bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Voices, Global Goals: Participatory Planning for Localizing the UN SDGs in UNESCO Heritage Site Management
Authors: Eremenko Iuliia , Kraski Tymoteusz
Published: January 2025

The research detailed here has explored the role of local actors in integrating SDGs into World Heritage Site Management Plans, within a polycentric governance framework. It highlights how SDGs can be localized in the context of World Heritage cities management and urban development. The Medieval Town of Toruń, Poland, serves as a case study here. Empirically, this research was based on three types of data collection, entailing: qualitative analysis of key documents facilitating the pursuit of the SDGs in urban planning; semi-structured expert interviews with representatives of the city administration, members of the Revitalization Committee, members of local NGOs, urban activists, as well as individuals officially designated as experts in city administration documents for projects related to World Heritage; participant observations of Revitalization Committee meetings. In the context of Toruń, the Revitalization Committee emerges as a key actor contributing substantially to the formulation of the World Heritage Site Management Plan and the integration of SDGs, despite not being initially designated for these functions. Toruń’s proactive approach, which expands periodic reporting and utilizes the Committee to enhance social participation in decision-making, seeks to ensure the integration of sustainable development principles into the urban planning framework, optimizing financial and human resources without the need to create new structures. The committee’s influence is evident in the integration of elements from the Revitalization Plan into the World Heritage Site Management Plan, underscoring a strong connection between participatory planning and the pursuit of SDGs in the context of World Heritage site management.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE RIVER NETWORK WITHIN THE LEFT BANK OF THE MIDDLE DNIPRO IN THE 19TH-21ST CENTURIES
Authors:   Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University, Poltava, Ukraine, Sarnavskiy S.P. , Grebin V.V. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: January 2025

The article provides a retrospective analysis of the transformation of the river system of the left tributaries of the Middle Dnieper during the 19th – early 21st centuries. based on the cartographic research method by overlaying maps of the corresponding time sections and satellite images (1985-2020). Based on this, the total length of the river network, the number of watercourses, and the density of the river network were calculated for the entire left bank of the Middle Dnieper as well as for key river basins.
These rivers are the main source of water resources in agriculture, industry, housing and communal services, have significant hydropower potential, are actively used in recreational activities, fishing, to a lesser extent for river transport and are the most diverse part of the landscape with a combination of forest, meadow, steppe, swamp and coastal water natural complexes. Local water resources, calculated per 1 person, are 964 m³ of water per year, which is lower than the average for Ukraine. Therefore, studies of the rivers of the region are quite relevant in terms of the impact of economic use and the transformation of natural components as a result of global climate change.
Based on the data obtained from the comparison of topographic maps of different ages of the 19th and 20th centuries, and satellite images of different years of the 20th and 21st centuries, a dynamic cartographic model of the transformation of the length and number of the river network of the left bank of the Middle Dnieper was created.
TEMPORAL CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE RIVER SYSTEM OF THE PODILIAN HIGHLANDS
Authors:   Kharkiv Nature Conservation College, Biryukov O.V.
Published: January 2025

The reduction in the number of small rivers, the deterioration of water quality, has taken on the scale of a national disaster. Individual watercourses and even entire parts of river systems have disappeared from the geographical map. It is practically impossible to completely stop these processes, but minimizing the consequences of their action is a very real task. In order to understand the nature of the changes and identify the factors affecting the system, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study of its past and present. To analyze structural changes in river systems, river systems depicted on topographic maps M 1:100,000 were studied, as well as data obtained by I.P. Kovalchuk. This researcher managed to collect unique material on the structure of the river network of Podolsk rivers over almost a 200-year period. While studying the river system of the Podolsk Upland, I.P. Kovalchuk calculated the number of tributaries Si and their total length li by orders belonging to 1772, 1855, 1925 and 1955. Using these data for the rivers Shcherek, Zubra, Lug, Svirzh, Hnyla Lypa, Zolota Lypa, Koropets, Strypa, Dzhurin, Seret and Nichlava, the values of the bifurcation coefficients σ0 and the length λ0 were calculated for each of the time slices. The data obtained by us for 2020 were added to this information. This made it possible to study the dynamics of the values of the coefficients σ0 and λ0 over time. The structure of the river system, Podillya, under the influence of various factors of a natural and anthropogenic nature, changes over time. Serious structural transformations for the rivers of the Podilsky Upland begin at the end of the 19th century, when there is a decrease in the number of tributaries of various orders and changes in the total length of the river system.
Identification of primary acquired cryptorchidism in children: a case series
Authors: Bolotov Yuriy N. , Minaev Sergey V. , Kargaeva Diana M. , Grigorova Alina N.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: The term primary acquired cryptorchidism is generally used to describe the absence of a testicle in the scrotum in a boy with a previously documented descended testicle.
AIM: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the potential for unprovoked migration of a normally located testicle back to the groin region based on big data analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 42,749 electronic outpatient records of boys aged 0–18 years who were followed up at the Children’s City Clinics of Stavropol in 2018–2022 with a diagnosis of undescended testicle was performed.
RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2022, 158 patients diagnosed with undescended testicles were followed up by pediatric surgeons, pediatric urologists/andrologists, and pediatric endocrinologists at pediatric clinics in the city. Of these, 14 patients (8.8%) were identified with testicles previously documented as being in the scrotum.
CONCLUSIONS: The study showed potential for spontaneous movement of the testicle from the scrotum to the groin area as the child grows. However, further research, including multicenter studies, is needed.
Stent-associated urolithiasis in children: A case reports
Authors: Zhaksalykov Askar S. , Tsap Natalia A. , Osnovin Pavel L. , Arzhannikov Aleksander A. , Dedukhin Nikita A.
Published: January 2025

