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Fulltext Rates and drivers of mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia, 2000-2012

Richards DR, Friess DA

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2016 Jan 12;113(2):344-9.
PMID: 26712025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1510272113

The mangrove forests of Southeast Asia are highly biodiverse and provide multiple ecosystem services upon which millions of people depend. Mangroves enhance fisheries and coastal protection, and store among the highest densities of carbon of any ecosystem globally. Mangrove forests have experienced extensive deforestation owing to global demand for commodities, and previous studies have identified the expansion of aquaculture as largely responsible. The proportional conversion of mangroves to different land use types has not been systematically quantified across Southeast Asia, however, particularly in recent years. In this study we apply a combined geographic information system and remote sensing method to quantify the key proximate drivers (i.e., replacement land uses) of mangrove deforestation in Southeast Asia between 2000 and 2012. Mangrove forests were lost at an average rate of 0.18% per year, which is lower than previously published estimates. In total, more than 100,000 ha of mangroves were removed during the study period, with aquaculture accounting for 30% of this total forest change. The rapid expansion of rice agriculture in Myanmar, and the sustained conversion of mangroves to oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia, are identified as additional increasing and under-recognized threats to mangrove ecosystems. Our study highlights frontiers of mangrove deforestation in the border states of Myanmar, on Borneo, and in Indonesian Papua. To implement policies that conserve mangrove forests across Southeast Asia, it is essential to consider the national and subnational variation in the land uses that follow deforestation.
Difficulty levels of extracted human teeth used for pre-clinical training in endodontics in an Australian dental school

Decurcio DA, Lim E, Nagendrababu V, Estrela C, Rossi-Fedele G

Aust Endod J, 2020 Apr;46(1):47-51.
PMID: 31267618 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12355

This study aimed to determine the difficulty level of extracted teeth treated by undergraduate students for pre-clinical endodontic training. Two independent observers assessed a consecutive sample of 1000 periapical radiographs of extracted teeth used in endodontic pre-clinical training. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the adjustment of the distribution, and inter- and intra-examiner agreement were calculated. Minimal, moderate and high difficulty teeth represented 23.1%, 52.1% and 24.8%, respectively. The presence of curvature was the most common grading factor, with 'moderate curvature' reported in 28.7%, and 'extreme curvature' reported in 15.6% of the sample. A difference in the distribution of frequencies was found, favouring the moderate category (P
Fulltext Application of Gagné's Instructional Design in Clinical Simulation: Enhancing Learning in Obstetric Emergency Management

Daniel A, Nagandla K, Daniel S

Cureus, 2025 Jan;17(1):e76845.
PMID: 39758862 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76845

INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based learning is a critical component in medical education, particularly for high-risk scenarios like obstetric emergencies. This study utilized Gagné's nine-step instructional model to design and evaluate a clinical simulation session on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) management for fourth-year medical students.
METHODS: The session was structured using Gagné's instructional events, including engaging case vignettes, multimedia presentations, guided practical activities, and immediate feedback. Pre- and post-tests measured knowledge gains, while a 12-item Likert scale questionnaire assessed student satisfaction. A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted to explore student perceptions and analyzed thematically to identify key areas for improvement.
RESULTS: The session demonstrated significant knowledge improvement, with post-test scores (mean: 82.9%, 95% CI: 76.8-81.1) significantly higher than pre-test scores (mean: 68.4%, 95% CI: 60.7-66.1; p < 0.001). The instructional activities received high ratings (mean: 5/5), highlighting the alignment of objectives and content. The FGD thematic analysis revealed five key themes: "learning effectiveness", "realism and application", "feedback and improvement", "session challenges", and "recommendations for enhancement". Students suggested more diverse scenarios, extended debriefing sessions, and standardized feedback delivery.
CONCLUSION: The integration of Gagné's instructional model into simulation-based learning enhanced knowledge acquisition and student satisfaction. Recommendations for improvement include refining feedback mechanisms, increasing session diversity, and extending reflective discussions. This approach supports its utility in teaching critical obstetric skills and highlights opportunities for further enhancement.
Machine-assisted Agitation Reduces Postoperative Pain during Root Canal Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis from Randomized Clinical Trials

Decurcio DA, Rossi-Fedele G, Estrela C, Pulikkotil SJ, Nagendrababu V

J Endod, 2019 Apr;45(4):387-393.e2.
PMID: 30833095 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2019.01.013

