bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Avoidance of offshore wind farms by Sandwich Terns increases with turbine density
Authors: van Bemmelen Rob S A , Leemans Jacco J , Collier Mark P , Green Ros M W , Middelveld Robert P , Thaxter Chris B , Fijn Ruben C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The expanding use of wind farms as a source of renewable energy can impact bird populations due to collisions and other factors. Globally, seabirds are one of the avian taxonomic groups most threatened by anthropogenic disturbance; adequately assessing the potential impact of offshore wind farms (OWFs) is important for developing strategies to avoid or minimize harm to their populations. We estimated avoidance rates of OWFs—the degree to which birds show reduced utilization of OWF areas—by Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) at 2 breeding colonies in western Europe: Scolt Head (United Kingdom) and De Putten (the Netherlands). The foraging ranges of birds from each colony overlapped with multiple OWFs. We modeled GPS tracking data using integrated step selection functions (iSSFs) to estimate the relative selection of habitats at the scale of time between successive GPS relocations—in our case, 10 min, in which Sandwich Terns traveled ~2 km on average. Besides the effects of OWFs and the direct surroundings of OWFs, iSSFs considered distance from the colony and habitat characteristics (water depth and sediment grain size) as well as movement characteristics. Macro-avoidance rates, where 1 means complete avoidance, were estimated at 0.54 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.7) for birds originating from Scolt Head and 0.41 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.56) for those from De Putten. Estimates for individual OWFs also indicated avoidance but were associated with considerable uncertainty. Our results were inconclusive with regard to the behavioral response to the areas directly surrounding OWFs (within 1.5 km); estimates suggested indifference and avoidance, and were associated with large uncertainty. Avoidance rate of OWFs significantly increased with turbine density, suggesting that OWF design may help to reduce the impact of OWFs on Sandwich Terns. The partial avoidance of OWFs by Sandwich Terns implies that the species will experience risks of collision and habitat loss due to OWFs constructed within their foraging ranges.
Characterizing the breakpoint of stomatal response to vapor pressure deficit in an angiosperm
Authors: Binstock Benjamin R , Manandhar Anju , McAdam Scott A M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Vapor pressure difference between the leaf and atmosphere (VPD) is the most important regulator of daytime transpiration, yet the mechanism driving stomatal responses to an increase in VPD in angiosperms remains unresolved. Here, we sought to characterize the mechanism driving stomatal closure at high VPD in an angiosperm species, particularly testing whether abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis could explain the observation of a trigger point for stomatal sensitivity to an increase in VPD. We tracked leaf gas exchange and modeled leaf water potential (Ψl) in leaves exposed to a range of step-increases in VPD in the herbaceous species Senecio minimus Poir. (Asteraceae). We found that mild increases in VPD in this species did not induce stomatal closure because modeled Ψl did not decline below a threshold close to turgor loss point (Ψtlp), but when leaves were exposed to a large increase in VPD, stomata closed as modeled Ψl declined below Ψtlp. Leaf ABA levels were higher in leaves exposed to a step-increase in VPD that caused Ψl to transiently decline below Ψtlp and in which stomata closed compared with leaves in which stomata did not close. We conclude that the stomata of S. minimus are insensitive to VPD until Ψl declines to a threshold that triggers the biosynthesis of ABA and that this mechanism might be common to angiosperms.
Function of iron-stress-induced protein A in cyanobacterial cells with monomeric and trimeric photosystem I
Authors: Akhtar Parveen , Balog-Vig Fanny , Kuntam Soujanya , Tóth Szilvia Z , Lambrev Petar H 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The acclimation of cyanobacteria to iron deficiency is crucial for their survival in natural environments. In response to iron deficiency, many cyanobacterial species induce the production of a pigment–protein complex called iron-stress-induced protein A (IsiA). IsiA proteins associate with photosystem I (PSI) and can function as light-harvesting antennas or dissipate excess energy. They may also serve as chlorophyll storage during iron limitation. In this study, we examined the functional role of IsiA in cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 grown under iron limitation conditions by measuring the cellular IsiA content and its capability to transfer energy to PSI. We specifically tested the effect of the oligomeric state of PSI by comparing wild-type (WT) Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 with mutants lacking specific subunits of PSI, namely PsaL/PsaI (PSI subunits XI/VIII) and PsaF/PsaJ (PSI subunits III/IX). Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that IsiA formed functional PSI3-IsiA18 supercomplexes, wherein IsiA effectively transfers energy to PSI on a timescale of 10 ps at room temperature—measured in isolated complexes and in vivo—confirming the primary role of IsiA as an accessory light-harvesting antenna to PSI. However, a notable fraction (40%) remained unconnected to PSI, supporting the notion of a dual functional role of IsiA. Cells with monomeric PSI under iron deficiency contained, on average, only 3 to 4 IsiA complexes bound to PSI. These results show that IsiA can transfer energy to trimeric and monomeric PSI but to varying degrees and that the acclimatory production of IsiA under iron stress is controlled by its ability to perform its light-harvesting function.
Secondary phallic prosthesis placement in transgender patients postmetoidioplasty: a case report on technique and outcome
Authors: Claeys Wietse , Weynants Laurens , Jamaer Caroline , Van der Jeugt Jolien , Hoebeke Piet , Spinoit Anne-Françoise 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Gender affirming surgery is common among transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Genital gender-affirming surgery is a form of surgery that involves transformation and reconstruction of the genitalia while maintaining urologic and sexual function. Masculinizing genital gender-affirming surgery can involve the removal of the female genital and reproductive organs and the creation of a more masculine appearance by using phalloplasty or metoidioplasty techniques. While metoidioplasty has advantages such as limited scarring and preserved genital sensation and clitoral erection, it may not always guarantee the ability to void while standing or even penetrate a sexual partner.