In the treatment of children with urolithiasis, ureteral stents are used to relieve ureteral obstruction, often caused by stones migrating from the upper urinary tract. Stenting is an effective surgical procedure to use when conservative treatment has failed. However, a ureteral stent can cause side effects or complications, including salt encrustation. Few reports of such adverse effects of ureteral stents in pediatric urology prompted us to describe cases of stent-related complications, including migration, fragmentation, and incrustation. The aim of this paper is to present our experience in the treatment of stent-associated urolithiasis in children. Case description No. 1. A 16-year-old female patient was treated for complaints of persistent abdominal pain (above the pubic bone), increased urinary frequency, and dysuria. She has a history of ureteral stent removal (heavily encrusted with salts) 2 months ago; the stent was placed for renal colic associated with urolithiasis. A bladder stone was found during the examination. Urethrocystoscopy and contact laser lithotripsy were performed. The calculus was completely fragmented. The girl was discharged on day 5 after the surgery. Case description No. 2. A 16-year-old female patient was admitted to the Urology Department for routine staged treatment of urolithiasis including lithotripsy of stones in the right kidney, the upper third of the right ureter with a stent in the right kidney. She had a history of contact laser ureterolithotripsy 4 months ago (a calculus of the middle third of the right ureter was fragmented, a dendritic calculus of the right kidney was partially fragmented, and a ureteral stent was replaced. Flexible ureterorenoscopy and right-sided contact laser lithotripsy were required. Extensive incrustation of the distal stent was observed intraoperatively. Removal attempt failed (fixed in the proximal segment). Ureteral exploration in the pyelourethral segment revealed calculus in the proximal segment of the stent. During contact lithotripsy of a calculus on a stent, a ureteral catheter fractured. A flexible ureterorenoscope and laser lithotripter were used for stone fragmentation in the right kidney. The proximal segment of the stent could not be removed due to the high risk of ureteral injury. After a medical pause (after 4 weeks), a repeat flexible ureterorenoscopy, right-sided contact laser lithotripsy and right-sided foreign body removal (stent site) were performed. The girl was discharged in satisfactory condition on day 3 after surgery. A review of the medical literature revealed a lack of guidelines for successfully managing these potentially serious conditions. Two clinical cases with similar complications and ways to solve them were found and described in foreign sources.
Relationship between the cause of obstruction in congenital hydronephrosis and changes in dilation of the fetal renal pelvis over time
Authors: Konova Anna V.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of intrauterine and postnatal ultrasound screenings, a significant number of cases of congenital hydronephrosis are detected in children of preschool age and older. It means that the period of development of hydronephrotic transformation varies in patients. This makes relevant the study of the relationship between the cause of obstruction and the rate of the renal pelvis dilation.
AIM: To determine the dynamics of the increase in the size of the renal pelvis in fetuses and infants with different causes of congenital hydronephrosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis covered 134 protocols of intrauterine ultrasound examinations and 74 postnatal preoperative ultrasound examinations of the kidneys of children who underwent surgery for various causes of congenital hydronephrosis. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the statistical significance of the studied variables. A correlation and regression analysis of the relationship between the cause of obstruction and the rate of dilation of the fetal renal pelvis was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The strength of the relationship between the studied features was assessed using the Chaddock scale.
RESULTS: A correlation and regression analysis of the dependence between the fetal renal pelvis size and an increase in the gestational age by a week (within the range of 20.5–32.5 weeks) revealed the following patterns: in fetuses with stricture of the ureteropelvic junction, the pelvis of the affected kidney increased by 0.6 mm per week; in fetuses with obstruction by an aberrant blood vessel, by 0.35 mm per week; in fetuses with embryonic adhesions, by 0.2 mm per week; in fetuses with a high ureteral origin, by 0.23 mm per week.
CONCLUSIONS: During the 2nd and 3rd intrauterine screening, the probability of prenatal diagnosis of fetal pyelectasis due to adhesions in the ureteropelvic junction and high ureteral origin is significantly lower than in case of stricture and obstruction by an aberrant blood vessel. Changes over time in dilation of the fetal renal cavity system and its size help suggest the cause of obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction and pre-estimate the fetal renal pelvis size at the time of delivery; if advanced stage hydronephrosis is expected, this allows choosing an institution for delivery to provide percutaneous nephrostomy for the newborn.
On the birthday of Svetlana A. Karavaeva
Authors: Kotin Alexey N.
Published: January 2025

