bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using morphometrics to identify sex in the eastern blue‐tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides)
Authors: Bird A , Monks D , Hughes IP 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionTiliqua scincoides coexists with human activity and is frequently presented for rehabilitation due to injury. The correct identification of sex is important as animals identified as female should be subject to a different decision‐making matrix for rehabilitation. However, identification of sex is notoriously difficult in Tiliqua scincoides. We describe a reliable, safe and cost‐effective morphometry‐based method.Materials and methodsAdult and sub‐adult, wild Tiliqua scincoides dead on presentation or euthanased due to their presenting injuries were collected in South‐East Queensland (SE Qld). Head‐width to snout‐vent length ratio (H:SV) and head‐width to trunk length ratio (H:T) were measured and sex was defined at necropsy. Similar data were obtained from a previous study in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). H:SV and H:T were assessed for accuracy of sex prediction by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC‐ROC). Optimal cut‐points were identified.ResultsThe AUC‐ROC for the H:T test was for NSW adults, 0.99 (n = 29), NSW sub‐adults, 0.95 (n = 10), Qld adults, 0.90 (n = 35) and Qld sub‐adults, 0.79 (n = 25). In all cases, H:T was as good or superior to H:SV. H:T cut‐points optimized for female sexing or both sexes ranged from 0.20 to 0.23 depending on State and adult status. Sensitivities and specificities of the test at suggested optimal cut‐points ranged from 0.54 to 1.0.ConclusionWe describe how H:T can be used as an accurate method to determine sex in Tiliqua scincoides. However, it is more accurate in adults than sub‐adults and more accurate in NSW skinks than in SE Qld skinks.
The collective voice of unions and workplace training in Italy: New insights from mixed methods
Authors: Berton Fabio , Carreri Anna , Devicienti Francesco , Ricci Andrea 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUsing a three‐phase approach that combines quantitative (pooled OLS, fixed effects and IV) with qualitative (semi‐structured interviews) analyses, we find that in Italy, workplace unions are more likely to enhance training when they sign a firm‐level agreement and when they can get access to external funds for financing. We also identify three channels: what we call a ‘maturation effect’, double‐track communication and watch‐dog function. We argue that these results are consistent with the idea that the impact of workplace unions on training depends on the empowerment of its collective voice within an institutional framework that does not fit either of the standard models provided by collective and liberal market economies.
Influence of physical fitness of coronary disease patients on vagal reentry and heart rate recovery after exercise with and without fluid replacement
Authors: Soares Júlio César d. Á. , Laurino Maria Júlia L. , Silva Anne K. F. d. , Santos Lorena A. , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundFluid replacement during exercise has been studied as an important strategy to enhance recovery, however, studies are needed to investigate the effect of this strategy in different physical profiles. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of physical fitness of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients on vagal reentry and heart rate recovery after exercise performed with and without fluid replacement.MethodsNonrandomized crossover clinical trial. Thirty‐three CAD patients were submitted to (I) cardiopulmonary exercise test: to divide the sample into lower and higher VO2 peak groups; (II) control protocol (CP): composed of rest, aerobic exercise and passive recovery; (III) hydration protocol (HP): composed of the same activities as the CP, but with water intake during exercise. The recovery was evaluated by vagal reentry and heart rate recovery immediately after exercise.ResultsThe results did not show significant differences between the higher and lower VO2 peak groups. In addition, the hydration strategy adopted was not able to cause significant changes between control and HPs, regardless of group. However, a time effect was observed, suggesting anticipation of vagal reactivation and heart rate reduction in HP.ConclusionsPhysical fitness did not influence vagal reentry and heart rate recovery in CAD patients after exercise. However, the hydration strategy seems to have anticipated vagal reentry and produced a more efficient reduction in heart rate regardless of the individuals’ physical fitness, but these results should be analyzed with caution due to the absence of significant differences between groups and protocols.