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess whether machine-assisted agitation resulted in less postoperative pain (PP) compared with syringe irrigation with needle alone in adult patients undergoing root canal treatment.
METHODS: A literature search was performed in 3 electronic databases for articles published before August 2018. Randomized clinical trials published in English that compared PP between machine-assisted agitation and syringe irrigation with needles as part of nonsurgical root canal treatment were included. Two authors were independently involved in the article selection process, data extraction, and assessment of the quality of included studies using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. The pooled effect estimates of the standardized mean difference (SMD) between machine-assisted agitation and syringe irrigation with needle was calculated by a random effects-modeled meta-analysis. A subgroup meta-analysis was performed. The quality of evidence was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach.
RESULTS: Six studies were included for systematic review. Meta-analysis was performed using 3 studies and showed that machine-assisted agitation resulted in less PP compared with syringe irrigation with needle at 24 hours (SMD = -0.73; 95% confidence interval, -1.04 to -0.42; I2 = 30.6%) and 48 hours (SMD = -0.60; 95% CI, -0.85 to -0.35; I2 = 0%). The quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations for the PP outcomes (24 hours and 48 hours) was graded as "moderate" quality.
CONCLUSIONS: Machine-assisted agitation reduced PP compared with syringe irrigation with needles in nonsurgical root canal treatment. Future clinical trials are needed to support the result of this review.
Fulltext Health sector solutions for promoting sustainable and nutritious diets

Guinto RR, Baluyot CJ, Gan CCR, Ghosh U, Mahadzir MDA

BMJ, 2022 Sep 29;378:e071535.
PMID: 36175023 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071535

Renzo R Guinto and colleagues discuss why the health sector must embrace the planetary health approach and advocate concrete solutions for fixing the food system
Policy challenges and approaches for the conservation of mangrove forests in Southeast Asia

Friess DA, Thompson BS, Brown B, Amir AA, Cameron C, Koldewey HJ, et al.

Conserv Biol, 2016 10;30(5):933-49.
PMID: 27341487 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12784

Many drivers of mangrove forest loss operate over large scales and are most effectively addressed by policy interventions. However, conflicting or unclear policy objectives exist at multiple tiers of government, resulting in contradictory management decisions. To address this, we considered four approaches that are being used increasingly or could be deployed in Southeast Asia to ensure sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. First, a stronger incorporation of mangroves into marine protected areas (that currently focus largely on reefs and fisheries) could resolve some policy conflicts and ensure that mangroves do not fall through a policy gap. Second, examples of community and government comanagement exist, but achieving comanagement at scale will be important in reconciling stakeholders and addressing conflicting policy objectives. Third, private-sector initiatives could protect mangroves through existing and novel mechanisms in degraded areas and areas under future threat. Finally, payments for ecosystem services (PES) hold great promise for mangrove conservation, with carbon PES schemes (known as blue carbon) attracting attention. Although barriers remain to the implementation of PES, the potential to implement them at multiple scales exists. Closing the gap between mangrove conservation policies and action is crucial to the improved protection and management of this imperiled coastal ecosystem and to the livelihoods that depend on them.
The value of small mangrove patches

Curnick DJ, Pettorelli N, Amir AA, Balke T, Barbier EB, Crooks S, et al.

Science, 2019 01 18;363(6424):239.
PMID: 30655434 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw0809
Fulltext A Novel International Partnership for Actionable Evidence on Urban Health in Latin America: LAC-Urban Health and SALURBAL

Diez Roux AV, Slesinski SC, Alazraqui M, Caiaffa WT, Frenz P, Jordán Fuchs R, et al.

Glob Chall, 2019 Apr;3(4):1800013.
PMID: 31565372 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.201800013

This article describes the origins and characteristics of an interdisciplinary multinational collaboration aimed at promoting and disseminating actionable evidence on the drivers of health in cities in Latin America and the Caribbean: The Network for Urban Health in Latin America and the Caribbean and the Wellcome Trust funded SALURBAL (Salud Urbana en América Latina, or Urban Health in Latin America) Project. Both initiatives have the goals of supporting urban policies that promote health and health equity in cities of the region while at the same time generating generalizable knowledge for urban areas across the globe. The processes, challenges, as well as the lessons learned to date in launching and implementing these collaborations, are described. By leveraging the unique features of the Latin American region (one of the most urbanized areas of the world with some of the most innovative urban policies), the aim is to produce generalizable knowledge about the links between urbanization, health, and environments and to identify effective ways to organize, design, and govern cities to improve health, reduce health inequalities, and maximize environmental sustainability in cities all over the world.
Lipopolysaccharide reduces gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression: role of RFamide-related peptide-3 and kisspeptin

Lee CY, Li S, Li XF, Stalker DAE, Cooke C, Shao B, et al.

