bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying uncertainty in the contribution of mesopelagic fishes to the biological carbon pump in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Authors: McMonagle Helena , Llopiz Joel K , Maas Amy E , Steinberg Deborah K , Govindarajan Annette F , Essington Timothy E 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Mesopelagic fishes may contribute substantially to marine carbon export and sequestration. However, uncertainty in this contribution due to limited precision of mesopelagic biomass and bioenergetic rate estimates has not been thoroughly quantified for any study site. Datasets that can confront these challenges are rare, particularly for comparing fish-mediated carbon flux to other biological carbon pump pathways. Using data from a unique three-ship expedition in spring 2021 in the subarctic Northeast Atlantic Ocean, we compare carbon transported by adult fish, zooplankton, and sinking particles, and calculate uncertainty in the relative contribution of fishes. Results indicate biomass- and bioenergetic-based uncertainty contributed roughly equally to variance in estimated carbon transport. The plausible range of mesopelagic fish carbon flux spans an order of magnitude: 1.6–21 mg C m−2 d−1 to 200 m depth and 0.52–9.6 mg C m−2 d−1 to 500 m. Fishes contributed ∼0.52%–18% at 200 m to the total biological carbon pump, and ∼0.43%–13% at 500 m. Of the fish-mediated carbon transport to 200 m, ∼8%–30% is sequestered on climate-relevant time scales (&gt;100 years). This reinforces that carbon transport should not be conflated with carbon sequestration. These findings have implications for prioritizing future empirical measurements, evaluating trade-offs in fisheries management, and understanding the role of fishes in the biological carbon pump.
Conspicuous parasite modifies appearance and energetics of a marine copepod
Authors: Eliassen Lasse Krøger , Garvang Even Sletteng , Andersen Tom , Engseth Erik , Kristiansen Kåre Andre , Wiik-Nielsen Jannicke , Titelman Josefin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Parasitism is an important driver of ecosystem processes. Copepods are fundamental trophic links in marine food webs and harbour many microeukaryotic parasites, but unreliable access to infected individuals limits quantitative studies of parasite infection costs. Calanus spp., (helgolandicus or finmarchicus), infected with the Yellow-Hyphal Parasite become pigmented and are found near the surface, suggesting predator-mediated dispersal. Conventional markers prevented phylogenetic inference but confirmed that the parasite is not Ichthyophonus hoferi, as previously thought. We identified the pigments, quantified the pigment content and respiration rate, and derived stable isotope signatures of infected and uninfected Calanus spp. to examine costs of infection. We found that the pigments were astaxanthin and β-carotene, associated with the host and parasite, respectively. Parasitized hosts had increased astaxanthin content, reduced respiration rate, and lower lipid content. Ultrastructure imaging revealed parasitic cells associated with lipids in the haemocoel. The changes to host phenotype have detrimental impacts on energetics and the ecology of Calanus. We discuss the role of pigments in parasite-host interactions and suggest that the parasite produces β-carotene pigment for its physiological benefits. The trade-off between physiological benefits of pigments and conspicuousness for parasites is relevant in zooplankton-host systems, as zooplankton rely heavily on transparency for survival.
Early Viral Dynamics Predict Human Immunodeficiency Virus Posttreatment Control After Analytic Treatment Interruption
Authors: Magombedze Gesham , Vendrame Elena , SenGupta Devi , Geleziunas Romas , Little Susan , Smith Davey , Walker Bruce , Routy Jean-Pierre , Hecht Frederick M , Chun Tae-Wook , Sneller Michael , Li Jonathan Z , Deeks Steven G , Peluso Michael J 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
A key research priority for developing a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure strategy is to define the viral dynamics and biomarkers associated with sustained posttreatment control. The ability to predict the likelihood of sustained posttreatment control or noncontrol could minimize the time off antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those destined to be controllers and anticipate longer periods off ART for those destined to be controllers.

Methods
Mathematical modeling and machine learning were used to characterize virologic predictors of long-term virologic control, using viral kinetics data from several studies in which participants interrupted ART. Predictors of post-ART outcomes were characterized using data accumulated from the time of treatment interruption, replicating real-time data collection in a clinical study, and classifying outcomes as either posttreatment control (plasma viremia, ≤400 copies/mL at 2 of 3 time points for ≥24 weeks) or noncontrol.

Results
Potential predictors of virologic control were the time to rebound, the rate of initial rebound, and the peak plasma viremia. We found that people destined to be noncontrollers could be identified within 3 weeks of rebound (prediction scores: accuracy, 80%; sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 71%).