The paper describes professional activities and achievements of pediatric surgeon Svetlana A. Karavaeva, celebrating her milestone birthday.
Cardiovascular complications of COVID-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in an infant: A case report
Authors: Smykov Artyom Yu. , Sharshov Fedor G. , Ostreikov Ivan F. , Khoroshilov Sergey E. , Moroz Victor V. , Molchanov Igor V. , Spiridonova Elena A.
Published: January 2025

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome is an extremely severe form of coronavirus infection in children, which characterized by systemic hyperinflammation with multiple organ failure. In some cases, cardiovascular complications are reported, including myocardial dysfunction, myocardial ischemia, shock, arrhythmias, coronaritis and coronary artery aneurysms. Although the incidence of coronavirus infection has decreased, patient mortality from multisystem inflammatory syndrome remains high. A clinical case of COVID-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in an infant is presented. Since admission, the patient with a high titer of immunoglobulin G with SARS-CoV-2 showed signs of hyperinflammation with subsequent development of pericarditis and myocardial dysfunction associated with prolonged bilateral pneumonia. Coronaritis and aneurysm of the left coronary artery were diagnosed. The patient had a long history of reduced global contractile function and high levels of myocardial damage markers requiring prolonged inotropic support and use of cardiac glycosides. Later, paroxysmal tachycardia developed in addition to cardiovascular complications. Comprehensive management of the disease and early detection of complications resulted in a favorable outcome.
The first Russian manual on pediatric surgery and its author Dmitry Е. Gorokhov
Authors: Petlakh Vladimir I.
Published: January 2025

The paper examines the background to the creation and contents of the first Russian manual on pediatric surgery, as well as key moments in the biography and work of Dmitry E. Gorokhov. The introduction briefly outlines the history of the creation of the first manuals in surgery, obstetrics, and pediatrics in Russia. Data on the first foreign guidelines related to pediatric surgery are also presented. The first section of the article reveals the contents of the Russian manual on pediatric surgery, compiled on the basis of long-term reports of the Surgical Department of the Moscow Sofia Hospital and articles by Dmitry E. Gorokhov. It contains the author’s prefaces to each of the three parts and reviews on the author’s published books from medical publications. The structure of Dmitry E. Gorokhov’s manual differs from similar modern books guided by the nosology principle. Based on his personal experience, the author describes the treatment of children with pathologies for which they were admitted to the department or surgery in other hospitals. The manual contains many clinical cases presented with detail rarely seen in our time. The second section of the article characterizes Dmitry E. Gorokhov’s personality, his professional biography and public activities, based on research of archival documents conducted by his grand-nephew, Professor Vitaly Gorokhov. It demonstrates the breadth and diversity of Gorokhov’s scientific interests, his successful combination of practice and research activities with teaching. Dmitry E. Gorokhov authored 215 papers, 60 of which are focused on pediatric surgery, while the rest discuss the problems of rural medicine, gynecology, general surgery, and the combat against infant mortality. He taught a course on pediatric surgery to students at the Sofia Hospital and to doctors at refresher courses at the Moscow University. Dmitry E. Gorokhov was a member of more than 20 commissions under various medical communities. His most fruitful work was as chairman of the commission to combat infant mortality. Published in 1910–1916, the manual by Dmitry E. Gorokhov is currently a bibliographic rarity, so in 2019 it was published in a reprint version, accessible to a wide range of readers. Considering the importance of Dmitry E. Gorokhov’s work for the development of Pediatric Surgery as a specialty, the Russian Association of Pediatric Surgeons launched a fundraising campaign to erect a beautiful monument at the Vagankovo Cemetery, unveiled during the Congress of Pediatric Surgeons of Russia on October 22, 2013.
Legal Standards for Cross-Border Access to Electronic Evidence in Criminal Procedure: An Albanian Perspective on International Standards
Authors: Cami Giola
Published: January 2025