Aim
To describe our method of secondary phallic enhancement after metoidioplasty with a phallic prosthesis.

Methods
Our case is based on a 39-year-old transgender male who underwent metoidioplasty with vaginectomy, scrotoplasty, and urethral lengthening. However, the original surgery was complicated by extensive hematoma formation in the suprapubic area and neoscrotum, leading to a buried position of the neophallus. Subsequent surgery was performed to reduce the prepubic fat pad and penoscrotal interposition, but it too was complicated by hematoma formation and wound dehiscence. To maximize phallic elongation, the tethering urethra was removed, and perineal urethrostomy was performed but could not sufficiently alleviate the buried phallus. As a further step to improve the outcome, we proposed the implantation of a specific phallic prosthesis designed for metoidioplasty with testicular prosthesis placement. Surgery was performed as a single procedure through a penoscrotal incision and greatly enhanced genital appearance.

Results
Three months after surgery, the patient had good sensation of the phallus and was able to have satisfactory sexual activity with his partner. However, he remained dissatisfied with the amount of prepubic tissue and opted to undergo further liposuction.

Conclusion
Phallic prosthesis implantation can be a procedure to improve the condition of multioperated cases of metoidioplasty with resistant phallic burying. Reconstruction with a phallic prosthesis was performed successfully in this case. However, long-term complications and functional outcomes, such as the ability to void while standing or penetrate a sexual partner, remain uncertain. Further experience is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of using a phallic prosthesis as a secondary procedure in patients undergoing metoidioplasty.
Lactococcus lactisCNCM I‐5388 versus NCDO2118 by its GABA hyperproduction ability, counteracts faster stress‐induced intestinal hypersensitivity in rats
Authors: Gomes Pedro , Laroute Valérie , Beaufrand Catherine , Daveran‐Mingot Marie‐Line , Aubry Nathalie , Liebgott Chloé , Ballet Nathalie , Legrain‐Raspaud Sophie , Theodorou Vassilia , Mercier‐Bonin Muriel , Cocaign‐Bousquet Muriel , Eutamene Hélène 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by its main symptom, visceral hypersensitivity (VH), which is aggravated by stress. Gut–brain interactions and gut bacteria may alleviate IBS symptoms, including VH. γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA), produced notably by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), shows promising result in IBS symptoms treatment. In bacteria, GABA is generated through glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) metabolism of L‐glutamic acid, maintaining intracellular pH. In mammals, GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, modulating pain, stress, and anxiety. Therefore, utilizing GABA‐producing LAB as a therapeutic approach might be beneficial. Our previous work showed that a GABA‐producing Lactococcus lactis strain, NCDO2118, reduced VH induced by acute stress in rats after a 10‐day oral treatment. Here, we identified the strain CNCM I‐5388, with a four‐fold higher GABA production rate under the same conditions as NCDO2118. Both strains shared 99.1% identical GAD amino acid sequences and in vitro analyses revealed the same optimal pH for GAD activity; however, CNCM I‐5388 exhibited 17 times higher intracellular GAD activity and increased resistance to acidic pH. Additionally, in vivo experiments have demonstrated that CNCM I‐5388 has faster anti‐VH properties in rats compared with NCDO2118, starting from the fifth day of treatment. Finally, CNCM I‐5388 anti‐VH effects partially persisted after 5‐day treatment interruption and after a single oral treatment. These findings highlight CNCM I‐5388 as a potential therapeutic agent for managing VH in IBS patients.
