU admission.

Design:

Propensity score matched cohort study analyzing routinely collected medical and costing data collected by the health service over 6 years (2015–2020).

Setting:

Tertiary referral PICU in Queensland, Australia.

Patients:

All children admitted to the PICU were included.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

We assessed ventilator- and respiratory support-free days at 30 days post-PICU admission, length of PICU stay, prevalence of individual HACs, and attributable healthcare costs. A total of 8437 admissions, representing 6054 unique patients were included in the analysis. Median (interquartile range) for cohort age was 2.1 years (0.4–7.7 yr), 56% were male. Healthcare-associated infections contributed the largest proportion of HACs (incidence rate per 100 bed days, 46.5; 95% CI, 29.5–47.9). In the propensity score matched analyses (total 3852; 1306 HAC and 1371 no HAC), HAC events were associated with reduced ventilator- (adjusted subhazard ratio [aSHR], 0.88 [95% CI, 0.82–0.94]) and respiratory support-free days (aSHR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.69–0.79]) and increased PICU length of stay (aSHR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.58–0.68]). Healthcare costs for children who developed a HAC were higher compared with children with no HAC, with mean additional cost ranging from Australian dollar (A$) 77,825 (one HAC [95% CI, $57,501–98,150]) to $310,877 (≥ 4 HACs [95% CI, $214,572–407,181]; in 2022, the average conversion of A$ to U.S. dollar was 0.74).

Conclusions:

In our PICU (2015–2020), the burden of HAC for critically ill children was highest for healthcare-associated infections. Further high-quality evidence regarding HAC prevention and prospective risk assessment could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs.
A randomized trial for combination nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation among people with HIV in a low-resourced setting
Authors: Elf Jessica L. , Lebina Limakatso , Motlhaoleng Katlego , Chon Sandy , Niaura Raymond , Abrams David , Variava Ebrahim , Gupte Nikhil , Martinson Neil , Golub Jonathan E.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination nicotine replacement therapy (c-NRT) for smoking cessation among people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa.

Design:

We conducted an open label, individually randomized clinical trial.

Methods:

Using a two-armed approach, PWH who smoke were randomized to receive either 1) intensive anti-smoking behavioral counseling (BC) or 2) intensive anti-smoking BC plus c-NRT (nicotine patches augmented by nicotine gum). Self-reported smoking abstinence was biochemically validated with exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO) and urine cotinine at six months. Recruitment, provision of trial interventions, and follow-up of participants took place March 2014 through June 2016.

Results:

We randomly assigned 280 participants to the BC arm and 281 participants to the BC + c-NRT arm. 438 (78%) participants were male and 123 (22%) were female. For our primary outcome of biochemically verified abstinence at six months, 41 (15%) were quit in the BC + c-NRT arm versus 28 (10%) in the BC arm, resulting in a 5% (95% CI -1%, 10%) absolute difference in relative risk and an adjusted odd ratio of 1.47 (95% CI: 0.86, 2.52) comparing the BC + c-NRT to the BC arm.

Conclusions:

Although our results did not reach statistical significance, we found augmentation of BC with c-NRT to increase smoking abstinence at six months, which is consistent with performance in the general population. PWH in low-resource settings may benefit from the addition of c-NRT to existing tobacco cessation interventions.
Advancements in Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy: Refinements in Surgical Techniques for Treating the Superior Joint Spaces
Authors: Rodríguez Saenz Alvaro Andres , Galviz Tabares Brandon , Gnecco Juan Pablo , Borda López Carlos Eduardo , Delgado Burbano Nicolás , Rodríguez-Sáenz Diego
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a novel technique for arthroscopic surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), developed by the first author. Traditional TMJ arthroscopy techniques typically utilize a reference plane extending from the lateral canthus to the tragus, which may misalign with the zygomatic arch and create technical challenges during percutaneous joint access. The proposed method addresses these limitations by leveraging coronal and sagittal tomographic measurements alongside 3-dimensional reconstructions to determine precise and anatomically appropriate entry points. The inclusion of a 3-port video arthroscopy system enhances intraoperative visualization and access to the superior joint spaces. Compared with conventional techniques, this refined method demonstrates increased procedural efficiency, improved safety, simplified technical execution, and enhanced reproducibility. Detailed procedural steps are presented, supplemented with illustrative diagrams to ensure clarity and replicability. This innovative approach significantly advances surgical maneuverability, allowing for a comprehensive assessment and treatment of the glenoid fossa, condyle, and articular disc while minimizing the risk of iatrogenic complications often associated with traditional techniques.
Accessory Posterior Cerebral Artery—The Hyperplastic Anterior Choroidal Artery Variant
Authors: Triantafyllou George , Papadopoulos-Manolarakis Panagiotis , Piagkou Maria
Published: December 2024

