bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Several Concentrations of Meranti Wood Powder Liquid Smoke In Inhibiting the Growth of Curvularia sp In Vitro
Authors: Yusmar M , Zazri M , Ervina A
Published: February 2025

Curvularia sp. can cause leaf spots on oil palms. One alternative control is using liquid smoke from meranti sawdust. This research aims to obtain the best concentration of meranti sawdust liquid smoke which can control the growth of Curvularia sp. in vitro. This research used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) with each treatment repeated 4 times, so there were 24 experimental units. Observation parameters include analysis of total phenol of liquid smoke, macroscopic, growth rate (cm/day) and inhibitory power (%) of Curvularia sp. The results of the research showed that the total phenol content was 3.95%. Meranti sawdust liquid smoke had an effect on the growth rate and colony inhibition of Curvularia sp. Meranti wood powder liquid smoke with the best treatment is a concentration of 2% which is very effective in inhibiting the growth of Curvularia sp. with 100% inhibition power and a growth rate of 0 cm/day.
Sustainable Urban Planning through Green Belt in IKN: A Literature Review
Authors: Hutahaean Michael , Sagala Saut , Subrata Sena Adi , Zawani Hoferdy , Insan Akhirul , Noer Ilham Setiawan , Wijaya Hadiyan , Putra Dekka Dhirgantara
Published: February 2025

The rapid urbanisation of cities presents a significant challenge to biodiversity and ecological balance. A pertinent example is Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), Indonesia’s new capital city, which is poised for swift urban development. The area of IKN is part of Indonesia’s biodiversity hotspot and has a high level of endemicity. This study explores the implementation of a green belt in IKN, focusing on its potential to enhance sustainable urban planning. It draws comparative insights from successful global examples in cities like London, São Paulo, and Melbourne, highlighting how green belts help prevent urban sprawl while providing co-benefits such as supporting net zero initiatives and preserving natural habitats and biodiversity. Through a comprehensive review of policy frameworks, existing environmental conditions of IKN, and case studies, recommendations for green belt implementation are developed. These recommendations emphasise the need for strong governmental commitment, active community engagement, and the integration of advanced technological tools in the planning and management processes. The integration of a green belt is envisioned to transform IKN into a model of sustainable urban development, harmonizing urban growth with ecological preservation.
Hydrothermal Characterization of the Jazan Geothermal System, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Arrofi Daffa , Abu-Mahfouz Israa S. , Humphrey John D.
Published: February 2025

Al Ardah region in Southwestern Saudi Arabia is known for its hot springs, indicating an active geothermal system. However, there is no established conceptual model to explain how this system works. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to understand the hydrothermal characteristics of the area and develop a conceptual model by integrating hydrochemical analyses with geological information. To achieve this, water samples were collected from the hot springs and analyzed in the laboratory using geochemical techniques. This analysis allowed us to characterize hydrothermal system and estimate the geothermal reservoir temperature. In addition, outcrop observations were collected near the hot springs and possible recharge areas to investigate fractures and potential pathways for fluid flow based on the orientation of open fractures (joints). Our findings indicate that the thermal waters are characterized by Na-Cl water, suggesting that the water is discharged from a significant depth of the reservoir. The estimated reservoir temperature ranges from 140°C to 180°C. The high levels of Li and Sr imply a strong interaction between the thermal water and the granitic rock. Furthermore, precipitation is found to be the primary source of recharge for this system. Based on our analysis of various elements, we believe the thermal water flows from the east to the west through joints and faults, indicating the recharge zone is in the eastern part of the hot spring area. This study greatly enhances the understanding of the Al Ardah geothermal system in Jazan by integrating hydrochemical analysis and structural geology observations.
Improving Reservoir Temperature Estimation of Medium-Temperature Geothermal System by Incorporating Mineral Equilibria Conditions into Geothermometric Approaches: A Case Study in the Kiejo Mbaka Field, Southwest Tanzania
Authors: Donald Kobare Nyora , Kashiwaya Koki , Koike Katsuaki
Published: February 2025

The geothermometric characterization of medium to low-temperature geothermal fields plays a crucial role in geothermal resource assessment by providing estimates of subsurface temperatures based on the chemical compositions of thermal fluids. However, these methods are frequently challenged by mineral equilibria and secondary processes that occur at low temperatures as geothermal reservoir fluids rise to the surface. This study explores the intricacies of saturation indices as valuable indicators of mineral equilibrium, aiming to achieve a comprehensive understanding for accurately estimating geothermal reservoir reactions in a Na-K-HCO3-type water system in the Kiejo-Mbaka prospect. A total of 11 samples from thermal springs were collected for analytical analysis of the prospect, displaying temperatures ranging from 30 °C (low) to 64 °C (high) and exhibiting partial to immature equilibration. The reservoir temperature is estimated to range from 19.5 °C to >300 °C using classical geothermometry, suggesting the non-equilibrium state of the water samples. Simulation using PHREEQC in the temperature range of 65 °C to 175 °C indicates that saturation indices models quantify the degree of mineral equilibration with chalcedony, quartz, and chrysotile. Under these conditions, the reservoir temperature needs to be estimated through a chalcedony or quartz geothermometry. Thermodynamic uncertainties reveal oversaturation of calcite, aragonite, and dolomite minerals. Finally, a reservoir temperature of 135 ±20 °C was obtained from the multi-mineral saturation indices models. This estimate remains consistent until the final exploratory temperature gradient drilling test, ensuring the coherence of the findings for practical applications.
Enhancing Geothermal Drilling Efficiency with Stuck Pipe Machine Learning Application
Authors: Galih Pradana Fandika , Abdul Aziz Muhammad , Bhawika Putra Redha , Azzahra Nasution Darnisa , Reksalegora Sentanu W. , Zulfan
Published: February 2025