With the development of Information and Communication Technology and digitalization usage expanding significantly in the society, the production and transmitting of data is evermore based on the means of cloud computing. Consequently, the relevance of electronic evidence in criminal proceedings has augmented, encompassing both cybercrimes and traditional offences. Considering the borderless nature of data exchange, supranational regulations and cooperation, the gathering of e-evidence presents a challenging process for criminal proceedings, particularly when it comes to human rights’ implication. Examining the Council of Europe and European Union frameworks on the handling of electronic evidence, the study assesses in particular the procedures and legal issues concerning cross-border electronic data exchange within different jurisdictions in the realm of criminal procedure. The main focus is on the Albanian experience, conducting a comparative analysis on the country’s compliance with electronic evidence rules, whilst addressing data protection safeguards in criminal procedure.
Legal Interpretation in the EU Law Perspective: General Model and the Context of Penal Law
Authors: Leszczyński Leszek
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the study is to analyze the most important peculiarities occurring in the interpretation of EU law in the light of the general (classical) model of law interpretation developed in doctrine and judicial practice in national legal orders. This is because, despite the relationship between the two models of interpretation, the characteristics of EU law are the basis for the formation of the distinctiveness of interpretative practice. The latter, assuming that the arrangement of the interpretation process itself does not show significant differences, is analyzed both in the context of the set and role of the sources of law used in judicial interpretation, from which the norms of EU law are reconstructed, as well as the role of the individual rules of interpretation and the mutual relations between them. This analysis allows us to shed light in the last part of the study on the characteristics of the interpretation of criminal law (substantive and procedural), which, although normatively regulated mainly at the level of the law of a member state of the European Union, implements the principle of interpretation consensual with the EU law, being influenced in a significant extent by the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The Impact of International Law on International Criminal Proceedings – Human Rights Perspective
Authors: Lis Edyta
Published: January 2025

A long time ago, the international community has taken some steps to prosecute war criminals and to establish a permanent criminal tribunal. However, a new era in the development of international criminal law and procedure, as well as international human rights and humanitarian law, began in the aftermath of World War II. Unfortunately, the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals focused mainly on the accused and their punishment. They ignored the role of the victim in the criminal proceedings. Thus, it was necessary to create a new international criminal tribunal that would not suffer from the shortcomings and would be in line with the emerging standards for the protection of human rights. Indeed, the Statutes and Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and for Rwanda (ICTR) was an attempt to be more fair and reflect international human rights standards. The milestone, however, was the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC), whose Statute mirror not only fundamental human rights standards and jurisprudence of human rights tribunals and organs but also elevates the status of victims. Furthermore, the ICC applies treaties and other sources of international law and it “must be consistent with internationally recognized human rights”. The article is a contribution to the discussion of the impact of international law on the development of international criminal proceedings through the lens of human rights standards. It also attempts to show whether the special features of international law have influenced international criminal proceedings and demonstrate the close but complex relationship between sub-branches of international law, such as international criminal law, international criminal procedure, international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as the ways of interferences of international human rights law in international criminal proceedings.
Implementation of the PIF Directive into Polish Criminal Law – Selected Issues
Authors: Nowak Celina
Published: January 2025

The article refers to Polish law and Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law. The aim is to analyse selected Polish provisions currently in force in light of this Directive. Against the background of the EU legal instrument, the author points out the selected most significant loopholes in Polish law hindering an effective fight against crime detrimental to the financial interests of the Union. The analysis carried out in the article indicates, among others, that there is a high need to modify the Polish legal framework as regards the liability of collective entities for offences, as well as provisions on fraud.
EPPO’s Transformative Powers on Criminal Justice in the Member States: The Impact of International and European Law on Criminal Procedure
Authors: Di Paolo Gabriella
Published: January 2025

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) represents a highly symbolic achievement for the EU criminal justice sector. The article aims to collect some examples of instances where potential tensions between Regulation 2017/1939 and the intricate legal features of Member States arise. It also tries to suggest a possible categorization of EPPO’s transformative powers in the Member States’ criminal justice systems, especially within criminal procedure. Following the normal flow of criminal cases, the examples given concern the “model” of criminal investigations, several investigative measures affecting fundamental rights, the types of prosecutorial decisions (in particular, the dismissal of the case and simplified procedures), trial and appellate remedies.
The Scope of Necessary Changes in the Provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code in the Context of Poland’s Accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office
Authors: Dudka Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

In December 2023, the Polish Minister of Justice issued a statement on Poland’s accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), seeing this as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in criminal matters between the countries of the European Union. The European Commission confirmed Poland’s participation in the EPPO’s on February 2024. As a result, it was necessary to determine whether amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code were necessary in connection with the functioning of the European Public Prosecutor in the Polish legal system. The article presents proposals for the most important changes to be introduced into the Polish Criminal Procedure Code. These mainly concern the determination of material and territorial jurisdiction, jurisdictional disputes between the European Public Prosecutor and national prosecutors, and the validity of evidence taken abroad before a Polish court.
Simplifying Criminal Proceedings Using Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Compliance
Authors: Fantoly Zsanett
Published: January 2025