Variants of the cerebral arterial circle, both common and rare, are frequently documented. The authors present a distinct case involving a 54-year-old male patient who underwent a computed tomography angiogram (CTA), which was analyzed using planar slices and 3-dimensional reconstruction. In this case, the left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) received the posterior communicating artery (PComA) 7 mm distal to its origin from the basilar artery (BA). In addition, an accessory vessel originated 4.2 mm distal from the PComA origin, branching from the left internal carotid artery (ICA). This vessel was identified as an accessory posterior cerebral artery (APCA), corresponding to a hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery (AChA). This case illustrates a rare variant in the posterior circulation of the brain, in which the territory of the PCA is supplied by both the internal carotid and vertebrobasilar systems.
Perioperative Opioid Use in Urogynecologic Mesh Removal
Authors: Artsen Amanda M. , Gichuru Roseanne , Bonidie Michael , Giugale Lauren , Moalli Pamela A.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Forty percent of patients with urogynecologic mesh pain complications are taking narcotics.

Objectives

We aimed to compare comorbidities and pain scores between patients with and without narcotic use and assess postoperative narcotic use rates.

Study Design

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing urogynecologic mesh removal. Patients with mesh removal for pain within 7 years were included due to data availability. Narcotic prescriptions were verified using the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Pain scores were assessed at baseline and 6–24 months postoperatively.

Results

Of 139 patients, 30 (21.6%) filled narcotic prescriptions within 3 months preceding surgery. These patients were younger and more likely to have a chronic pain condition. Narcotic use did not differ by sling versus prolapse mesh, or presence of exposure. Patients taking preoperative narcotics had a 27-point higher median baseline visual analog scale pelvic pain score (P = 0.01). Patients with pain comorbidities had 6 times odds of using preoperative narcotics. Younger patients had less improvement in pelvic pain after removal. Only 8 (27%) of those taking narcotics discontinued use postoperatively with no significant predictors of prolonged (≥3 months) use. Eighty-seven percent of patients with prolonged postoperative use had a prior pain diagnosis, commonly joint and back pain.

Conclusions

In patients with mesh-related pain, those with chronic pain conditions had much higher odds of taking preoperative narcotics, and in most, mesh removal did not eliminate narcotic use. Counseling is warranted in patients with chronic pain conditions that pain and narcotic use are likely to persist after removal.
Recent trends and biases in mesophotic ecosystem research
Authors: Radice Veronica Z. , Hernández-Agreda Alejandra , Pérez-Rosales Gonzalo , Booker Ryan , Bellworthy Jessica , Broadribb Manon , Carpenter Gaby E. , Diaz Clara , Eckert Ryan J. , Foster Nicola L. , Gijsbers Johanna C. , Gress Erika , Laverick Jack H. , Micaroni Valerio , Pierotti Miriam , Rouzé Héloïse , Stevenson Angela , Sturm Alexis B. , Bongaerts Pim
Published: December 2024