Intensive geothermal drilling effort is essential to reach the Indonesian government’s target of 3,355 MWe by 2030. To reduce the overall risk of stuck pipe, a significant risk in drilling geothermal wells, innovation such as Stuck Pipe Machine Learning (SPML) was developed to support engineers’ ability to reduce potential problems during drilling and optimize the overall drilling operations. Literature studies were conducted before developing the application, followed by data collection from 80 geothermal wells in Indonesia. Ten drilling parameters were selected, cleaned, normalized, and prepared to model the Artificial Neural Network algorithm, which has the highest accuracy compared to other models. The algorithm was then trained and tested on 12 geothermal offset wells, where 70% of the data was used for training and the rest for testing. Then it was also tested using historical data (blind test) for three geothermal offset wells. After confirming the accuracy, the application was tested on real-time drilling, successfully identifying pre-stuck or anomaly conditions. Although the overall accuracy of the algorithm cannot be determined due to the absence of a stuck pipe, the machine learning model shows its effectiveness in detecting anomalies in the occurrence of stuck pipe incidents in geothermal drilling operations. The SPML application continues to be developed to optimize geothermal drilling in Indonesia.
Failing to Treat Persons as Individuals
Authors: Beeghly Erin
Published: February 2025

This chapter evaluates the claim that wrongful stereotyping fails to treat persons as individuals. It begins with an observation: judging persons by group membership is a fast way to form beliefs, expectations, and predictions. When people have the option to judge others in a more conscientious way but don’t take it, and end up stereotyping, those targeted have an ethical complaint at their fingertips. We all have a right—a moral right, the thought goes—to be treated as individuals. Stereotyping can violate this right. Not only have activists pressed this ethical objection (including those from the early homophile movement in the United States), but it has also been posited as “the wrong” of all stereotyping by philosopher Lawrence Blum. This chapter argues that the last claim is overblown. Only sometimes does wrongful stereotyping fail to treat persons as individuals. Thus, the wrong can at most play a limited role in the best theory of wrongful stereotyping. Moreover, its deeper ethical moorings and connection to power dynamics suggest that it should be fitted into such a theory via respect for persons or social equality.
Radical Pluralism
Authors: Beeghly Erin
Published: February 2025

This chapter champions the normative complexity of stereotyping and argues for a novel solution to the puzzle of stereotyping. It begins with an observation: no “essence” of wrongful stereotyping has been found in this book, no single property or set of properties that all wrongful cases share. Nor can the wrongs of stereotyping be boiled down to an elegant number of two or three. Instead, attention to lived experience has revealed that stereotyping can be wrong—when it is—in many ways and for many reasons: because it is disrespectful, harmful, fails to treat persons as equals, undermines freedoms, and more. Furthermore, it is important to keep this list of wrongs open-ended. Exploring different ways of modeling normative complexity, it settles on a cluster theory. Readers discover a new, radically pluralistic theory of what’s morally wrong with stereotyping capable of recognizing normative complexity and the ways in which unjust social environments give rise to—and sustain—wrongful stereotyping. The chapter ends by sketching radical pluralism’s strengths as well as ways in which it could be developed in the future.
Conclusions
Authors: Pasternak Avia
Published: February 2025

This concluding chapter sums up the main normative findings of the book and considers some implications. The book’s core observation was that violent protesting can often be a form of protective and symbolic violence against complex, accumulative, and structural harms, and it developed a normative framework for assessing this response to injustice. The chapter highlights the implications that follow for oppressed citizens who consider deploying this response and for privileged citizens and policymakers who respond to the violence. Finally, the book addresses this question and also points to questions that flow from the analysis and to avenues for future research.
A Case of Congenital Fibular Hemimelia Associated with Skeletal and Non-skeletal Malformations
Authors: Manasra Mahmoud R , Farah Rahaf E , Farah Roua E , Yassin Sama S , Abuisneina Shadi A
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Fibular hemimelia is a rare congenital abnormality where the fibula is either totally or partially absent. It can occur alone or alongside other skeletal malformations, and in very few cases, it may occur along with non-skeletal anomalies.

Case presentation

A 4-year-old female was diagnosed with unilateral right-sided fibular hemimelia, accompanied by limb shortening, a right-side ankle deformity, valgus foot, and three lateral rays that had been totally absent since the first week of birth. And she was incidentally diagnosed with spina bifida occulta at a 3-year-old age.