Reprod Fertil Dev, 2019 May;31(6):1134-1143.
PMID: 30922440 DOI: 10.1071/RD18277

RFamide-related peptide (RFRP)-3 reduces luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in rodents. Stress has been shown to upregulate the expression of the RFRP gene (Rfrp) with a concomitant reduction in LH secretion, but an effect on expression of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene (Gnrh1) has not been shown. We hypothesised that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced stress affects expression of Rfrp, the gene for kisspeptin (Kiss1) and/or Gnrh1, leading to suppression of LH levels in rats. Intracerebroventricular injections of RFRP-3 (0.1, 1, 5 nmol) or i.v. LPS (15μgkg-1) reduced LH levels. Doses of 1 and 5 nmol RFRP-3 were then administered to analyse gene expression by in situ hybridisation. RFRP-3 (5 nmol) had no effect on Gnrh1 or Kiss1 expression. LPS stress reduced GnRH and Kiss1 expression, without affecting Rfrp1 expression. These data indicate that LPS stress directly or indirectly reduces Gnrh1 expression, but this is unlikely to be due to a change in Rfrp1 expression.
Fulltext Silver nanoparticles reduce brain inflammation and related neurotoxicity through induction of H2S-synthesizing enzymes

Gonzalez-Carter DA, Leo BF, Ruenraroengsak P, Chen S, Goode AE, Theodorou IG, et al.

Sci Rep, 2017 03 02;7:42871.
PMID: 28251989 DOI: 10.1038/srep42871

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are known to penetrate into the brain and cause neuronal death. However, there is a paucity in studies examining the effect of AgNP on the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia. Given microglia are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), it is important to examine how AgNPs affect microglial inflammation to fully assess AgNP neurotoxicity. In addition, understanding AgNP processing by microglia will allow better prediction of their long term bioreactivity. In the present study, the in vitro uptake and intracellular transformation of citrate-capped AgNPs by microglia, as well as their effects on microglial inflammation and related neurotoxicity were examined. Analytical microscopy demonstrated internalization and dissolution of AgNPs within microglia and formation of non-reactive silver sulphide (Ag2S) on the surface of AgNPs. Furthermore, AgNP-treatment up-regulated microglial expression of the hydrogen sulphide (H2S)-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). In addition, AgNPs showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated ROS, nitric oxide and TNFα production, which translated into reduced microglial toxicity towards dopaminergic neurons. Hence, the present results indicate that intracellular Ag2S formation, resulting from CSE-mediated H2S production in microglia, sequesters Ag+ ions released from AgNPs, significantly limiting their toxicity, concomitantly reducing microglial inflammation and related neurotoxicity.
Celiac disease care differs significantly between high- and low-middle-income countries: a global survey of celiac experts from 63 countries

Agarwal S, Prasad S, Agarwal A, Raja Ali RA, Leffler DA, Green PHR, et al.

J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2025 Jan;40(1):142-152.
PMID: 39528309 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16793

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Celiac disease (CeD) is increasingly diagnosed but significant disparities exist in awareness, practices, resources, and legislation worldwide. We conducted a global online survey with CeD experts to assess this disparity internationally.
METHODS: A 55 questions survey encompassing nine domains relevant to CeD care (awareness, gluten-free [GF] foods availability/cost/quality, GF labeling, CeD dietician availability, insurance for CeD patients, medical training, research funding, patient support groups, and unmet needs) was generated and sent to CeD experts worldwide electronically. Countries were stratified based on per capita income as high-income (HIC) and lower-income countries (LIC) (including upper-middle-, lower-middle-, and low-income countries). Survey responses were summarized as a single score using principal component analysis.
RESULTS: Valid responses were obtained from 131(37.4%) [HIC: 71; LIC: 60] of contacted CeD experts from 63 countries. Compared with HIC, LIC experts perceived worse availability (HIC:80% vs LIC: 47%; P
Fulltext Half of land use carbon emissions in Southeast Asia can be mitigated through peat swamp forest and mangrove conservation and restoration

Sasmito SD, Taillardat P, Adinugroho WC, Krisnawati H, Novita N, Fatoyinbo L, et al.