Mesophotic ecosystems (approx. 30–150 m) represent a significant proportion of the world’s oceans yet have long remained understudied due to challenges in accessing these deeper depths. Owing to advances in underwater technologies and a growing scientific and management interest, there has been a major expansion in research of both (sub)tropical mesophotic coral ecosystems and temperate mesophotic ecosystems. Here, we characterize the recent global trends in mesophotic research through an updated release of the ‘mesophotic.org’ database (
www.mesophotic.org
) where we reviewed and catalogued 1500 scientific publications. In doing so, we shed light on four major research biases: a gross imbalance in (a) the geographical spread of research efforts, differences in (b) the focal depth range and (c) research fields associated with study organisms and research platforms, and (d) the lack of temporal studies. Overall, we are optimistic about the future of mesophotic research and hope that by highlighting current trends and imbalances, we can raise awareness and stimulate discussion on the future directions of this emerging field.
First-principles pressure-dependent investigation of the physical and superconducting properties of ThCr
2
Si
2
-type superconductors SrPd
2
X
2
(X = P, As)
Authors: Asrafusjaman Md. , Islam M. A. , Billah Areef , Ahmmad Bashir
Published: December 2024

The physical and superconducting characteristics of SrPd
2
P
2
and SrPd
2
As
2
compounds with applied pressure were calculated using density functional theory. The pressure effect on the structural properties of these compounds was investigated. The results show that both lattice constants and volume decrease almost linearly with increasing pressure. The elastic constants (
C
ij
) for both compounds increase with increasing pressure and satisfy Born criteria for mechanical stability. The elastic parameters indicate the ductile behaviour and anisotropic nature of these compounds under applied pressure. The Debye temperature (
ϴ
D
) and melting temperature (
T
m
) increase with increasing pressure. The electronic band structure calculation of both compounds exhibits metallic characteristics at different pressures. The density of electronic states at the Fermi level,
N
(
E
F
), consistently decreases as pressure increases, which is also reflected in the repulsive Coulomb pseudopotential (
µ*
), and the electron–phonon coupling constant (
λ
). These optical features suggest that both compounds are suitable for optoelectronic device applications. Furthermore, the superconducting transition temperature,
T
c
, for both compounds is predicted to vary with applied pressure due to changes in
ϴ
D
, N
(
E
F
)
, µ*
and
λ
.
ProCyon: A multimodal foundation model for protein phenotypes
Authors: Queen Owen , Huang Yepeng , Calef Robert , Giunchiglia Valentina , Chen Tianlong , Dasoulas George , Tai LeAnn , Ektefaie Yasha , Noori Ayush , Brown Joseph , Cobley Tom , Hrovatin Karin , Hartvigsen Tom , Theis Fabian J. , Pentelute Bradley , Khurana Vikram , Kellis Manolis , Zitnik Marinka
Published: December 2024

Understanding the roles of human proteins remains a major challenge, with approximately 20% of human proteins lacking known functions and more than 40% missing context-specific functional insights. Even well-annotated proteins are often poorly characterized in diverse biological contexts, disease states, and perturbations. We present ProCyon, a foundation model for modeling, generating, and predicting protein phenotypes across five interrelated knowledge domains: molecular functions, therapeutic mechanisms, disease associations, functional protein domains, and molecular interactions. To support this, we created ProCyon-INSTRUCT, a dataset of 33 million protein phenotype instructions, representing a comprehensive resource for multiscale protein phenotypes. By co-training a large language model with multimodal molecular encoders, ProCyonintegrates phenotypic and protein data. A novel architecture and instruction tuning strategy allow ProCyonto process arbitrarily interleaved protein-and-phenotype inputs, achieve zero-shot task transfer, and generate free- form text phenotypes interleaved with retrieved protein sequence, structure, and drug modalities in a single unified model. ProCyonachieves strong performance against single-modality models, multimodal models such as ESM3, as well as text-only LLMs on dozens of benchmarking tasks such as contextual protein retrieval and question answering. We extensively evaluate ProCyonfor biological applications, including identifying protein domains that bind small molecule drugs, predicting peptide binding with enzymes, and assessing the functional impact of Alzheimer’s disease mutations. ProCyonenables conditional retrieval of proteins linked to small molecules through complementary mechanisms of action. It generates candidate phenotypes for under-characterized proteins recently implicated in Parkinson’s disease, facilitating hypothesis generation for poorly understood proteins and biological processes. ProCyonpaves the way toward an effective, general solution for functional