Discussion

Fibular hemimelia is most commonly unilateral and mostly affects the right side, leads to a limb-length discrepancy, and maybe comes as a symptom of a syndrome such as Foetus-Fibula-Ulna syndrome and so on. Risk factors include prenatal history, drugs, and no supplementation intake. Together, these elements could be a contributing factor to our condition. The congenital limb abnormalities may be discovered during pregnancy by sonography. If present, other investigations need to be done to differentiate the diagnosis. Treatment according to degree: mild, moderate, and severe cases.

Conclusion

In our case, the type 2 FH characteristic was shown by sonography, accompanied by limb shortening, lateral rays absent, and a non-skeletal anomaly (spina bifida). These anomalies very rarely come with each other at the same time. To the best of our knowledge, this case is exceptional in that fibular hemimelia are present at birth alongside spina bifida.
Outcomes with radiotherapy in multimodality treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombosis
Authors: Sahai Puja , Yadav Hanuman Prasad , Choudhury Ashok , Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna , Jindal Ankur , Mall Aprajita , Mukund Amar , Patidar Yashwant , Bharadwaj Mangu Srinivas , Khangembam Bangkim Chandra , Kumar Guresh , Rastogi Archana , Pamecha Viniyendra
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate outcomes with radiation therapy (RT) in multimodality treatment for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT).

Methods

The present retrospective study included 24 patients without extrahepatic metastases. The patients had received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (n = 10) and systemic treatment (n = 14) before RT. The dose fractionation was 12-31.5 Gy in 3-7 fractions of 4-5 Gy to PVTT or PVTT plus the liver parenchymal tumour. All patients were advised systemic treatment with sorafenib, lenvatinib, or nivolumab after RT. After RT, patients had received TACE within 8 weeks (n = 2) or at 5-10 months (n = 3). Treatment response was evaluated as per mRECIST and PERCIST and Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results

The disease control rate in PVTT was 50% at 3 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 10.9 months (95% CI 0.74-21) for all patients. The 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year OS rates were 75%, 45.8%, 25%, and 12.5% respectively. The median OS was 30.4 months (95% CI 12.1-48.7) versus 18.1 months (0.00-38.8) with complete or partial response versus stable or progressive disease in PVTT (P = 0.036). Eleven patients had a decline in Child Pugh score of 2 or more points within 3 months after RT. One patient underwent live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and complete necrosis with no viable tumour was observed in the explant. The patient is cancer- and liver disease-free at 1 year after LDLT.

Conclusions

The present study showed benefit of radiotherapy with systemic therapy and TACE in patients with HCC with PVTT.

Advances in knowledge

Radiotherapy as part of the multimodality treatment offers the potential to improve disease control and survival in patients with HCC with PVTT.
Hemi-pericardial Agenesis Causing Myocardial Ischemia in a Pregnant Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Miura Ken , Sato Wakana , Unuma Mayu , Watanabe Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

Background

Pericardial agenesis is one of the rarest cardiac anomalies, often asymptomatic, but in some cases cause chest symptoms and, in worst cases, fatal complication. We experienced a case of a pregnant woman with myocardial ischemia due to a pericardial agenesis.

Case summary

A 26-year-old woman who was 14 weeks pregnant visited our hospital complaining of chest pain in the left lateral decubitus position. Although she carefully avoided lying on her left side, chest pain suddenly developed when she was in a supine position at 34 weeks pregnant. An electrocardiogram taken at that time revealed ischemic changes, implying compression of the coronary vessels. As continuation of the pregnancy would thus be difficult, a cesarean section was successfully performed. A year after delivery, cardiac surgery was performed. The intraoperative findings revealed that the left pericardium was absent, and an edge of the right pericardium was located on the inferior surface of the heart. It was suspected that the myocardial ischemia was attributable to compression of the coronary artery by this edge. During surgery, this edge was removed.

Conclusion

In the present case, a patient with a previously asymptomatic hemi-pericardial agenesis was at risk of developing fatal myocardial ischemia due to pregnancy. Women who lack pericardia require special attention during pregnancy.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Sudan
Authors: Abukaraig Egbal A B , Beaney Thomas , Kerr Gabriele , Poulter Neil R , Beheiry Hind , Daoud Maha E H , Mohamed Deena A A , Ahmed Omer I O , Mohamed Yasir H A , Elhassan Ibrahim A , Ali Ibtisam A
Published: February 2025

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Sudan in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign.

Adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited opportunistically at the community spaces and educational institutes. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completing a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was described as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP <140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 16 051 were screened with a mean age of 37.5 ± 15.9 years and 57.7% of them were females. Of all screened participants, 4604 (28.7%) had hypertension, of whom 2038 (44.27%) were aware of being hypertensive, and 1864 (40.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 808 (43.3%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 17.5% had controlled BP. Only 6960 (43.4%) of the total participants had their BP measured within the last 12 months.

