The Owl Gull: Exclusively Nocturnal Foraging by the Swallow-tailed Gull <i>Creagrus furcatus</i> in Galápagos

Marine ornithology · 2025-04-01

Colony-based observations indicate that Swallow-tailed Gulls Creagrus furcatus go to sea only at night. Here, we use GPS tracking technology to reveal the species’ exclusively nocturnal foraging behavior at four colonies in the Galápagos Islands. All nocturnal trips proved to be foraging effort in pelagic waters 19–103 km from nests during breeding. While at sea, individuals spent approximately one-quarter of their time commuting, with half of the time dedicated to area-restricted search behavior. Three years of data from one colony indicate spatial fidelity to a general foraging area. Our research directly confirms that Swallow-tailed Gulls are the only obligate nocturnal foragers among Laridae and contributes to our understanding of nocturnal foraging strategies in tropical seabirds.

173 The Management of Upper GI Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in an eNETs Centre of Excellence

British journal of surgery · 2025-12-01

Abstract Aim Glasgow is designated as a European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society Centre of Excellence. This study is a retrospective 5-year review of outcomes of all oesophageal, gastric and duodenal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms comparing our practice to eNET guidelines. Method Patients with UGI NETs discussed in the West of Scotland NET MDT from 2018-2023 were identified. Patient records were reviewed identifying site of lesion, grade, size, single or multiple, staging investigations and MDT outcomes. Outcomes included endoscopic surveillance, endoscopic resection, surgical resection, discharge and palliation. Results 118 patients included, median age 69, 36 women. 34 duodenal, 15 oesophageal, and 69 gastric lesions. All Grade 3 Neuroendocrine Carcinomas, including all oesophageal lesions, had MDT outcomes of palliation due to fitness or metastatic disease at presentation. Grades 1 and 2 stomach and duodenal lesions were well differentiated, 20mm or smaller. Duodenal lesions were single. Most gastric lesions were in the body; 17 patients had multiple lesions. Grade 1 and 2 gastric or duodenal lesions - those suitable for endoscopic resection underwent resection and surveillance, and those unsuitable had surveillance only, with no progression in any group. Seven patients with grade 1 or 2 gastric or duodenal lesions had surgical resection with no recurrence. Staging investigations (EUS, Tektroyd and CT CAP) were appropriately requested as per eNET guidelines. Conclusions The outcomes from grade 3 NECs have been poor due to advanced disease at presentation. Outcomes for grade 1 and 2 gastro-duodenal lesions comply with the eNET guidelines.

177 The Management of Type 1 Gastric NETs in an eNETS Centre of Excellence

British journal of surgery · 2025-12-01

Abstract Aim Glasgow is a designated European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (eNETS) centre of excellence. The eNETS guidance for small Type 1 gastric NETs (gNETs) suggests either endoscopic surveillance or resection depending upon size or grade. This study assessed adherence to this guidance and whether long-term endoscopic surveillance was maintained and warranted. Method All patients with Type 1 gNETs (Grade 1 or 2) discussed at the West of Scotland NET MDT between 2018 and 2023 were identified from the MDT database. Variables collected included the size, location and differentiation of each and the initial MDT decision and outcome was reviewed. The subgroup of patients undergoing endoscopic surveillance was followed. Results Forty-two patients (median age 67; 18 female) were identified, with MDT outcomes of either endoscopic resection with surveillance or surveillance alone. 5 patients died of other causes. 11 patients had endoscopic resection, 2 with positive margins so underwent surgical resection. 1 patient had recurrence and surgery. Seven patients with Grade 2, well-differentiated lesions were managed with resection (endoscopic or surgical) plus surveillance, with no recurrence or progression observed. The remainder had Grade 1, well differentiated and under managed with endoscopic resection or surveillance; none have progressed or recurred. For both Grade 1 and 2 lesions, the most common protocol was annual endoscopy, averaging 3.5 endoscopies. Conclusions Type 1 gNETS are managed according to eNETS guidance in our unit but we have observed that endoscopic follow up for Type 1, Grade 1, small, well differentiated gNETs may be unnecessary due to the low likelihood of progression.

38 Outcomes Following Transhiatal Oesophagectomy at a Single UK Centre: A Retrospective Review of 248 Operations Over 17 Years