Outpatient Rapid Titration of Slow Release Oral Morphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in a Canadian Setting: A Case Series
Authors: Brooks Olivia , Ng Joan C.Y. , Ickowicz Sarah 
Published: October 2023

Introduction
In the midst of unprecedented opioid overdose deaths, opioid agonist therapy induction strategies that allow for rapid titration to therapeutic doses for individuals at high risk of overdose are needed. Slow release oral morphine (SROM) is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder; however, current guideline-recommended titration strategies require weeks to achieve therapeutic dose for individuals with high opioid tolerance. Individuals may be lost to care or experience overdose due to ongoing use of unregulated opioids during this time. After years of experience titrating SROM doses rapidly in the inpatient setting, we developed a protocol using short-acting morphine (MOS) to allow for rapid SROM titration in the outpatient setting.

Cases
Patients (n = 4) were eligible if they met the criteria for opioid use disorder and had evidence of high opioid tolerance. Patients received supervised MOS doses in the outpatient setting, which were consolidated into a 12-hour extended-release morphine dose (to a maximum of 500 mg) on the evening of the titration. The total titration-day MOS and 12-hour extended-release morphine were summed into the post–titration-day SROM dose, to a maximum of 1000 mg.

Discussion
In the cases described, substantial reductions in unregulated fentanyl use and social gains, such as obtaining housing, employment, and enrollment in inpatient treatment programs, were observed after rapid SROM titration. No overdoses occurred during rapid SROM titration or during SROM treatment. More research is needed to determine the role for rapid SROM titrations as a stabilization option for outpatients.
Maternal Vertical Microbial Transmission During Skin-to-Skin Care
Authors: Hamidi Maryam , Cruz-Lebrón Angelica , Sangwan Naseer , Blatz Mary Ann , Levine Alan D. 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Skin-to-skin (STS) care may contribute to mother-to-infant vertical microbial transmission by enriching the preterm infant's microbiome.

Purpose:
The purpose of this observational study was to define the impact of increased STS care duration on vertical microbial transmission and consequently modulate oral and intestinal microbial balance.

Methods:
Postpartum women and their preterm infants, 31 to 34 weeks' gestation (n = 25), were recruited for this study. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we compared α- and β-diversity with the Shannon and Chao indexes and nonmetric multidimensional scaling, respectively, and relative abundance of microbial communities, which refers to the percentage of specific organisms in a community, from mother's chest skin, preterm infant's oral cavity, and preterm infant's stool samples. Effects of STS care on vertical transmission were determined by comparing oral and stool microbial population of preterm infants who received low exposure (<40 minutes) with that of preterm infants who received high exposure (>60 minutes).

Results:
Microbial composition, diversity, and relative abundance were different across the 3 sites. Oral microbial richness was less and stool richness was greater among the preterm infants in the high STS care group. Oral and intestinal microbial diversity and composition were different between the groups, with the relative abundance of Gemella and Aggregatibacter genera and Lachnospiraceae family significantly greater in the stool of the high STS care group.