The MMM campaign in Sudan identified a high percentage of significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The previously diagnosed cases were a small proportion of the disease load, a situation that deserves extensive efforts of awareness-raising campaigns and community screening.
Regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment display a unique chromatin accessibility profile
Authors: Dadey Rebekah E , Cui Jian , Rajasundaram Dhivyaa , Yano Hiroshi , Liu Chang , Cohen Jonathan A , Liu Andrew W , Kaplan Daniel H , Workman Creg J , Vignali Dario A A
Published: February 2025

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a suppressive CD4+ T cell population that limit the antitumor immune response. In this study, we analyzed the chromatin accessibility of Tregs in the murine tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify tumor-specific accessible peaks and if these are altered over time in the tumor microenvironment, with or without anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. We found that despite little change in chromatin accessibility of Tregs in the tumor over time, Tregs have a distinct chromatin accessibility signature in the TME compared with Tregs in the periphery. This distinct tumor Treg chromatin accessibility profile highlights reduced accessibility at loci important for an CD4+ conventional T cell (CD4+ Foxp3−) effector phenotype. Analysis of chromatin accessibility in Tregs from B16 and MC38 tumor models indicated that Tregs from skin-resident tumors are most similar to naïve skin resident Tregs but still bear key differences attributable to the TME. We also found that Tregs do not alter their transcriptome or chromatin accessibility following immunotherapy. We conclude that although chromatin accessibility in Tregs is somewhat similar to their tissue residency, the TME may drive a unique chromatin accessibility profile. Treg chromatin accessibility in the tumor appears remarkably stable and unaltered by tumor type, over time, or following immunotherapy.
Halfpipe: a tool for analyzing metabolic labeling RNA-seq data to quantify RNA half-lives
Authors: Müller Jason M , Altendorfer Elisabeth , Freier Susanne , Moos Katharina , Mayer Andreas , Tresch Achim
Published: February 2025

We introduce Halfpipe, a tool for analyzing RNA-seq data from metabolic RNA labeling experiments. Its main features are the absolute quantification of 4-thiouridine-labeling-induced T>C conversions in the data as generated by SLAM-seq, calculating the proportion of newly synthesized transcripts, and estimating subcellular RNA half-lives. Halfpipe excels at correcting critical biases caused by typically low labeling efficiency. We measure and compare the RNA metabolism in the G1 phase and during the mitosis of synchronized human cells. We find that RNA half-lives of constantly expressed RNAs are similar in mitosis and G1 phase, suggesting that RNA stability of those genes is constant throughout the cell cycle. Our estimates correlate well with literature values and with known RNA sequence features. Halfpipe is freely available at https://github.com/IMSBCompBio/Halfpipe.
Appalachian-breeding Vermivora chrysoptera (Golden-winged Warbler) occur at very low densities in mid-elevation forests and agroforestry systems throughout the Andes and isolated massifs of northern Colombia
Authors: León León Juan Felipe , Bayly Nicholas J , Cano Natalia , Gómez Daniela , Bulluck Lesley , Harding Sergio
Published: February 2025

Vermivora chrysoptera (Golden-winged Warbler) is one of the most striking but also one of the most vulnerable migratory warblers on Earth. To understand its nonbreeding ecology in northern South America, where the steeply declining Appalachian breeding population is known to spend the nonbreeding season, we conducted 2,534 surveys between 2018 and 2023 in isolated massifs and the Andes of Colombia. Our goal was to evaluate the distribution, detection rates, elevational range, habitat preferences and microhabitat associations of the species. We obtained 54 detections, with a very low detection rate (2.13%) compared to rates reported from Central America (~10%). Detections covered a wide range of elevations (634–2,551 meters above sea level [m.a.s.l.]), with support for a mid-elevation peak at around 1,750 m.a.s.l. Importantly, detection elevation was negatively correlated with latitude such that peak abundances occurred at higher elevations closer to the equator. Most detections were in mature or secondary forests (72%), but birds also occurred along forest edges (17%) and in agroforestry systems (11%), such as shade-grown coffee. We found weak evidence for a female preference for lower elevations as well as more frequent use of agroforestry systems relative to males. Logistic regressions provided some support for a preference for forest over agriculture in both sexes as well as a higher detection probability at points with intermediate canopy height and canopy cover. Our results highlight the low density at which the species occurs across the northern Andes of Colombia and other isolated massifs. The association with forested habitats and the relatively narrow elevation range occupied by most birds implies that focusing conservation efforts on protecting or restoring forests at elevations where detection rates peaked would likely be an effective strategy for ensuring that nonbreeding habitat remains for Appalachian-breeding V. chrysoptera.
Trisomic rescue via allele-specific multiple chromosome cleavage using CRISPR-Cas9 in trisomy 21 cells
Authors: Hashizume Ryotaro , Wakita Sachiko , Sawada Hirofumi , Takebayashi Shin-ichiro , Kitabatake Yasuji , Miyagawa Yoshitaka , Hirokawa Yoshifumi S , Imai Hiroshi , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: February 2025