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of bersiporocin, a novel prolyl‐tRNA synthetase inhibitor, in healthy subjects
Authors: Park Min Young , Bae Sungyeun , Heo Jung A , Park Mihee , Kim YuKyung , Han Jumi , Jang In‐Jin , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Oh Jaeseong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBersiporocin, a novel first‐in‐class prolyl‐tRNA synthetase (PRS) inhibitor currently under clinical development, was shown to exert an antifibrotic effect through the downregulation of collagen synthesis in various pulmonary fibrosis models. The aim of this first‐in‐human, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐ and multiple‐dose, dose‐escalation study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of bersiporocin in healthy adults. A total of 40 and 32 subjects were included in a single‐ (SAD) and multiple‐ascending dose (MAD) study, respectively. No severe or serious adverse events were observed after a single oral dose up to 600 mg and multiple oral doses up to 200 mg twice daily for 14 days. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were gastrointestinal adverse events. To improve the tolerability, initial bersiporocin solution was changed to the enteric‐coated formulation. Afterward, the enteric‐coated tablet was used in the last cohort of SAD and in the MAD study. Bersiporocin showed dose‐proportional PK characteristics after a single dose up to 600 mg and multiple doses up to 200 mg. Upon reviewing the safety and PK data, the final SAD cohort (800 mg enteric‐coated tablet) was canceled by the Safety Review Committee. The levels of pro‐peptide of type 3 procollagen were lower after treatment with bersiporocin than after the placebo in the MAD study, whereas no significant change was observed in other idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) biomarkers. In conclusion, the safety, PK, and PD profile of bersiporocin supported its further investigation in patients with IPF.
Changes in co‐use of alcohol and cannabis among Nordic adolescents in the 21st century: Results from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs study
Authors: Raitasalo Kirsimarja , Rossow Ingeborg , Moan Inger Synnøve , Bye Elin K. , Svensson Johan , Thor Siri , Ekholm Ola , Pisinger Veronica , Arnarsson Ársæll , Bloomfield Kim 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionIn the 21st century, there has been a decline in alcohol use among adolescents in most Nordic countries, while trends of cannabis use have diverged. We explore how alcohol and cannabis use, respectively, and co‐use of the two substances, have changed among Nordic adolescents. Three hypotheses are used to frame the study: (i) cannabis use has substituted alcohol use; (ii) there has been a parallel decline in both substances; and/or (iii) there has been a ‘hardening’ of users, implying that alcohol users increasingly use cannabis.MethodsData from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs, conducted among 15‐ to 16‐year‐olds in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (N = 74,700, 49% boys), were used to explore trends of past‐year alcohol and cannabis use in the period 2003–2019.ResultsThe proportion of adolescents reporting alcohol use decreased significantly in all Nordic countries except Denmark. The proportion of those using cannabis only was low (0.0%–0.7%) and stable in all countries. The total number of substance use occasions declined among all adolescents in all countries but Denmark. Among alcohol users, cannabis use became increasingly prevalent in all countries but Denmark.Discussion and ConclusionsWe found no support for the ‘parallel decline hypothesis' in alcohol and cannabis use among Nordic adolescents. Partially in line with the ‘substitution hypothesis’, cannabis use accounted for an increasing proportion of all substance use occasions. Our results suggests that the co‐use of alcohol and cannabis has become more common, thus also providing support to the ‘hardening’ hypothesis.
Health‐related quality of life in patients with β‐thalassemia: Data from the phase 3 BELIEVE trial of luspatercept
Authors: Cappellini Maria Domenica , Taher Ali T. , Piga Antonio , Shah Farrukh , Voskaridou Ersi , Viprakasit Vip , Porter John B. , Hermine Olivier , Neufeld Ellis J. , Thompson Alexis A. , Tang Derek , Yucel Aylin , Lord‐Bessen Jennifer , Yu Peiwen , Guo Shien , Shetty Jeevan K. , Miteva Dimana , Zinger Tatiana , Backstrom Jay T. , Oliva Esther Natalie 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundPatients with transfusion‐dependent (TD) β‐thalassemia require long‐term red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) that lead to iron overload, impacting health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsThe impact of luspatercept, a first‐in‐class erythroid maturation agent, versus placebo on HRQoL of patients with TD β‐thalassemia was evaluated in the phase 3 BELIEVE trial. HRQoL was assessed at baseline and every 12 weeks using the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and Transfusion‐dependent Quality of Life questionnaire (TranQol). Mean change in HRQoL was evaluated from baseline to week 48 for patients receiving luspatercept + best supportive care (BSC) and placebo + BSC and between luspatercept responders and non‐responders.ResultsThrough week 48, for both groups, mean scores on SF‐36 and TranQol domains were stable over time and did not have a clinically meaningful change. At week 48, more patients who achieved clinical response (≥50% reduction in RBCT burden over 24 weeks) in the luspatercept + BSC group had improvement in SF‐36 Physical Function compared with placebo + BSC (27.1% vs. 11.5%; p = .019).ConclusionsLuspatercept + BSC reduced transfusion burden while maintaining patients' HRQoL. HRQoL domain improvements from baseline through 48 weeks were also enhanced for luspatercept responders.
Are whole‐organism performance and thermal preference linked to endo‐ and ectoparasites in a short‐lived lizard?