British journal of surgery · 2025-12-01

Abstract Aim To evaluate perioperative outcomes, pathological findings, and long-term survival following transhiatal oesophagectomy (THO) for distal oesophageal tumours. Method: A retrospective review was conducted using a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent THO from 2007 to 2024. Data included demographics, comorbidities, pathological staging, complications, and survival. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests assessed survival. Results A total of 248 patients (median age 66; 81.9% male) underwent THO, with 85.1% receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed in 74.2%, with 30.3% classified high risk (anaerobic threshold <11 ml/kg/min). Complications occurred in 36.3%, including cardiac events (15.3%) and anastomotic leak (16.9%). Vocal cord neuropraxia was seen in 8.5%, with permanent injury in 1.6%. Unplanned ITU admission occurred in 12.5%, and in-hospital mortality was 0.4%. R0 resection was achieved in 75.8%. CRM involvement occurred in 23.8%. Median lymph node yield was 18. Advanced disease was common (47.6% pT3). Among adenocarcinoma patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy, median survival was 66.0 months (stage II), 27.0 (IIIB), and 21.0 (IVA); not reached for stage I or IIIA. Median overall survival was 94.0 months, increasing to 162.0 in R0 cases vs 28.0 with CRM involvement (p<0.0001). Conclusions Transhiatal oesophagectomy remains a viable and oncologically effective approach for selected patients with distal oesophageal cancer, demonstrating comparable survival with relatively low perioperative morbidity. Margin status and pathological stage were key predictors of survival. These findings support the use of THO beyond early-stage disease in appropriately chosen patients and reinforce the critical importance of achieving R0 resection to improve survival.

Female sexual agency and frequent extra-pair copulations, but no extra-pair paternity, in Nazca boobies ( <i>Sula granti</i> )

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-05-08

Abstract Extra-pair copulations (EPCs) are the poorly known antecedents of extra-pair fertilizations (EPFs) in birds. EPFs occur in most bird species that have been examined, but sexual conflict will generally reward females hiding their EPCs from males attempting to protect their paternity. EPCs will be difficult for researchers to document, and necessarily underestimated, in that case. We measured EPC behaviors and EPF frequency in a colonial seabird, the Nazca booby Sula granti , in which all copulations occur in a visually open setting with numerous possible copulatory partners readily available. Females are larger and more physically powerful than males, and are the numerically limiting sex, perhaps limiting options for males to control females. We found that all copulations were voluntary, and females’ sexual activities were wholly unconstrained by male coercion. Most females had multiple copulatory partners in the weeks preceding egg-laying. Despite the commonness of EPC, EPFs did not occur. The different schedules of EPC and within-pair copulation (WPC) provided a sufficient explanation for this outcome: during the ovulation window days before laying, WPC rate increased and EPC rate approached zero. To our knowledge, this is the first robust evidence of complete sexual agency in a female bird aside from lek-mating species, contributing a valuable exemplar to the literature on sexual conflict over reproduction.

Female sexual agency and frequent extra-pair copulations, but no extra-pair paternity, in Nazca boobies (Sula granti)

PLoS ONE · 2025-10-30 · 1 citations

Extra-pair copulations (EPCs) are the poorly known antecedents of extra-pair fertilizations (EPFs) in birds. EPFs occur in most bird species that have been examined, but sexual conflict will generally reward females hiding their EPCs from males attempting to protect their paternity. EPCs will be difficult for researchers to document, and necessarily underestimated, in that case. We measured EPC behaviors and EPF frequency in a colonial seabird, the Nazca booby Sula granti, in which all copulations occur in a visually open setting with numerous possible copulatory partners readily available. Females are larger and more physically powerful than males, and are the numerically limiting sex, perhaps limiting options for males to control females. We found that all copulations were voluntary, and females' sexual activities were wholly unconstrained by male coercion. Most females had multiple copulatory partners in the weeks preceding egg-laying. Despite the commonness of EPC, EPFs did not occur. The different schedules of EPC and within-pair copulation (WPC) provided a sufficient explanation for this outcome: during the ovulation window days before laying, WPC rate increased and EPC rate approached zero. To our knowledge, this is the first robust evidence of complete sexual agency in a female bird aside from lek-mating species, contributing a valuable exemplar to the literature on sexual conflict over reproduction.

131 Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for Early Oesophageal Cancer – the Experience of a Tertiary Oesopgagogastric Resectional Unit

British journal of surgery · 2025-12-01

Abstract Aim Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a key technique in the staging and endoscopic management of early oesophageal adenocarcinoma. We report our tertiary resection centre’s experience over a 7-year period. Method All oesophageal adenocarcinoma EMR specimens, received by pathology from a single centre, between 01/2015 and 12/2022 were included. Outcome measures include nodule size; number of mucosecotmies per nodule; Presence of Negative Prognostic Indicators (NPIs): 1) submucosal involvement (T1b) 2) involved deep margin (R1) 3) lymphovascular invasion (LVI); Subsequent Oesophagectomy and resection T/N-stage; overall/disease related mortality; outcomes by NPI; and EMR complications. Results 87 patients underwent 181 mucosectomies: mean 2.1 per nodule (1-6); pT1b &amp;gt; pT1a (2.6 vs 1.8). Examining NPIs, 37 patients (42.5%) were pT1b; 21 (24.3%) had LVI; 21 (24.7%) were R1 at the deep margin. Oesophagectomy was performed in 16 patients, with 5 oesophagectomy patients (31.3%) found to have positive nodes. NPIs were positive predictors for surgery (HR 6.2) and disease related mortality (HR 2.7). Submucosal involvement was the highest individual predictor for surgery (HR 4.41), disease related mortality (HR 4.05), and node positivity at resection (HR 1.5). In patients with no NPIs, 39 (95.1%) were successfully managed with endoscopy only, and disease related mortality was reduced in this group (HR 0.38). EMR complication rate was 4.5%: 0 perforations, 1 haemorrhage, 3 strictures, and no deaths. Conclusions EMR safely stages early oesophageal adenocarcinoma and, if no NPIs, avoids the need for oesophagectomy in most patients. With NPI - and submucosal invasion in particular - proceeding to oesophagectomy should be carefully considered.