Human trisomy 21, responsible for Down syndrome, is the most prevalent genetic cause of cognitive impairment and remains a key focus for prenatal and preimplantation diagnosis. However, research directed toward eliminating supernumerary chromosomes from trisomic cells is limited. The present study demonstrates that allele-specific multiple chromosome cleavage by clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats Cas9 can achieve trisomy rescue by eliminating the target chromosome from human trisomy 21 induced pluripotent stem cells and fibroblasts. Unlike previously reported allele-nonspecific strategies, we have developed a comprehensive allele-specific (AS) Cas9 target sequence extraction method that efficiently removes the target chromosome. The temporary knockdown of DNA damage response genes increases the chromosome loss rate, while chromosomal rescue reversibly restores gene signatures and ameliorates cellular phenotypes. Additionally, this strategy proves effective in differentiated, nondividing cells. We anticipate that an AS approach will lay the groundwork for more sophisticated medical interventions targeting trisomy 21.
Pain During Cesarean Delivery: We Can and Must Do Better
Authors: Zakowski MI , Fardelmann K , Hofkamp MP
Published: February 2025

(Anesthesiology. 2024; 140:1235–1239. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000004968)

Recently, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) released a statement on pain during cesarean delivery (CD) from the Committee on Obstetric Anesthesia which addressed the failure to achieve pain-free CD. This article is a letter to the editor in response to this statement, arguing that providers “can and must do better” to relieve pain for patients during this procedure.
The Impact of Devaluing Women of Color: Stress, Reproduction, and Justice
Authors: Mayne GB , Ghidei L
Published: February 2025

(Birth. 2024;51:245–252. doi:10.1111/birt.12825)

Women of color frequently experience distress, inadequate treatment, and inferior health care during pregnancy in comparison to White women. This gap is particularly pronounced for Black women, who face the most significant reproductive health challenges, such as elevated maternal mortality rates. The inequalities stem from racist policies in the past and persist because of systemic practices that undervalue Women of Color, leaving them at higher risk for adverse consequences. This depreciation can result in health care providers ignoring or downplaying their distress, worsening their difficulties. Moreover, the medical field frequently has blamed these worse results on assumed innate characteristics rather than structural prejudices, thus solidifying inequalities. Respectful and antiracist pregnancy care practices can change these outcomes.
Mandatory Preanesthesia Pregnancy Testing: Ethical Considerations for Adolescents
Authors: Haltom JP , Martin AS , Leland B
Published: February 2025

(Anesth Analg. 2024;139(4):e39–e41. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000007153)

In reaction to the ethical review by Jackson and colleagues, this letter emphasizes the intricacies of perioperative pregnancy testing, especially concerning adolescent patients. Although the original article offers a professional examination of literature, practice, and ethical issues, further dialogue is required about adolescents’ ethical dilemmas.
The Carbon Footprint of Different Modes of Birth in the UK and the Netherlands: An Exploratory Study Using Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Spil NA , van Nieuwenhuizen KE , Rowe R , Thornton JG , Murphy E , Verheijen E , Shelton CL , Heazell AEP
Published: February 2025

(BJOG. 2024;131(5):568–578. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17771)

The research explores the carbon footprint associated with different childbirth procedures in the UK and the Netherlands, particularly looking at cesarean birth (CB) and vaginal deliveries (VD) in both hospital and home settings. Identifying and reducing high-emission areas, including maternity care, is crucial as health care accounts for about 5% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Using life cycle assessment (LCA), this study offers information on the carbon footprint (a quantitative assessment of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to an occurrence and expressed in CO2e) associated with childbirth so that maternity health care professionals can make environmentally conscious choices.
Is There More to POCUS Than the Heart and Lungs in the Parturient-Venous Excess Ultrasound Score?
Authors: Munoz-Acuna R , Charchaflieh JG , Deshpande R
Published: February 2025

(Anesth Analg. 2024;139(3):e23–e25. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000007100)

The venous excess ultrasound score (VExUS) offers essential information about venous disorders and their relevance for tailored treatment in preeclampsia. Historically, preeclampsia has been defined as a multisystem condition caused by endothelial dysfunction, frequently leading to pulmonary edema and heightened capillary permeability. Nonetheless, new evidence emphasizes the importance of cardiac function, intrinsic volume overload, and venous hemodynamic dysfunction as key factors in its pathophysiology.
Epidural and Intrathecal Magnesium Sulphate Administration Errors: Clinical Features and Contributing Factors
Authors: Patel S
Published: February 2025

(Br J Anaesth. 2023; 130:435–440. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2022.12.015)

Normal extracellular and intracellular magnesium ion (Mg²+) concentrations in the central nervous system are crucial for metabolic processes and cellular activities. Recently, magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) has gained popularity for enhancing the effects of analgesia (through routes such as intravenous, intrathecal, epidural), as an adjunct to opioids or local anesthetics. However, the availability of MgSO4 in various concentrations or as premixed preparations by pharmacies for infusion, increases the risk of medication errors.
Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Utilization of Labour Epidural Analgesia in Scotland: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Halliday L , Shaw M , Kyzayeva A , Lawlor DA , Nelson SM , Kearns RJ
Published: February 2025

(Anaesthesia. 2024;79:473–485. doi:10.1111/anae.16236)