Conclusions
Given the widespread use of analytic treatment interruption in cure-related trials, these predictors may be useful to increase the safety of analytic treatment interruption through early identification of people who are unlikely to become posttreatment controllers.
Diagnostic uncertainties in patients with bacteraemia: impact on antibiotic prescriptions and outcome
Authors: Roger Pierre-Marie , Strzelecki Anne-Claire , Dautezac Véronique , Hennet Marc-Antoine , Borredon Gaëlle , Brisou Patrick , Girard Delphine , Assi Assi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To establish a formal diagnosis in infectious disease is not an easy task. Our aim was to characterize diagnostic uncertainty (DU) in patients for whom blood cultures were positive (PBC) and to determine its impact on both the antibiotic therapy and the outcome.

Methods
This was a prospective multicentre study including PBC for 6 months. The laboratory gave the PBC result to the infectious disease (ID) specialists in real time (24/7). The latter analysed all data from electronic patient charts and gave therapeutic advice to the physicians in charge of the patient to either initiate an antibiotic therapy, or to modify or to pursue continuing antimicrobial treatment. A DU was defined as no diagnosis of ID after thorough reading of the patient’s chart, or more than two diagnoses despite two medical opinions obtained before PBC. An unfavourable outcome was defined by the occurrence of death during hospitalization.

Results
One hundred and nighty-nine PBCs were communicated to ID specialists, including 93 DUs (47%). In multivariate analysis, DU was associated with hospitalization in medical wards: [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI): 6.94 (3.41–14.28)], the advice to initiate an antibiotic treatment: [3.89 (1.56–9.70)] and piperacillin-tazobactam use [3.75 (1.56–9.00)]; ICU requirement at initiation of care was a protective factor [0.38 (0.17–0.84)]. An unfavourable outcome was observed in 22 cases, and in a second logistic regression showed that DU was associated with the latter [AOR (95% CI): 5.07 (1.60–16.12)].

Conclusion
DUs were frequent during infections proved by PBC, and were associated with admission in medical wards, broad-spectrum antibiotic use and a high rate of unfavourable outcomes.
Development of a PCR assay for rapid and accurate detection of an emerging vanB Enterococcus faecium clone in the Capital Region of Denmark
Authors: Knudsen Maja Johanne Søndergaard , Barker Jensen Christel , Jørgensen Rikke Lind , Petersen Andreas Munk , Qvist Kristiansen Gitte , Lisby Jan Gorm , Worning Peder , Westh Henrik , Pinholt Mette 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To develop and validate a real-time PCR assay detecting the sequence bridging Tn1549 and the Enterococcus faecium chromosome in the emerging vanB vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VREfm) clone (ST80/CT2406).

Methods
The Tn1549 insertion site was determined on routinely sequenced VREfm isolates. The outer boundaries of Tn1549 and adjoining host bacterial sequences were determined using a BLAST search in the silent information regulator gene sir2. Next, the primers and probe were developed, targeting the sequence bridging Tn1549 and the E. faecium chromosome. Finally, the PCR assay was validated on well-characterized strains and prospectively performed on rectal screening samples submitted to our laboratory.

Results and conclusions
The PCR assay proved to be accurate and provide rapid diagnosis of the emerging vanB VREfm in rectal screening samples.
International organizations’ practice in the interpretation of their constituent instruments
Authors: Pan Kaijun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Subsequent practice of international organizations plays an important role in the interpretation of their constituent instruments. Based on Articles 5 and 31(3) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), when such practices have become established or have been consented to by all States parties, they can be considered authoritative interpretations. The legal basis for considering practices of international organizations in other circumstances, however, is not entirely clear. The International Law Commission proposed that these practices may still be considered in the application of Articles 31 and 32 of the VCLT but left many issues undiscussed. This article argues that it is possible to consider international organizations’ practice in the application of Article 31 if a strong inference about the original intention of States parties can be drawn therefrom. To address difficulties involved in evaluating the probative value of international organizations’ practice, this article borrows a tool from probability theory—likelihood ratio—and shows that, absent a major change of circumstances, international organizations’ earlier practice can be seen as credible evidence of States parties’ original intention and considered in the application of Article 31.
A new method for AFM mechanical characterization of heterogeneous samples with finite thickness
Authors: Kontomaris Stylianos-Vasileios , Malamou Anna , Stylianou Andreas 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Accurate mathematical expressions have previously been derived for determining the Young's modulus of thin homogeneous samples on rigid substrates when tested using atomic force microscopy. These equations have generally been applied to determine the mechanical properties (in terms of Young's modulus) of thin biological samples bonded to rigid substrates, such as cells. However, biological materials are highly heterogeneous at the nanoscale, so their mechanical properties vary significantly with indentation depth. Consequently, a crucial question is whether these equations are mathematically valid in such cases and if they can lead to reproducible results. In this paper, a rigorous mathematical analysis is used to investigate the validity of equations derived for homogeneous samples with finite thickness when applied to heterogeneous thin samples on rigid substrates. Using the aforementioned analysis, the classical equations are modified to account for depth-dependent mechanical properties. Consequently, the depth-dependent mechanical properties of heterogeneous samples with finite thickness are characterized using appropriate functions instead of single Young's modulus values. Force–indentation data from human fibroblasts and murine breast cancer cells are processed using the method presented in this paper, resulting in accurate and reproducible results.
Insomnia severity and obesity mediated by health behaviors in adolescents
Authors: Triplett Olivia M , Morrell Holly E R , Van Dyk Tori R 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
Sleep difficulties in youth have been associated with numerous negative outcomes, such as higher risk of obesity. Though the relationship between sleep and obesity is not well clarified, past research has shown that modifiable health behaviors, such as diet, physical activity, and screen time, may explain this relationship. The purpose of this study was to simultaneously examine these health behaviors as mediators of the relationship between insomnia severity and obesity among a sample of adolescents aged 12–18 years.