Nat Commun, 2025 Jan 28;16(1):740.
PMID: 39875368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55892-0

Southeast Asia (SEA) contributes approximately one-third of global land-use change carbon emissions, a substantial yet highly uncertain part of which is from anthropogenically-modified peat swamp forests (PSFs) and mangroves. Here, we report that between 2001-2022 land-use change impacting PSFs and mangroves in SEA generate approximately 691.8±97.2 teragrams of CO2 equivalent emissions annually (TgCO2eyr-1) or 48% of region's land-use change emissions, and carbon removal through secondary regrowth of -16.3 ± 2.0 TgCO2eyr-1. Indonesia (73%), Malaysia (14%), Myanmar (7%), and Vietnam (2%) combined accounted for over 90% of regional emissions from these sources. Consequently, great potential exists for emissions reduction through PSFs and mangroves conservation. Moreover, restoring degraded PSFs and mangroves could provide an additional annual mitigation potential of 94.4 ± 7.4 TgCO2eyr-1. Although peatlands and mangroves occupy only 5.4% of SEA land area, restoring and protecting these carbon-dense ecosystems can contribute substantially to climate change mitigation, while maintaining valuable ecosystem services, livelihoods and biodiversity.
Challenges of microscopy technology dissemination to resource-constrained communities

Aaron JS, Jacobs CA, Malacrida L, Keppler A, French P, Fletcher DA, et al.

Nat Methods, 2026 Jul;23(7):1275-1279.
PMID: 40329103 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-025-02690-7
Fulltext Genomic structure and insertion sites of Helicobacter pylori prophages from various geographical origins

Vale FF, Nunes A, Oleastro M, Gomes JP, Sampaio DA, Rocha R, et al.

Sci Rep, 2017 02 16;7:42471.
PMID: 28205536 DOI: 10.1038/srep42471

Helicobacter pylori genetic diversity is known to be influenced by mobile genomic elements. Here we focused on prophages, the least characterized mobile elements of H. pylori. We present the full genomic sequences, insertion sites and phylogenetic analysis of 28 prophages found in H. pylori isolates from patients of distinct disease types, ranging from gastritis to gastric cancer, and geographic origins, covering most continents. The genome sizes of these prophages range from 22.6-33.0 Kbp, consisting of 27-39 open reading frames. A 36.6% GC was found in prophages in contrast to 39% in H. pylori genome. Remarkably a conserved integration site was found in over 50% of the cases. Nearly 40% of the prophages harbored insertion sequences (IS) previously described in H. pylori. Tandem repeats were frequently found in the intergenic region between the prophage at the 3' end and the bacterial gene. Furthermore, prophage genomes present a robust phylogeographic pattern, revealing four distinct clusters: one African, one Asian and two European prophage populations. Evidence of recombination was detected within the genome of some prophages, resulting in genome mosaics composed by different populations, which may yield additional H. pylori phenotypes.
Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of the seed of Telfairia occidentalis Hook (Cucurbitaceae)

Eseyin OA, Daniel A, Paul TS, Attih E, Emmanuel E, Ekarika J, et al.

Nat Prod Res, 2018 Feb;32(4):444-447.
PMID: 28361553 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1308366

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and total antioxidant activities of the methanol extract, n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions of the seed of Telfairia occidentalis were evaluated. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The dichloromethane fraction exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power and total antioxidant activities. Two pure compounds which were identified by FTIR, H-and 2D NMR and Mass spectroscopy as 9-octadecenoic acid (TOS B) and 10-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (TOS C) and four oily isolates, TOS A, TOS D, TOS E and TOS F were obtained from the dichloromethane fraction. TOS E had the highest DPPH radical scavening activity comparable to that of ascorbic acid. GC-MS analysis revealed the major compounds in TOS E as 4-(2,2-Dimethyl-6-methylene cyclohexylidene)-2-butanol; 3-(3-hydroxybutyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid disooctyl ester. Thus, the seed of T. occidentalis can be consumed for its antioxidant property.
Fulltext Announcing the Genome Atlas of Bamboo and Rattan (GABR) project: promoting research in evolution and in economically and ecologically beneficial plants

Zhao H, Zhao S, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, Fei B, Liu H, Yang H, et al.