Socioeconomic disparity is a major contributor to maternal health risks, presenting a public health obstacle. Epidural analgesia (EA), considered the best by the World Health Organization for managing labor pain, enhances maternal results like pain relief and satisfaction while reducing the chances of postnatal depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Usage of EA varies in high-income countries due to sociodemographic factors despite its advantages. Reports from the United States and the UK indicate a rise in maternal and perinatal risks within socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Deprivation, and Postpartum Outcomes Following Cesarean Delivery: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: O’Carroll JE , Zucco L , Warwick E , Radcliffe G , Moonesinghe SR , El-Boghdadly K , Guo N , Carvalho B , Sultan P
Published: February 2025

(Anaesthesia. 2024;79:486–497. doi:10.1111/anae.16241)

Discrepancies in maternal and neonatal results across diverse ethnic and socioeconomic groups have been thoroughly documented. The postnatal period is crucial to a mother’s health, as it is the time when most maternal deaths happen. Research has indicated that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have a mortality rate that is over double that of wealthier obstetric patients. Maternal mortality rates are much higher in minority ethnic groups in the UK, where Black patients have a 4-fold higher risk of death compared with White patients. In addition, Black patients are more prone to receiving general anesthesia during cesarean deliveries and experience a 30% increased rate of postpartum readmissions in comparison to White patients.
Genetic Carrier Screening—Call for a Global Mission
Authors: Henneman L
Published: February 2025

(N Engl J Med. 391;20. doi:10.1056/NEJMe2410086)

The unexpected diagnosis of a severe genetic condition in a child often reveals to parents their risk of passing the condition on to future children. This was the experience of Rachael and Jonathan Casella, whose daughter Mackenzie was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy and died at 7 months. This tragic event motivated the couple to advocate for widespread carrier screening, which could help parents make informed reproductive choices before or during pregnancy. In response to their efforts, the Australian Government launched Mackenzie’s Mission, a nationwide genetic carrier screening project, with a funding of $20 million AUD.
Commonly Used Antiemetics for Prophylaxis of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Cesarean Delivery With Neuraxial Morphine: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang L , Huang J , Hu H , Chang X , Xia F
Published: February 2025

(Br J Anaesth. 2024;132(6):1274–1284. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2024.03.010)

Neuraxial morphine (NM) is frequently utilized for pain relief after cesarean delivery (CD) because the majority of CDs are conducted using neuraxial anesthesia. Nevertheless, 60% to 80% of women who do not receive prophylaxis will experience postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Preventing PONV is crucial for maternal satisfaction and timely hospital discharge, especially in the ERAS framework. Although there are recommendations for treating PONV, they are usually geared toward the overall surgical population and may not be completely relevant for obstetric patients who are given NM. Previously, traditional meta-analyses only compared individual antiemetics or classes to a placebo, whereas network meta-analyses (NMA) enabled the comparison of several interventions. A recently published NMA on antiemetics for preventing PONV in CDs included women both receiving and not receiving NM, making it difficult to determine the effectiveness of any antiemetic class in this patient population.
Regional Anesthesia Lower-Body Warming and Postoperative Temperature in Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Haim S , Cohen B , Lustig A , Greenberger C , Aptekman B , Weiniger CF
Published: February 2025

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 58;2024:103990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijoa.2024.103990)

Perioperative hypothermia and shivering are frequent during cesarean delivery (CD) under spinal anesthesia. Hypothermia occurs in around 60% of cases, which when severe contributes to surgical site infections, cardiac issues, and coagulation disorders. In ∼85% of cases, maternal shivering increases discomfort and oxygen consumption while complicating patient monitoring. Active warming methods, such as warmed intravenous (IV) fluids and maintaining appropriate room temperatures, can help counteract this heat loss. Prewarming using forced-air devices has been shown to reduce both intraoperative hypothermia and shivering in CD patients. However, studies using only intraoperative warming have shown limited benefits. This study aimed to test whether combining intraoperative lower-body forced-air warming with warmed IV fluids would mitigate maternal relative hypothermia during elective CD compared with warmed IV fluids alone.
Severe Dural Ectasia in a Pregnant Patient With Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Vargas Zúñiga JP , George RB
Published: February 2025

(Can J Anesth. 2024;71(4):548–549. doi:10.1007/s12630-024-02691-8)

Vargas Zúñiga and George publish a case report on a woman with known Marfan syndrome who gave birth through cesarean delivery (CD). The patient was 36 years old and was known to have Marfan syndrome. This was her first pregnancy, which was full term (37+4 wk) at the time of presentation. To understand what limitations they needed to consider for the CD, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transthoracic echocardiography was performed which resulted in finding aortopathy of the ascending aorta, with measurements of 40 and 38 mm, respectively. The patient was also identified to have mild mitral regurgitation, mild scoliosis, and pelvis excavatum. Earlier in the pregnancy, a pelvis and abdominal MRI revealed pronounced dural ectasia in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. An MR image of the patient with increased anteroposterior diameter in lumbar and sacral regions was published alongside a view of the normal lumbar spine, for comparison and reference purposes.
Effect of Anti-Inflammatory Regimen on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Miranda Juliana F. , Maestrini Heloísa A. , Barbosa Carolinne C. P. , Oltramari Laura , Guedes Guilherme B. , Nascimento Marcelo M. , Prata Tiago S. , Urata Carla N. , Abe Ricardo Y.
Published: February 2025

Precis:

Patients in the prednisolone acetate 1% group post-SLT had higher treatment success rates comparing to other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of different anti-inflammatory regimens on selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) outcomes.