Authors: Lee Ko‐Huan , Whiting Martin J. , Leu Stephan T. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWild animals are often concurrently infected by multiple parasites, which are assumed to negatively affect their host by exploiting the host's resources. The cumulative effect of parasite infections is often not studied. Despite this assumption, many hosts do not suffer significant costs from parasitism in the wild. Hosts can adapt to parasitic infections by mounting physiological and behavioural defences. A commonly used behavioural defence by ectotherms is to frequently visit warm environments to increase body temperature (i.e., behavioural fever) and thereby mount an immune response to parasites. Using the Australian common garden skink (Lampropholis guichenoti), we investigated the cumulative effect of endo‐ and ectoparasites on host performance. First, we investigated whether endo‐ and ectoparasites were associated with whole‐organism performance in the lizards. Second, we explored whether host individuals responded to their parasite infection through thermoregulatory behaviour. We found no significant relationship between parasitism and body condition. However, the infection with ectoparasitic mites was significantly related to reduced sprint speed, while the nematode infection had no significant relationship with any of our three performance measures (sprint speed, endurance and foraging efficiency). We showed no evidence of behavioural fever and infected lizards did not differ in their body temperature from uninfected lizards. Our findings suggest that short‐lived lizards may simply endure parasitic infections. The study provides an important example of how multiple infections with endo‐ and ectoparasites affect their host. It adds to the growing evidence for a negligible effect of parasites on host whole‐organism performance.
Application of a Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram in Icelandic horses: A pilot study
Authors: Garcia Helene Dragelund , Lindegaard Casper , Dyson Sue 
Published: April 2023

SummaryBackgroundA disturbing number of ridden horses are lame, although assumed by riders to be pain free. A Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed; an RHpE score of ≥8/24 is likely to indicate the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Pain assessment in Icelandic horses is challenging; the RHpE may facilitate lameness recognition.ObjectivesTo determine the repeatability of application of an adapted RHpE to Icelandic horses by a single observer. To evaluate the relationship between RHpE scores and lameness or abnormalities of canter.Study designProspective, cross‐sectional study.MethodsVideo‐recordings of 30 Icelandic horses performing a standardised test (walk, trot, tölt, canter) were acquired. The adapted RHpE, to include tölt, was applied to all recordings twice in random order by a single observer. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa. The presence of lameness, abnormalities of canter and lameness grade was determined by an independent expert. The association between maximum lameness grade and RHpE score was tested using Spearman's rank correlation.ResultsAll horses exhibited both lameness, the majority in >1 limb, and abnormalities of canter. The RHpE score was ≥8/24 in 96% (median 10/24 and 10.5/24, respectively, for the two assessments). There was substantial to near‐perfect agreement for the majority of behaviours (63.6%) and moderate or fair agreement for 32%. There was no correlation between maximum lameness grades and RHpE scores.Main limitationsThe absence of non‐lame horses with correct saddle fit for horse and rider.ConclusionsThere was good repeatability of application of the RHpE. Musculoskeletal pain was associated with RHpE scores of ≥8/24 in the majority of horses. Data acquired from non‐lame horses, ridden in well‐fitting tack by riders of appropriate size, are needed to determine if the threshold of step frequency in trot needs to be adjusted for more accurate application of the RHpE in Icelandic horses.
Is attention all you need for intraday Forex trading?
Authors: Grądzki Przemysław , Wójcik Piotr 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe main objective of this paper is to analyse whether the Transformer neural network, which has become one of the most influential algorithms in Artificial Intelligence over the last few years, exhibits predictive capabilities for high‐frequency Forex data. The prediction task is to classify short‐term Forex movements for six currency pairs and five different time intervals from 60 to 720 min. We find that the Transformer exhibits high predictive power in the context of intraday Forex trading. This performance is slightly better than for the carefully selected benchmark – ResNet‐LSTM, which currently is a state‐of‐the‐art algorithm. Since intraday Forex trading based on deep learning models is largely unexplored, we offer insight on which currency pair and time interval are amenable to devising a profitable trading strategy. We also show that high predictive accuracy can be misleading in real world trading for short time intervals, as models trained on OHLC data tend to report the highest accuracy when the spread cost is the highest. This renders assessment based on typical machine learning metrics overly optimistic. Therefore, it is critical to backtest frequent intraday Forex trading strategies with realistic cost assumptions, which is rarely the case in empirical literature. Lastly, sensitivity analysis shows that the length of the time interval used for training does not play a critical role in the Transformer's predictive capabilities, whereas features derived from technical analysis are essential.