Method
English-speaking parents/legal guardians of adolescents were invited to participate in an online survey focused on pediatric sleep patterns, health behaviors, and weight. Parents/guardians (N = 599) reported on their adolescent’s diet (i.e., consumption of fruits/vegetables, fast food, and breakfast), physical activity, screen time, and BMI. A multiple mediation analysis was run to test these health behaviors as mediators of the relationship between insomnia severity and BMI, after controlling for sex, age, race, and poverty.

Results
While insomnia was related to most health behaviors, screen time was the only significant mediator of the relationship between insomnia and BMI, after controlling for the effects of the other mediators and all covariates, ab = .04, 95% CrI [.01, .09].

Conclusions
Screen time has implications for both adolescents’ sleep health and weight. Pediatric clinicians should systematically assess for, and provide, recommendations on ways to improve sleep and screen time use, in addition to providing traditional dietary and physical activity recommendations.
Timing of puberty suppression in transgender adolescents and sexual functioning after vaginoplasty
Authors: van der Meulen Isabelle S , Bungener Sara L , van der Miesen Anna I R , Hannema Sabine E , Kreukels Baudewijntje P C , Steensma Thomas D , Bouman Mark-Bram , de Vries Annelou L C 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexual function in transgender adolescents after puberty suppression has been a topic of recent clinical and scientific questions.

Aim
This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of early treatment with puberty suppression on sexual functioning of transfeminine individuals after vaginoplasty.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 37 transfeminine individuals treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (puberty suppression), estrogen, and vaginoplasty (penile inversion technique or intestinal vaginoplasty) at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2000 and 2016.

Outcomes
Experiences regarding sexual functioning and difficulties were assessed with a self-developed questionnaire ~1.5 years after genital gender-affirming surgery and compared between early (Tanner stage G2-3) and late (Tanner stage G4-5) treatment with puberty suppression.

Results
Following surgery, 91% of transfeminine individuals was able to experience sexual desire, 86% experienced arousal, and 78% could attain an orgasm. Seventy-five percent of transfeminine individuals who had not experienced an orgasm pre-surgery were able to experience one post-surgery. Of all participants, 62% reported having tried penile-vaginal intercourse post-surgery. The majority reported the presence of one or multiple sexual challenges. There were no significant differences in postoperative sexual function or sexual difficulties between groups treated with early versus late puberty suppression.

Clinical Implications
With these findings, more adequate and tailored information on the expected effects of early endocrine gender-affirming treatment (including puberty suppression) can be given by healthcare professionals.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the first study that has assessed sexual functioning of transgender individuals treated with puberty suppression, and has differentiated between the pubertal stage at treatment initiation. Limitations were the small cohort size and retrospective study design. This study focuses on sexual functioning, however, it is important to realize sexual wellbeing is multifactorial and encompasses more than genital functioning or the ability to have certain sexual experiences.