Patients and Methods:

Prospective randomized controlled trial. We included newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients that underwent a primary SLT session. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups (prednisolone acetate 1%, prednisolone acetate 0.12% and ketorolac tromethamine 0.5%). After SLT, intraocular pressure (IOP) data were collected at different time points: days 7 and 30, and at 3, 6 and 12 months post-SLT. Main outcome measure was the comparison of success rates (Kaplan Meier survival analysis) between groups (log-rank test).

Results:

We included a total of 134 eyes from 134 newly diagnosed POAG patients (mean age: 62.64±13.86 y) with a mean follow-up of 287±104 days. We observed a significant IOP reduction following SLT treatment in all groups at 12 months (baseline IOP 19.57±3.78 vs. final IOP: 14.39±2.29 mmHg, P<0.001). Patients in the acetate prednisolone 1% group presented higher survival rates (83.7%) comparing to the other groups (prednisolone acetate 0.12%=63.9%; ketorolac tromethamine 0.5%=67.0%) at 12 months (P=0.003). Patients in the acetate prednisolone 1% group had higher chances of treatment success (hazard ratio [HR] 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13–0.68, P=0.004), as well as younger patients (HR 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00–1.05, P=0.005) and those with higher baseline IOP (HR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.72–0.85 P<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, patients in the acetate prednisolone 1% group remained with higher chances of treatment success (HR 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15–0.91, P=0.031). No sight-threatening adverse events was reported during follow-up in all groups.

Conclusions:

In summary, evaluating the effect of different anti-inflammatory regimens on SLT outcomes in newly diagnosed POAG patients, we found had higher success rates in patients treated with prednisolone acetate 1% after SLT. In addition, higher baseline IOP seem to positively influence post-operative outcomes.
The Forensic Humor Project: An Interview Study on Forensic Mental Health Inpatients Experience With and Use of Humor
Authors: Larsen Signe Unmack , Bruun Henriette , Christiansen Lene Schmidt , Hedetoft Celina , Gildberg Frederik Alkier
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The literature suggests that humor is of central importance in the staff–patient relationship. However, within forensic mental health, the most recent review underlines a scarcity of research focusing on the use of humor from a forensic patient perspective. Therefore, this study investigated the characteristics of forensic mental health inpatients' perceptions of staff and their own use of humor within a forensic mental health setting.

Method

The project explored this through semistructured interviews with 11 forensic mental health inpatients and subsequent thematic analysis.

Results

Overall, the patients found that staff should keep practicing humor during admission. The study showed that inpatients viewed the use of humor in terms of “identity” and “community and closer relationships” providing possibilities for “contagious social therapy” if managed according to “power: insight, context, and intention.” These elements of humor were used to “deescalate conflicts” and to create a “positive therapeutic alliance” if carried out with (a) relational sensitivity, (b) situational sensitivity, (c) person-centeredness, and (d) humor being power informed.

Conclusion

The inpatients recommended nursing staff use of humor during admission.
Impacts of Substance Use and Mental Health Symptoms on Cervical Cancer Screening and Viral Suppression: A Mixed Methods Study With Reproductive-Age Women With HIV in Florida
Authors: Deaterly Caroline D. , Forsyth Bianca , Nazario Paula , Bhagwat Setu , Parker Leslie A. , Starkweather Angela , Cook Robert L. , Varma Deepthi S.
Published: February 2025

Women with HIV (WWH) often receive suboptimal screening for cervical cancer despite being at an increased risk for cervical cancer and poor viral suppression. Mental health symptoms and substance use can adversely influence cervical cancer screening and viral suppression. The subjective experience of how these variables influence these outcomes in reproductive-age WWH is not well understood. Our study explored the perspectives of reproductive-age WWH living in Florida regarding the mechanisms by which mental health or substance abuse influences cervical cancer screening and viral suppression. An explanatory sequential mixed methods research design was used. A one-on-one semi-structured interview guided and informed by the Social Ecological Model (SEM) and results from previous quantitative analysis were used (N =16). Themes related to how substance use and mental health symptoms as barriers, and facilitators, including motherhood, community support, marijuana use, and medication adherence were reported. Study finding implications for research and clinicians are discussed.
Predicting mammal species suitable for Chagas disease spread
Authors: Rocha-Ortega Maya , Botto-Mahan Carezza , Rojo Gemma , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex
Published: February 2025