Implications for practice:
Results suggest that STS care may be an effective method to enhance microbial communities among preterm infants.
Associations of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with cognition, dementia, and brain structure: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Mingxi , Qu Kang , Wang Yueyuan , Wang Yongchun , Sun Li 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Observational studies have found associations between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction and reduced brain volume. However, the results of observational studies may have been influenced by confounding factors. This study applied two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal associations of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with cognition, dementia, and brain structure.

Methods:
Summary data on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their main subtypes, cognition, dementia, and brain structure were obtained from recent European genome-wide association studies. We computed the inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median MR estimates. Cochran's Q statistics and the MR-Egger intercept test were used to quantify the heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of the instrumental variables.

Results:
Genetically predicted preeclampsia or eclampsia was inversely associated with gray matter volume [beta = -0.072; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.131 to −0.014; P = 1.53 × 10−2]; possibly with brain volume (beta = −0.064; 95% CI = −0.117 to −0.012; P = 1.68 × 10−2). However, the association of hypertensive pregnancy disorders or gestational hypertension with brain structure was not significant. We did not find any significant association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia or eclampsia and cognition and dementia-related outcomes.

Conclusion:
This study provided genetic evidence supporting an association between preeclampsia or eclampsia and reduced brain volume. This supports the view of PE as a risk factor for gray matter volume reduction.
Measurement of 238U, 232Th, 222Rn and 220Rn Contents in Optical Contact Lenses: Resulting Alpha and Beta Equivalent Doses to the Eye Tissues of Adult Patients
Authors: Misdaq M. A. , Elouardi B. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To estimate equivalent doses received by eye tissues of patients, contents of uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), radon (222Rn), and thoron (220Rn) were determined inside various optical contact lenses used for vision correction. 238U, 232Th, 222Rn, and 220Rn contents varied between (3.44 ± 0.24) mBq kg−1 and (18.3 ± 1.28) mBq kg−1, (0.57 ± 0.04) mBq kg−1 and (3.53 ± 0.25) mBq kg−1, (3.44 ± 0.24) mBq kg−1 and (18.3 ± 1.28) mBq kg−1, and (0.57 ± 0.04) mBq kg−1 and (3.53 ± 0.25) mBq kg−1, respectively. New external dosimetric models, depending on the cornea eye surface of patients, 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn concentrations inside optical contact lenses, half-life of the emitting radionuclides, and exposure time of patients, have been developed. It has been shown that alpha-particles emitted by the 238U and 232Th series inside the studied optical lenses transfer their energies essentially to the cornea tissues whereas the emitted beta-particles may reach and lose their energies in the crystalline lens of eyes of patients. Alpha-equivalent doses received by eye tissues of patients due to the diffusion of 222Rn and 220Rn gases present in the considered optical lenses were determined. The higher value of the total (alpha plus beta) equivalent dose to the left and right eyes of adult patients wearing optical contact lenses (14 hours per day) has been found equal to 1.32 mSv y−1 cm − 2. It is recommended for patients to reduce the wearing period of optical contact lenses to reduce eye disease risks such as cataract.
Numeric rating scale for pain should be used in an ordinal but not interval manner. A retrospective analysis of 346,892 patient reports of the quality improvement in postoperative pain treatment registry
Authors: Stijic Marko , Messerer Brigitte , Meißner Winfried , Avian Alexander 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To assess postoperative pain intensity in adults, the numeric rating scale (NRS) is used. This scale has shown acceptable psychometric features, although its scale properties need further examination. We aimed to evaluate scale properties of the NRS using an item response theory (IRT) approach. Data from an international postoperative pain registry (QUIPS) was analyzed retrospectively. Overall, 346,892 adult patients (age groups: 18-20 years: 1.6%, 21-30 years: 6.7%, 31-40 years: 8.3%, 41-50 years: 13.2%, 51-60 years: 17.1%, 61-70 years: 17.3%, 71-80 years: 16.4%, 81-90 years: 3.9%, >90: 0.2%) were included. Among the patients, 55.7% are female and 38% had preoperative pain. Three pain items (movement pain, worst pain, least pain) were analyzed using 4 different IRT models: partial credit model (PCM), generalized partial credit model (GPCM), rating scale model (RSM), and graded response model (GRM). Fit indices were compared to decide the best fitting model (lower fit indices indicate a better model fit). Subgroup analyses were done for sex and age groups. After collapsing the highest and the second highest response category, the GRM outperformed other models (lowest Bayesian information criterion) in all subgroups. Overlapping categories were found in category boundary curves for worst and minimum pain and particularly for higher pain ratings. Response category widths differed depending on pain intensity. For female, male, and age groups, similar results were obtained. Response categories on the NRS are ordered but have different widths. The interval scale properties of the NRS should be questioned. In dealing with missing linearity in pain intensity ratings using the NRS, IRT methods may be helpful.
High-Dose Methylphenidate and Carboxylesterase 1 Genetic Variability in Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Westerkamp Andrie C. , Pereira Rob Rodrigues , Huitema Vera R. , Kouwert Ester A.M. , Matic Maja , van Schaik Ron H.N. , Punt Nieko , Schoevers Robert A. , Touw Daan J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose/Background
Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely used to reduce symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Methylphenidate is metabolized by the carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) enzyme. Some patients need a very high dose of MPH to reach desired clinical effects, without having adverse effects. This may be due to differences in MPH pharmacokinetics (PK), potentially caused by DNA variants in CES1, the gene encoding the enzyme that metabolizes MPH. Here we describe 3 patients requiring high-dose MPH and investigated the CES1 gene.