103 Positive Proximal Resection Margin Following Subtotal Gastrectomy: Is There a Role for Completion Gastrectomy?

British journal of surgery · 2025-12-01

Abstract Aim To assess the incidence of positive proximal resection margin following subtotal gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma and evaluate the role of completion gastrectomy (CG). Method A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at a single center between 2007 and 2025. Pathology reports were examined to identify those with positive longitudinal resection margins. Cases with an isolated positive proximal margin were assessed for eligibility and outcomes following completion gastrectomy. Results Of the 192 patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy, 15 (7.8%) were found to have a positive longitudinal resection margin. Among these, 9 patients (4.7%) had a positive distal margin, 3 patients (1.6%) had both positive proximal and distal margins, and 3 patients (1.6%) had an isolated positive proximal margin. These three patients were considered for completion gastrectomy. The first patient underwent successful completion gastrectomy for ypT1N0 moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and remains disease-free more than 15 years postoperatively. The second patient was taken for exploratory laparotomy six weeks after the initial surgery with the intention of performing completion gastrectomy but was found to have extensive peritoneal metastases; a defunctioning loop ileostomy was performed instead. The third patient had advanced cancer (pT3N1 with lymphovascular invasion), significant comorbidities, and was managed with adjuvant chemotherapy rather than surgery, achieving a survival of 24 months. Conclusions An isolated positive proximal resection margin is an uncommon finding following subtotal gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Completion gastrectomy may be considered a curative option, but only in carefully selected patients.

Analysis of seven selected cannabinoids in human plasma highlighting matrix and solution stability assessments

Journal of Analytical Toxicology · 2025-09-12 · 1 citations

Cannabis consumption has and continues to increase dramatically, as does its legalization for recreational and/or medicinal use at the state, but not at the federal level. The increased consumption and legalization have spurred significant cannabis focused research, with particular interest in defining the pharmacokinetic characteristics of this complex natural product. Supporting this research requires a bioanalytical method that accurately and simultaneously quantifies the primary cannabinoids and their metabolites. The objective of this method validation was to meet pre-specified sensitivity targets (0.5 ng/mL for most analytes) from a low sample volume (0.2 mL) and a single extraction approach that could quantify Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and their metabolites. Moreover, we sought to rigorously characterize the stability of included cannabinoid analytes, both in solution and plasma. The developed assay required optimization of extraction and mobile phase solvents, as well as mass transitions to achieve the selectivity required to meet the desired sensitivity targets. Stability experiments indicated solution stability of no more than 6 months when stored in polypropylene at -30 or -80°C and ∼3 years (34.5 months) of plasma stability when stored in polypropylene at -80°C. The assay was successfully applied to ∼1650 samples without a batch failure. This validated LC-MS/MS assay provides unique information on cannabinoid stability and has been utilized to generate novel data on the pharmacokinetics of cannabis constituents and their metabolites.

37 Widening the Scope: Transhiatal Oesophagectomy Beyond Early-Stage Disease

British journal of surgery · 2025-12-01

Abstract Aim To compare outcomes of transhiatal oesophagectomy (THO) and transthoracic oesophagectomy (TTO) in patients with ypT3 distal oesophageal tumours. Method A retrospective review was conducted using a prospectively maintained database at a single UK regional centre. Between 2007 and 2024, 270 patients with ypT3 tumours underwent either TTO (n=156) or THO (n=114). Surgical approach was determined via MDT discussion. A hybrid TTO technique was introduced during this period and used in 47 cases. Results Baseline demographics and cardiopulmonary fitness were comparable between groups. Postoperative pulmonary complications (53.2% vs 29.8%; p&amp;lt;0.01) and anastomotic leaks (24.4% vs 12.3%; p=0.013) were significantly more frequent in the TTO group. Vocal cord neuropraxia was more common following THO (10.5% vs 1.3%; p&amp;lt;0.001), although most cases resolved. No significant differences were observed in unplanned ITU admissions (20.5% vs 14%) or in-hospital mortality (3.2% vs 0.9%). R0 resection rates (TTO: 53.2%, THO: 57.9%; p=0.52) and CRM involvement (TTO: 44.9%, THO: 41.2%; p=0.64) were similar. Median lymph node yield was 19 in both groups. Median overall survival was 30.0 months (TTO) vs 32.0 months (THO) (p=0.59). Conclusions With the selection criteria used in our centre, patients with ypT3 tumours experience lower postoperative morbidity when managed with transhiatal oesophagectomy compared to transthoracic oesophagectomy, without compromise in overall survival. The higher-than-expected anastomotic leak rate observed in the TTO group may be partly attributable to the learning curve associated with the adoption of a hybrid approach.