Countries quickly realized that simplifying and speeding up criminal proceedings were essential to increase efficiency. The development of a cooperation system with the prosecution and the related introduction of new legal instruments are the latest achievements of the legislative processes of the last decades. It is also the case of criminal compliance, which allows a company to be actively involved in an investigation and assists the investigating authority to obtain certain benefits in criminal proceedings in return for its cooperation (e.g. not to be charged or to receive a significantly lighter sentence). The emergence of artificial intelligence offers new opportunities for all institutions of society, including jurisprudence. This paper explores the potential application of AI in the context of criminal compliance.
Does an AI-Designed Emotional Game Benefit Young Students in Terms of Emotional Communication and Expression Skills?
Authors:   Doctoral Program in Design, College of Design, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, Chen Chiumi
Published: January 2025

With the advent of the digital age, young students commonly use technological tools such as LINE and Instagram for emotional communication and interaction. However, this trend has led to the gradual decline in the abilities of emotional communication and expression among younger generation students. Therefore, enhancing these skills in young students through games is a worthwhile skill to develop. This study aimed to improve the emotional communication and expression abilities of young students through game design, and explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in current multiple studies can innovate learning environments and teaching methods, investigating whether games designed using artificial intelligence AI could effectively strengthen the players’ emotional resonance, thereby enhancing emotional recognition, empathy, and improving interpersonal communication. To explore this issue, we utilized the ChatGPT-4 (GPT-4) large language model to learn to recognize and categorize different emotional expressions and developed game mechanics through AI. The researchers implemented the game concepts generated by AI, actualized them, and made them available for use by young student players. Simultaneously, the researchers observed the players’ emotional communication and expression abilities after interacting with the emotional images and narratives created by AI, in order to assess the feasibility of the game. The study results confirmed that the players felt curiosity and emotional resonance with the emotional games generated by GPT-4. Through participating in the game, the players enhanced their understanding of emotions and promoted emotional expression. This research further provided valuable insights for the development of AI-based emotional games, with the potential for a positive impact in the fields of education and mental health.
Hope and Religiosity as Determinants of Subjective Well-Being among Students at the Islamic Boarding School
Authors: Dewi Rizma Kumala , Kusumaputri Erika Setyanti , Abdulwahid Kasmil S.
Published: January 2025

The inability to overcome academic challenges in boarding schools may lead to adverse health outcomes and negatively impact students' subjective well-being. One potential approach to enhance subjective well-being is through the cultivation of hope and religiosity. The purpose of this study is to prove the relationship between hope and religiosity on the subjective well-being of students. The research was conducted using quantitative methods with the help of the SPSS application. The sample was selected through cluster random sampling with the criteria of students who also live in Islamic boarding schools and are 18–25 years old. A Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to 334 students to collect data. The research location is in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The instruments used in this study include the Satisfaction of Life Scale (SWLS), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Hope Scale, and the Religiosity Scale. The final analysis for the hypothesis test was carried out by multiple linear regression analysis, which had previously been carried out in prerequisite tests. The results indicated that the three hypotheses were supported, demonstrating a significant and positive correlation between hope and religiosity on the subjective well-being of Mahasantri. Furthermore, the two independent variables individually influenced the dependent variable. The practical contribution of hope and religiosity to subjective well-being was 40.2%, suggesting that these factors play a substantial role in enhancing the subjective well-being of students. The study revealed that the effect of hope (33.5%) was more pronounced than that of religiosity (17.8%), which can be attributed to hope possessing two crucial aspects in goal attainment that religiosity lacks: the development of planning and the capacity for self-motivation.
Quality indicators for academic journals: What makes a journal trustworthy?
Authors: Paliya Nikita , Jha Shiva Shankar
Published: January 2025

In the vast and ever-expanding landscape of academic publishing, the ability to discern the trustworthiness and quality of journals has become essential for researchers, educators, institutions, and readers alike. As academic journals serve as key platforms for sharing validated research, it is crucial that they adhere to rigorous quality standards. This review article explores the fundamental quality indicators that signal a journal’s reliability and integrity. The peer-review process is highlighted as a primary quality determinant, as it ensures that published research is critically evaluated for methodological soundness, originality, and scientific contribution. By consolidating these quality indicators, this review provides a comprehensive framework for assessing journal trustworthiness, ultimately supporting the advancement of credible and ethical scientific communication.
Evaluation of a novel device with one-way valve as integral part of anaesthesia breathing circuit to facilitate fibre-optic bronchoscopy in large goitre patients undergoing thyroidectomy
Authors: Goyal Puneet , Patro Abinash , Kar Akhya Kumar , Agarwal Aarti , Dhiraaj Sanjay , Kanaujia Ashish
Published: January 2025

Securing airway in patients with large goiter and distorted tracheal anatomy is one of the most challenging clinical scenario for anesthesiologists. Improved glottic visualization with video-laryngoscope and fibreoptic bronchoscope help in successful endotracheal intubation in such cases. Use of these gadgets requires specialized anesthetic technique which allows patient to tolerate airway instrumentation without supressing their own respiration. Authors describe use of a novel device which allows continuous delivery of oxygen and inhaled anesthetics throughout fibreoptic intubation.