Conclusion
This study found that post-vaginoplasty transfeminine individuals after both early and late suppression of puberty have the ability to experience sexual desire and arousal, and to achieve orgasms. Outcomes are comparable to previous findings in those who started treatment in adulthood.
Chronic Leg Ischemia Caused by Arterial Bullet Embolization
Authors: Demirkiran Tuna , Özdem Tayfun , Akyol Furkan Burak , Erol Gökhan , Karabacak Kubilay 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Intravascular shrapnel or bullet embolization after a gunshot injury is rare, with fewer than 200 cases reported over the past century. Military injuries typically have high energy transfer, making this phenomenon less prevalent. A 22-year-old military personnel presented with chronic leg ischemia resulting from arterial bullet embolization. Before 4 months, he had sustained a military injury and subsequently required hospitalization for pneumohemothorax. A 21-mm bullet obstructing the popliteal artery caused chronic leg ischemia and was scheduled for elective vascular surgery. Physicians should be aware of potential bullet embolization indications in gunshot wound patients to prevent complications, ensuring early detection and appropriate treatment for successful management.
Magnetic field evolution of hot exoplanets
Authors: Kilmetis K , Vidotto A A , Allan A , Kubyshkina D 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Numerical simulations have shown that the strength of planetary magnetic fields depends on the convective energy flux emerging from planetary interiors. Here, we model the interior structure of gas giant planets using mesa, to determine the convective energy flux that can drive the generation of magnetic field. This flux is then incorporated in the Christensen et al. dynamo formalism to estimate the maximum dipolar magnetic field $B^\mathrm{(max)}_\mathrm{dip}$ of our simulated planets. First, we explore how the surface field of intensely irradiated hot Jupiters ($\sim 300\,\mathrm{ M}_{\oplus }$) and hot Neptunes ($\sim 20\,\mathrm{ M}_{\oplus }$) evolve as they age. Assuming an orbital separation of 0.1 au, for the hot Jupiters, we find that $B^\mathrm{(max)}_\mathrm{dip}$ evolves from 240 G at 500 Myr to 120 G at 5 Gyr. For hot Neptunes, the magnetic field evolves from 11 G at young ages and dies out at $\gtrsim$ 2 Gyr. Furthermore, we also investigate the effects of atmospheric mass fraction, atmospheric evaporation, orbital separations $\alpha$, and additional planetary masses on the derived $B^\mathrm{(max)}_\mathrm{dip}$. We found that $B^\mathrm{(max)}_\mathrm{dip}$ increases with $\alpha$ for very close-in planets and plateaus out after that. Higher atmospheric mass fractions lead in general to stronger surface fields, because they allow for more extensive dynamo regions and stronger convection.
Systematic deletion of symmetrical CFTR exons reveals new therapeutic targets for exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Pena-Rasgado Cecilia , Rodriguez-Manriquez Elvia , Dundr Miroslav , Bridges Robert J , Hastings Michelle L , Michaels Wren E 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
There is a major need for therapeutics that treat disease caused by premature termination codons (PTCs). Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can be directed to block splicing and cause exon skipping, a process that can be used to effectively remove PTCs from an mRNA. This ASO-induced exon skipping can restore protein coding potential when the exons on either side of the skipped exon are in the same reading frame, or symmetrical. We demonstrate the potential of this approach as a therapeutic using the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene, which has CF-associated, PTC-causing variants in all 27 of its exons. We functionally screened all CFTR isoforms that can be generated by deletion of symmetrical exons and identify four that are functionally responsive to CFTR modulators. We identified ASOs that induce skipping of these exons and show that they recover CFTR function in airway cells derived from individuals with CFTR PTC variants. This study demonstrates that systematic functional analysis of in-frame exon-deleted protein isoforms can successfully identify targets for ASO-based splice-switching therapies, a therapeutic concept that can be broadly applied to any multi-exon protein-coding gene disrupted by PTCs.
Radiological risk assessment of phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbiyi Olajide Kehinde , Ojuola Tolulope Ayodeji , Agbele Alaba Tolulope , Ogunlana Funmilola Olusola , Oludare Ojo Emmanuel , Alabi Abdul-Hafiz Abolade 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study assesses the radiological risks associated with phosphate fertilizer application on farmlands in Ondo State, Nigeria. Soil samples from ten agricultural towns were analyzed for radionuclide concentrations using gamma-ray spectrometry. Primordial radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th, and 40K were examined, with 40K showing the highest concentration due to the potassium-rich nature of phosphate fertilizers. Spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations was observed, attributed to agricultural activities. Despite variations, mean activity concentrations were below global averages, indicating low radiological risks. Hazard indices, radium equivalent concentrations, and absorbed dose rates were all within safe limits. The annual effective dose equivalent was significantly lower than recommended levels, and excess lifetime cancer risk estimates were below the global average. The study emphasizes the importance of educating farmers on the potential adverse effects of radionuclides and recommends reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices.
A Representative Profile of MSW Graduates in the United States
Authors: Jensen Todd M , Zerden Lisa de Saxe , Lombardi Brianna M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
As the United States faces burgeoning behavioral health needs and a growing recognition of the inextricable link between social conditions and health outcomes and quality-of-life indicators, a current representative profile of the MSW workforce with respect to sociodemographic and employment characteristics can provide a reference point for ongoing assessments of that workforce. The profile also can establish a baseline by which efforts to bolster the diversity and strength of the MSW workforce can be grounded. The core aim of the current study was to generate a nationally representative, descriptive profile of MSW graduates in the United States using a sample of 1,028 MSW graduates (representing a subpopulation of 691,061 individuals) from the 2021 National Survey of College Graduates. Weighted univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to generate a descriptive profile of MSW graduates with respect to sociodemographic, education, and employment characteristics. Study findings can help employers, health services researchers, policymakers, and practitioners understand the context of the MSW workforce as it relates to diversity, labor workforce projection data, and student loan and salary considerations. This information can guide future policy and training goals to support the future vitality of the social work profession.