Methods/Procedures
The 3 patients were using short-acting MPH in a dose of 180 to 640 mg instead of the maximum advised dose of around 100 mg MPH in the Netherlands. Plasma concentrations of MPH were determined at scheduled time points (day-curve). Methylphenidate plasma concentrations were used for PK analysis using an earlier published 2-compartment PK population model of MPH. Individual data of the 3 patients were compared with simulated population data, when equivalent doses were used. In addition, CES1 was genotyped (number of gene copies and single nucleotide polymorphisms) using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Findings/Results
Pharmacokinetic analysis in all 3 patients showed lower plasma concentrations of MPH in comparison with the population data. The mean absorption time and volume of distribution of the central compartment were equal, but the elimination clearance was higher. However, CES1 genotyping revealed no variations that could explain a higher metabolism of MPH.

Implications/Conclusions
In these 3 cases, we could not demonstrate a correlation between MPH clearance and known genetic variants of the CES1 gene.
Rectal sensitivity and associated factors in patients with different subtypes of functional defecation disorder
Authors: Zhang Yi-Bing , Huang Zhi-Yang , Jin Jian-Wei , Yuan Yu-Ping , Xu Li-Yuan , Jin Jie 
Published: October 2023

Objective
To investigate rectal sensitivity and associated factors in patients with different subtypes of functional defecation disorder (FDD).

Methods
We segregated individuals diagnosed with FDD into two groups based on their defecation patterns: those with dyssynergic defecation and those with inadequate defecatory propulsion. We gathered general information through questionnaires and assessed rectal sensitivity using anorectal manometry. The rectal sensitivity performances of the two groups were compared; the factors related to rectal sensitivity were analyzed to determine the factors associated with rectal sensitivity, and the effect of biofeedback therapy on rectal sensitivity was clarified.

Results
Rectal sensitivity in different subtypes of FDD decreased, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the first constant sensation volume, defecatory desire volume, and maximum tolerable volume between the different subtypes of FDD (P > 0.05). Multi-factor binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, constipation symptom score, and diabetes were all independent risk factors for decreased rectal sensitivity (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the prior- and post-biofeedback therapy in the first constant sensation volume, defecatory desire volume, and maximum tolerable volume (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Rectal sensitivity in different subtypes of FDD decreased. Age, constipation symptom score, and diabetes were independent risk factors for decreased rectal sensitivity. Short-term biofeedback therapy did not improve rectal hyposensitivity in patients with FDD.