This prospective pilot study was conducted in a tertiary care center following ethics committee approval. Ten patients (N=10) with a predicted difficult intubation score greater than 5 were included after obtaining written informed consent. Patients were sedated using an inhalational induction technique with sevoflurane while preserving spontaneous breathing. The time required to visualize the glottic opening and carina, as well as the time for intubation with the endotracheal tube and the display of the end-tidal CO2 (EtCO) graph on the monitor, were recorded.

Results showed that all ten patients remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure. The mean end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations at induction and intubation were 5.6±0.14% and 5.3±0.15%, respectively. The average times for glottic view, carinal view, intubation, and EtCO2 detection were 77.9±39.9 seconds, 163.1±54 seconds, 229.6±51.7 seconds, and 267.8±56.2 seconds, respectively.

This novel device facilitates the continuous delivery of oxygen and inhaled anesthetics without leak, thanks to its one-way valve, throughout fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB)-guided intubation. Given that our study with a sample size of 10 reported no adverse events, it suggests that this device can be safely incorporated into anesthesia breathing circuits.
Efficacy of two different doses of nebulized dexmedetomidine for attenuation of hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Senapati Laxman Kumar , Pradhan Amit , Sahoo Soumya Ranjan , Sahoo Rajendra Kumar , Samanta Priyadarsini
Published: January 2025

: Laryngoscopy and intubation cause augmented sympathoadrenal activity leading to hemodynamic alterations elicited by tachycardia and hypertension. Various drugs have been tried by multiple routes to attenuate the stress response, but none of them proved to be ideal. Dexmedetomidine nebulization at 1 mcg/kg used for negating this stress response resulted in a considerable drop in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure after induction of anesthesia. Hence, we intended to use dexmedetomidine at a lower dose and compare its efficacy with the conventional dose of 1mcg/kg in providing stable hemodynamics.

: 100 patients scheduled for elective surgeries under general endotracheal anesthesia were randomized into group DA [received pre-operative dexmedetomidine nebulization at a dose of 1 mcg/kg] and group DB [received preoperative dexmedetomidine nebulization at a dose of 0.75 mcg/kg]. The HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before nebulization, after nebulization, and at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-minute post‑intubation. The induction dose of propofol, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and sore throat were also noted.

A statistically significant reduction was seen in SBP after nebulization (p= 0.030) and at 10 minutes post-intubation (p=0.006) in group DA compared to group DB. DBP in group DA was decreased significantly post-nebulization (p=0.001) at one-minute post-intubation (p=0.014), at three minutes post-intubation (p=0.028), and after ten minutes post-intubation (<p=0.001). Group DA showed a significantly lower MAP compared to group DB after nebulization (p=0.003), one-minute post-intubation(p=0.040), and ten minutes after intubation (<p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was seen in the attenuation of HR, reduction of induction dose of propofol, and reduction in the incidence of PONV between the two groups.

Nebulized dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.75 µg/kg effectively diminishes the stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation with better hemodynamic stability than the conventional dose of 1 µg/kg.
Randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy of ultrasound along with fluoroscopy versus fluoroscopy for lumbar selective nerve root block
Authors: Vignesh P S Arun , Kumar Prem , Joshua Benjamin Vinodh , Sathiyaseelan Naveen , Rathi Nitesh Kumar
Published: January 2025

Leg pain is one of the symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy. Diagnostic selective nerve root blocks inject local anaesthetic or other drugs around spinal nerves. The C-arm has been in use for a while. Use of the Ultrasound-guided C-arm method has produced encouraging results. Our goal was to determine whether, in comparison to using C-arm alone, using ultrasonogram in conjunction with it would result in more benefits.

To determine potential benefits of using USG as an adjuvant to fluoroscopy for lumbar selective nerve root over conventional technique of using fluoroscopy alone.

A randomized controlled study was conducted prospectively between 2016 & 2019 involving 78 patients who complained of radicular pain with or without mild back pain. Selective nerve root block was performed under fluoroscopy in group A and one under ultrasound guidance/C-arm in group B. The patient were asked to rate their pain periodically between 2 day and 6 month.

Among 78 patients, 39 patients underwent the procedure under C - arm guidance (Group A), and 39 patients under C-arm and USG guidance (Group B). Of the total 78 patients concordant pain was elicited in 61 patients (78%). No pain relief was seen in 17(22%) patients in whom concordant pain was not elicited. So of the total 78 patients, 65(83%) patients had pain relief and 13(17%) patients required surgery.