Gigascience, 2017 07 01;6(7):1-7.
PMID: 28637269 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/gix046

Bamboo and rattan are widely grown for manufacturing, horticulture, and agroforestry. Bamboo and rattan production might help reduce poverty, boost economic growth, mitigate climate change, and protect the natural environment. Despite progress in research, sufficient molecular and genomic resources to study these species are lacking. We launched the Genome Atlas of Bamboo and Rattan (GABR) project, a comprehensive, coordinated international effort to accelerate understanding of bamboo and rattan genetics through genome analysis. GABR includes 2 core subprojects: Bamboo-T1K (Transcriptomes of 1000 Bamboos) and Rattan-G5 (Genomes of 5 Rattans), and several other subprojects. Here we describe the organization, directions, and status of GABR.
Fulltext Urban coral reefs: Degradation and resilience of hard coral assemblages in coastal cities of East and Southeast Asia

Heery EC, Hoeksema BW, Browne NK, Reimer JD, Ang PO, Huang D, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Oct;135:654-681.
PMID: 30301085 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.041

Given predicted increases in urbanization in tropical and subtropical regions, understanding the processes shaping urban coral reefs may be essential for anticipating future conservation challenges. We used a case study approach to identify unifying patterns of urban coral reefs and clarify the effects of urbanization on hard coral assemblages. Data were compiled from 11 cities throughout East and Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Naha (Okinawa). Our review highlights several key characteristics of urban coral reefs, including "reef compression" (a decline in bathymetric range with increasing turbidity and decreasing water clarity over time and relative to shore), dominance by domed coral growth forms and low reef complexity, variable city-specific inshore-offshore gradients, early declines in coral cover with recent fluctuating periods of acute impacts and rapid recovery, and colonization of urban infrastructure by hard corals. We present hypotheses for urban reef community dynamics and discuss potential of ecological engineering for corals in urban areas.
Fulltext Mangroves give cause for conservation optimism, for now

Friess DA, Yando ES, Abuchahla GMO, Adams JB, Cannicci S, Canty SWJ, et al.

Curr Biol, 2020 02 24;30(4):R153-R154.
PMID: 32097637 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.12.054

Friess et al. discuss the results of conservation efforts for mangrove forests in recent years.
The Brussels consensus for non-invasive ICP monitoring when invasive systems are not available in the care of TBI patients (the B-ICONIC consensus, recommendations, and management algorithm)

Robba C, Picetti E, Vásquez-García S, Abulhasan YB, Ain A, Adeleye AO, et al.

Intensive Care Med, 2025 Jan;51(1):4-20.
PMID: 39847066 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-024-07756-2

BACKGROUND: Invasive systems are commonly used for monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are considered the gold standard. The availability of invasive ICP monitoring is heterogeneous, and in low- and middle-income settings, these systems are not routinely employed due to high cost or limited accessibility. The aim of this consensus was to develop recommendations to guide monitoring and ICP-driven therapies in TBI using non-invasive ICP (nICP) systems.
METHODS: A panel of 41 experts, that regularly use nICP systems for guiding TBI care, was established. Three scoping and four systematic reviews with meta-analysis were performed summarizing the current global-literature evidence. A modified Delphi method was applied for the development of recommendations. An in-person meeting with group discussions and voting was conducted. Strong recommendations were defined for an agreement of at least 85%. Weak recommendations were defined for an agreement of 75-85%.
RESULTS: A total of 34 recommendations were provided (32 Strong, 2 Weak) divided into three domains: general consideration for nICP use, management of ICP using nICP methods and thresholds of nICP tools for escalating/de-escalating treatment. We developed four clinical algorithms for escalating treatment and heatmaps for de-escalating treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Using a mixed-method approach involving literature review and an in-person consensus by experts, a set of recommendations designed to assist clinicians managing TBI patients using nICP systems plus clinical assessment, in the presence or absence of brain imaging, were built. Further clinical studies are required to validate the potential use of these recommendations in the daily clinical practice.
Fulltext 6th and 7th International consensus guidelines for the management of advanced breast cancer (ABC guidelines 6 and 7)

Cardoso F, Paluch-Shimon S, Schumacher-Wulf E, Matos L, Gelmon K, Aapro MS, et al.

Breast, 2024 Aug;76:103756.
PMID: 38896983 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2024.103756

This manuscript describes the Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) international consensus guidelines updated at the last two ABC international consensus conferences (ABC 6 in 2021, virtual, and ABC 7 in 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal), organized by the ABC Global Alliance. It provides the main recommendations on how to best manage patients with advanced breast cancer (inoperable locally advanced or metastatic), of all breast cancer subtypes, as well as palliative and supportive care. These guidelines are based on available evidence or on expert opinion when a higher level of evidence is lacking. Each guideline is accompanied by the level of evidence (LoE), grade of recommendation (GoR) and percentage of consensus reached at the consensus conferences. Updated diagnostic and treatment algorithms are also provided. The guidelines represent the best management options for patients living with ABC globally, assuming accessibility to all available therapies. Their adaptation (i.e. resource-stratified guidelines) is often needed in settings where access to care is limited.

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