Given the risk of neglected diseases to humanity, can we predict how zoonotic diseases spread out? We have explored this by predicting mammal species reservoirs in the American continent that can act as potential blood-feeding sources of kissing bugs. Kissing bugs include 139 insect species of the Triatomine family that act as primary hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. T. cruzi also requires mammals as secondary hosts, yet our knowledge of which mammal species play such a role is uncertain. We analyzed trait data of mammal species documented as feeding sources to predict which other non-documented mammal species could then act as potential hosts. Using extreme gradient-boosted regression and having mammal traits as predictive variables, we found that 573 mammal species out of 1,923 species could be potential feeding sources of triatomines and, thus, reservoirs of T. cruzi. According to our analysis, triatomines overlap with these 573 mammal species on the basis of habitats, ambient temperature, and humidity. These insects also make use of mammals species that are heavier than 1 kg. Our estimate implies that controlling Chagas diseases is far more complex as the variety of potential mammal host species is extremely high. Also, the dynamics of Chagas disease may impose negative selection on many mammals in the wild.
A single domain intrabody as a novel tool to bias the subcellular trafficking of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor
Authors: Raynaud Pauline , Gourdon Juliette , Jugnarain Vinesh , Berthet Lucille , Jean-Alphonse Frederic , Vaugrente Oceane , Gauthier Camille , Vallet Amandine , Anujan Priyanka , Naquin Delphine , Boulo Thomas , Gauthier Christophe , Klett Daniele , Yves Combarnous , Hanyaloglu Aylin , Reiter Eric , Bruneau Gilles , Crepieux Pascale
Published: February 2025

Intracellular variable fragments from heavy-chain only antibodies of camelids (intra-VHH) have been successfully used for their stabilizing properties to solve the 3D structure of active G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) bound to their cognate transducers. They also provide tools to link a given conformation of a GPCR to the signalling network engaged, thus allowing extensive structure/activity studies. Recently, they have been instrumental in tracking active GPCRs in various subcellular compartments. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of iPRC2, an intra-VHH recognizing the 1st and 3rd intracellular loops of the FSHR, but not of the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor close relative. Its expression in the cell decreases the cAMP production in response to hormone binding, and requires G𝛼s for optimal interaction with the receptor. Importantly, iPRC2 increases the FSHR accumulation in the early endosomes, and consequently, diminishes its recycling to the cell surface. Hence, in contrast to previously described intra-VHH that disclose active GPCR intracellular location, iPRC2 provokes per se a location bias, through its ability to reroute the FSHR. Thus, it is an innovative tool to examine the functional consequences of GPCR accumulation in various sub-cellular compartments.
comBO: A combined human bone and lympho-myeloid bone marrow organoid for pre-clinical modelling of haematopoietic disorders
Authors: Shen Yuqi , Benlabiod Camelia , Rodriguez-Romera Antonio , Watson Edmund , Reyat Jasmeet S. , Gurashi Kristian , Adnan-Awad Shady , Hargreaves Rupen , Kemble Samuel , Smith Charlotte G. , Croft Adam P. , Opperman Udo , Jooss Natalie , Wong Zoe C. , Rayes Julie , Mead Adam J. , Roy Anindita , Gooding Sarah , Psaila Bethan , Khan Abdullah O.
Published: February 2025

The bone marrow supports lifelong blood and immune cell production. Current human bone marrow organoid models do not include both lymphoid and myeloid elements and lack the complexity of stromal cell types present in native haematopoietic tissues, precluding the accurateex vivomodelling of human pathologies. Here we introduce “comBOs” (combinedbone and lympho-myeloid bone marroworganoids) that include osteolineage, vascular, lymphoid and myeloid cells. comBOs are generated by the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells guided by physiologically-relevant oxygen and cytokine exposures within an innovative granular microgel scaffold to increase scalability and reproducibility. We demonstrate that comBOs can be used to generate “chimeroids” - incorporating healthy or aberrant cells from adult donors – and recapitulate features of diseased microenvironments. ComBOs are one of the most physiologically-relevant human organoid systems to date, and this study showcases the potential of 3Din vitrodisease models for discovery science and translational studies.
Goal orientation shifts attentional focus and impairs reward-motivated memory
Authors: Skalaban Lena J. , Neeson Allison L. , Houser Troy M. , DuBrow Sarah , Davachi Lila , Murty Vishnu P.
Published: February 2025

While motivation typically enhances memory, some studies show that, in certain contexts, motivation associated with rewards can impair memory. Goal states associated with motivation can impact attention, which in turn influences what information is encoded and later remembered. There is limited research on how different incentive contexts, which manipulate attentional orientation to memoranda, lead to either reward-motivated memory enhancements or impairments in item and relational memory. Here, we test how different reward-motivated states may narrow or broaden attention with downstream consequences on memoranda. In study 1, giving participants a rewarded timed goal during visual search impaired both their item and relational memory relative to un-timed participants who were simply told that they would be rewarded for searching regardless of speed (despite having equated time). In study 2, we show that giving participants an elaborative goalaftervisual search completion remediates item and relational memory deficits in the Feedback group. Finally, in study 3, we show that elaborative processing of target itemsduringvisual search resulted in reward-motivated memory benefits for the item, but not relational memory for the context in which the item was encoded. Together, these findings support a model where the goal-relevant alterations in attentional breadth to reward may ultimately filter what information is remembered or forgotten.