US guided selective nerve root block with fluoroscopy as an adjuvant versus fluoroscopy alone was similar in terms of pain relief and functional outcome. On the other hand, US guided selective nerve root block with fluoroscopy as an adjuvant has the advantage of reduced radiation exposure. Hence, we conclude that US guided selective nerve root block with fluoroscopy as an adjuvant is a reasonable alternative to fluoroscopic guided selective nerve root block.
Comparison of different doses of intrathecal buprenorphine with 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine in caesarean section patients
Authors: Parashi Veena Hrishikesh , Badole Usha
Published: January 2025

: Spinal anesthesia (SA) is widely considered the preferred technique for performing Cesarean sections (CS) due to its safety and effectiveness. The present study aimed to evaluate the benefits of combining Buprenorphine with hyperbaric Ropivacaine for SA in CS and to identify the optimal dose of Buprenorphine that provides the best balance between enhanced analgesia and minimal side effects.

: This prospective, randomized, single-blind study included 150 patients undergoing elective Cesarean section. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups (n=50 each). Group A received 1.9 ml (14.25 mg) of 0.75% hyperbaric Ropivacaine combined with 30 μg of Buprenorphine. Group B received 1.8 ml (13.5 mg) of 0.75% hyperbaric Ropivacaine with 60 μg of Buprenorphine, while Group C (control group) received 2 ml (15 mg) of 0.75% hyperbaric Ropivacaine without Buprenorphine. The primary outcomes measured were the onset time and duration of sensory and motor blocks. Secondary outcomes included the duration of postoperative analgesia and neonatal safety, which was assessed using the APGAR scoring method. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and the t-test to compare the efficacy and safety across groups.

The addition of Buprenorphine significantly accelerated the onset of sensory block in both Group A (1.49 ± 0.40 minutes) and Group B (1.92 ± 0.63 minutes), compared to the control Group C (4.94 ± 0.90 minutes). The duration of sensory block was also prolonged in Groups A (4.34 ± 0.24 hours) and B (4.55 ± 0.38 hours) compared to Group C (2.10 ± 0.18 hours). Group B, which received the higher dose of Buprenorphine (60 μg), exhibited the longest duration of analgesia with no observed neonatal side effects according to the APGAR scores.

The addition of Buprenorphine to hyperbaric Ropivacaine for spinal anesthesia in Cesarean sections enhances anesthetic efficacy by accelerating the onset and extending the duration of sensory and motor blocks. The use of 60 μg Buprenorphine provided the greatest duration of postoperative analgesia without compromising neonatal outcomes. These findings support the use of Buprenorphine as an effective adjuvant in spinal anesthesia for Cesarean deliveries.
Comparison between general anesthesia and thoracic spinal anesthesia in total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Singhal Geetanjali , Choudhary Ruchika , Choudhary Pooja
Published: January 2025

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is typically performed under general anesthesia (GA). However, thoracic spinal anesthesia (TSA) may serve as a valuable alternative, especially for high-risk patients. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of GA and TSA in patients undergoing TLH.

Sixty patients scheduled for elective TLH were randomized into group T (TSA) and group G (GA) of thirty patients each. Group G received conventional GA with intubation and mechanical ventilation while group T received TSA (sub-arachnoid block at T8/9 or T9/10 with hyperbaric levo-bupivacaine 0.5%, 0.7ml along with dexmedetomidine 4µg followed by isobaric levo-bupivacaine 0.5% 1.5 ml with dexmedetomidine 6µg µg in sitting position).Our primary aim was to compare the hemodynamic variations and secondary aim was to compare intra-operative and post-operative adverse effects and requirement of rescue analgesia between the two techniques.

All 60 patients were analyzed for study. Group T patients showed greater hemodynamic stability with notably significant differences in mean SBP between the two groups after 30 minutes (at 40 minutes p=0.043, at 60 minutes p=0.007). The patients requiring rescue analgesia were significantly more in group G. Adverse events like intra-operative hypertension and post operative sore throat were more in group G.

TSA provides a safe alternative to GA for TLH with better hemodynamic stability, fewer side effects and lesser requirement of rescue analgesia.
Prospective observational study on antibiotic sensitivity of endotracheal tip cultures in ICU patients
Authors: Srivastava Abhay , Khanduja Deepika , Arora Ankit , Trivedi Bhavya , Arora Vishal
Published: January 2025

: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a significant challenge in intensive care units (ICUs), often associated with high mortality rates. Understanding antibiotic resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the spread of resistant pathogens.

This study aimed to characterize the demographic profiles of patients with VAP in an ICU setting. Assess the prevalence of various pathogens and their antibiotic resistance patterns. Evaluate the impact of gender, comorbidities, and mechanical ventilation duration on clinical outcomes.

: A prospective observational study was conducted on mechanically ventilated patients with suspected VAP in an ICU. Endotracheal tip cultures were collected for microbiological analysis, including Gram staining, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity testing. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were recorded.