On the consideration of loading interaction in combined high and low cycle fatigue life prediction
Authors: Liu Pengshuai , Wang Xiaowei , Shen Qin , Li Fangjie , Liu Min , Sun Yujuan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBased on the analysis of the test data and Miner's rule, a combined high and low cycle fatigue (CCF) life prediction model considering the loading interaction is established by introducing coupled damage. The coupled damage is determined by multiplying the high cycle fatigue damage and the low cycle fatigue damage by a coupled damage coefficient
. According to the analysis of the test data, the coupled damage coefficient
is positively correlated with the high cycle stress ratio
. In addition, an interaction factor, which reflects the loading interaction effect, is introduced to correct the coefficient
. The CCF experimental data of four materials are employed for model verification and comparison among the proposed model, Miner's rule, and Trufyakov–Kovalchuk model (T–K model). The proposed model exhibits a relatively higher prediction accuracy and is more suitable for predicting the fatigue life of CCF.
As above, not so below: Long‐term dynamics of net primary production across a dryland transition zone
Authors: Brown Renée F. , Collins Scott L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDrylands are key contributors to interannual variation in the terrestrial carbon sink, which has been attributed primarily to broad‐scale climatic anomalies that disproportionately affect net primary production (NPP) in these ecosystems. Current knowledge around the patterns and controls of NPP is based largely on measurements of aboveground net primary production (ANPP), particularly in the context of altered precipitation regimes. Limited evidence suggests belowground net primary production (BNPP), a major input to the terrestrial carbon pool, may respond differently than ANPP to precipitation, as well as other drivers of environmental change, such as nitrogen deposition and fire. Yet long‐term measurements of BNPP are rare, contributing to uncertainty in carbon cycle assessments. Here, we used 16 years of annual NPP measurements to investigate responses of ANPP and BNPP to several environmental change drivers across a grassland–shrubland transition zone in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. ANPP was positively correlated with annual precipitation across this landscape; however, this relationship was weaker within sites. BNPP, on the other hand, was weakly correlated with precipitation only in Chihuahuan Desert shrubland. Although NPP generally exhibited similar trends among sites, temporal correlations between ANPP and BNPP within sites were weak. We found chronic nitrogen enrichment stimulated ANPP, whereas a one‐time prescribed burn reduced ANPP for nearly a decade. Surprisingly, BNPP was largely unaffected by these factors. Together, our results suggest that BNPP is driven by a different set of controls than ANPP. Furthermore, our findings imply belowground production cannot be inferred from aboveground measurements in dryland ecosystems. Improving understanding around the patterns and controls of dryland NPP at interannual to decadal scales is fundamentally important because of their measurable impact on the global carbon cycle. This study underscores the need for more long‐term measurements of BNPP to improve assessments of the terrestrial carbon sink, particularly in the context of ongoing environmental change.
Switching from continuous veno‐venous hemodiafiltration to intermittent sustained low‐efficiency daily hemodiafiltration (SLED‐f) in pediatric acute kidney injury: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Raina Rupesh , Bansal Shyam Bihari , Soundararajan Anvitha , Dhaliwal Maninder , Raghunathan Veena , Kalra Meenal , Soni Kritika , Mahato Samit Kumar , Vadhera Ananya , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Bunchman Timothy 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionContinuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is the preferred modality in critically ill children with acute kidney injury. Upon improvement, intermittent hemodialysis is usually initiated as a step‐down therapy, which can be associated with several adverse events. Hybrid therapies such as Sustained low‐efficiency daily dialysis with pre‐filter replacement (SLED‐f) combines the slow sustained features of a continuous treatment, ensuring hemodynamic stability, with similar solute clearance along with the cost effectiveness of conventional intermittent hemodialysis. We examined the feasibility of using SLED‐f as a transition step‐down therapy after CKRT in critically ill pediatric patients with acute kidney injury.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in children admitted to our tertiary care pediatric intensive care units with multi‐organ dysfunction syndrome including acute kidney injury who received CKRT for management. Those patients receiving fewer than two inotropes to maintain perfusion and failed a diuretic challenge were switched to SLED‐f.ResultsEleven patients underwent 105 SLED‐f sessions (mean of 9.55 +/− 4.90 sessions per patient), as a part of step‐down therapy from continuous hemodiafiltration. All (100%) our patients had sepsis associated acute kidney injury with multiorgan dysfunction and required ventilation. During SLED‐f, urea reduction ratio was 64.1 +/− 5.3%, Kt/V was 1.13 +/− 0.1, and beta‐2 microglobulin reduction was 42.5 +/−4%. Incidence of hypotension and requirement of escalation of inotropes during SLED‐f was 18.18%. Filter clotting occurred twice in one patient.ConclusionSLED‐f is a safe and effective modality for use as a transition therapy between CKRT and intermittent hemodialysis in children in the PICU.