: The study included 50 patients with a mean age of 55 ± 12 years. The most common pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.0%), and Staphylococcus aureus (21.4%). Antibiotic resistance was observed for Ampicillin (80%), Ceftriaxone (80%), and Ciprofloxacin (80%). Gender-specific differences were found in comorbidity prevalence (e.g., hypertension: 53.6% in males, 45.5% in females) and antibiotic sensitivity (e.g., higher sensitivity to gentamicin and vancomycin among females). Clinical outcomes varied based on patient characteristics and mechanical ventilation duration (e.g., shorter ventilation durations had more diverse outcomes, while longer durations showed higher recovery rates).

: This study highlights the prevalence of VAP and the challenges associated with antibiotic resistance in ICU patients. The findings underscore the importance of tailored antibiotic therapy and the need for ongoing surveillance to combat the spread of resistant pathogens. Further research is necessary to elucidate the complex factors influencing clinical outcomes and inform improved treatment strategies.
Height to thyromental distance ratio and height to sternomental distance ratio comparison as difficult airway predictors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Agrawal Anushri , Pal Rashmi , Valecha Deepali , Banjare Manish
Published: January 2025

: Difficult airway management is a critical concern in anesthesiology, contributing significantly to perioperative morbidity and mortality. Preoperative evaluation using predictive parameters like the Height-to-Thyromental Distance (RHTMD) ratio and the Height-to-Sternomental Distance (RHSMD) ratio aids in identifying patients at risk of difficult intubation. This study aimed to compare RHTMD and RHSMD as predictors of difficult airways in patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia.

: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Airway assessments included measurements of Thyromental Distance (TMD), Sternomental Distance (SMD), RHTMD, RHSMD, weight, and height. Direct laryngoscopy was performed using a Macintosh blade by an anesthetist with over three years of experience, and the Cormack-Lehane grade was recorded. Institutional anesthesia protocols were uniformly applied.

Using the Cormack-Lehane grade as the reference standard, RHTMD demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.9%, specificity of 97.7%, and accuracy of 96.67%. RHSMD showed a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 95.5%, and accuracy of 94%.

: The Height-to-Thyromental Distance ratio was found to be a more sensitive, specific, and accurate predictor of difficult airways compared to the Height-to-Sternomental Distance ratio. Combining both parameters further improved the predictive reliability, emphasizing the need for an integrated assessment approach in airway evaluation.
Anaesthestic and airway management challenges in pediatric sclerothearpy for upper airway vascular malformation: A case report
Authors: Lalwani Parin , Khanna Puneet , Nagarajappa Abhishek
Published: January 2025

Anaesthetic management of pediatric patient with facial and upper airway vascular malformation (VM) is extremely challenging and it multiplies further if sclerothearpy is planned on the airway especially outside the operation theatre. It encompasses a broad spectrum of issues like sharing of airway, risk of laryngospasm, aspiration of blood, severe torrential uncontrolled bleeding leading to loss of airway, and airway edema post sclerothearpy. Here we discuss anaesthetic management of a seven year old girl with VM over entire tongue, lower lip, right lower cheek and neck posted for ultrasound guided sclerothearpy of tongue in radiology suite.
Insight into the synergistic action of plant volatiles as biofumigants against stored product pests, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Tribolium castaneum (H.), and Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), adults
Authors: LOKESH MADHURYA , SREEKRISHNAKUMAR ASWATHI KOZHISSERY , SAHU URVASHI , GOWDA TANUSHREE SHAMBU , ANAND AMAL , VENDAN SUBRAMANIAN EZHIL
Published: January 2025

Plant volatiles viz., Phytochemicals (PCs) and Essential Oils (EOs) are considered an eco-friendly alternative to the highly toxic conventional gaseous fumigants. Fumigant activity of two EOs (lemon and peppermint), two PCs (linalool and piperitone) and their binary combinations were tested at 10-200 μL/L air concentration against Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Tribolium castaneum (H.), and Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) adults. The Fumigant Toxicity Index (FTI) was estimated with phosphine as standard. All individual treatments were toxic against the examined insect pests. However, pipertione was identified as the most active and linalool was considered the least active fumigant. Linear regression of mortality and treatment concentration revealed a significant positive correlation for S. oryzae (r2 < 0.81) and T. castaneum (r2 < 0.78) and not for C. maculatus (r2 < 0.66). Of the 6 binary combinations, 3, 4, and 1 combinations were synergistic against S. oryzae, T. castaneum, and C. maculatus, respectively. The peppermint plus piperitone combination was recorded with the highest synergy ratio 5.2 against S. oryzae. Further, FTI was higher for synergistic combinations than their corresponding components. Thereby, the present study suggests that synergistic binary combinations are more potent than individual treatment in controlling stored-product insect pests.