bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing good environmental status through mesozooplankton biodiversity: a step forward
Authors: Theodorou I , Zervoudaki S , Varkitzi I , Tsirtsis G 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
We developed a zooplankton-based water-quality evaluating method using indices of alpha diversity. Two key objectives were set: (i) the comparison of two—different quality—samples from different areas, and the verification of their differentiation, based on mesozooplankton biodiversity indices; and (ii) the development of a methodology, which was able to assess the quality of new marine water samples. Our analysis was based on a 24-year-long in situ dataset (1987–2010) of 139 samples in which 86 mesozooplankton taxa were identified. High-diversity and high evenness values were reported in the case of the “good” status sample, while low diversity, low evenness and high dominance values occurred at the lower quality one. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was conducted that discriminated the tested samples at 100%. This LDA was then used to evaluate samples of unknown quality. Finally, 90% of them were classified with a probability of correct classification (posterior probability) &gt;95%. The present study proves that mesozooplankton diversity indices can discriminate different levels of anthropogenic impacts. In this sense, it can be used as a reliable indicator for environmental assessment in the pelagic habitats of the Mediterranean Sea.
The PRK/Rubisco shunt strongly influences Arabidopsis seed metabolism and oil accumulation, affecting more than carbon recycling
Authors: Deslandes-Hérold Gabriel , Zanella Martina , Solhaug Erik , Fischer-Stettler Michaela , Sharma Mayank , Buergy Léo , Herrfurth Cornelia , Colinas Maite , Feussner Ivo , Abt Melanie R , Zeeman Samuel C 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The carbon efficiency of storage lipid biosynthesis from imported sucrose in green Brassicaceae seeds is proposed to be enhanced by the PRK/Rubisco shunt, in which ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) acts outside the context of the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle to recycle CO2 molecules released during fatty acid synthesis. This pathway utilizes metabolites generated by the nonoxidative steps of the pentose phosphate pathway. Photosynthesis provides energy for reactions such as the phosphorylation of ribulose 5-phosphate by phosphoribulokinase (PRK). Here, we show that loss of PRK in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) blocks photoautotrophic growth and is seedling-lethal. However, seeds containing prk embryos develop normally, allowing us to use genetics to assess the importance of the PRK/Rubisco shunt. Compared with nonmutant siblings, prk embryos produce one-third less lipids—a greater reduction than expected from simply blocking the proposed PRK/Rubisco shunt. However, developing prk seeds are also chlorotic and have elevated starch contents compared with their siblings, indicative of secondary effects. Overexpressing PRK did not increase embryo lipid content, but metabolite profiling suggested that Rubisco activity becomes limiting. Overall, our findings show that the PRK/Rubisco shunt is tightly integrated into the carbon metabolism of green Arabidopsis seeds, and that its manipulation affects seed glycolysis, starch metabolism, and photosynthesis.
Examining the safety of relaxed drug monitoring for methotrexate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shadeed Abdulrahman , Kattach Leila , Sam Sharlene , Flora Kalveer , Farah Ziad 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
This is a retrospective study that set out to assess the safety, feasibility and cost savings of temporary relaxed blood test monitoring for patients on MTX under the rheumatology service that was rolled out during the coronavirus pandemic.

Methods
This is a single-centre study that reviewed the blood tests of all patients who received an MTX prescription from the trust between December 2019 and November 2020. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the blood testing intervals and findings were analysed and collated. The cost of the blood tests was obtained from the laboratory.

Results
A total of 1194 patients were identified as having received an MTX prescription. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 462 patients were included. Of these, 395 (85%) patients had a blood test within the standard 3-month schedule and 67 had blood tests within the relaxed blood monitoring schedule. Six patients had an abnormality identified on their blood tests, but no harm was caused by any of these abnormalities. The intervention resulted in a cost savings of at least £1187 from the blood test costs alone.

Conclusion
MTX is a widely used steroid-sparing agent that requires regular blood test monitoring to reduce adverse outcomes for patients. During extraordinary circumstances such as a pandemic, relaxing the interval between monitoring blood tests in stable patients is a feasible intervention. A relaxed monitoring blood test interval for a set period is safe, achievable and cost effective.
Labor Force Demographics and Corporate Innovation
Authors: Derrien François , Kecskés Ambrus , Nguyen Phuong-Anh 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Firms in younger labor markets produce more innovation. We establish this by instrumenting the current labor force with historical births in each local labor market in the United States. Analyses of firms and inventors allow us to rule out unobservable heterogeneity across local labor markets and firms, life cycles, and other effects. Corporate innovation in younger labor markets reflects the innovative characteristics of younger labor forces, and its market value is higher. Younger workers as a group, not merely inventors by themselves, produce more innovation for firms through the labor force channel rather than through a financing or consumption channel.
Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Crystalline silica exposure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Cavalin Catherine , Lescoat Alain , Sigaux Johanna , Macchi Odile , Ballerie Alice , Catinon Mickaël , Vincent Michel , Semerano Luca , Boissier Marie-Christophe , Rosental Paul-André 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Develop and validate a thorough exposure questionnaire to comprehensively explore crystalline silica (SiO2) exposure in the general population (gender-specific, occupational and non-occupational) and in patients with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc)).

Methods
Lifetime exposures to SiO2 in occupational and non-occupational settings were assessed using a thorough exposure questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to a general population panel (n = 2911) sampled from the French rolling census, and to unselected patients with SSc (n = 100) and RA (n = 97). Global (GES), occupational (OES) and non-occupational (NOES) exposure scores were assessed in SSc and RA patients, and compared with up to four controls from the general population, matched by age group, sex and tobacco consumption.

Results
Patients had higher GES than their matched controls (SSc: P = 0.001; RA: P &lt; 0.0001) due to higher OES (P &lt; 0.0001 for SSc and RA). Men had higher GES than women (SSc: P &lt; 0.0001; RA: P = 0.002) due to higher OES (P &lt; 0.0001 for SSc and RA). The NOES did not differ between men and women. In SSc patients: Men had higher GES than controls (P &lt; 0.0001). Men and women with SSc had higher OES than controls (P &lt; 0.0001). In RA patients: GES and OES were higher in both men (P = 0.00521; P &lt; 0.0001) and women (P &lt; 0.0001; P &lt; 0.0001) than in their respective controls. Women had higher NOES than controls (P = 0.045).

Conclusion
The lifetime SiO2 exposure gap between RA and SSc patients and controls was substantially due to occupational exposure. In both diseases, men had higher exposure scores than women.
Combined use of monensin and virginiamycin to improve rumen and liver health and performance of feedlot-finished steers
Authors: Ceconi Irene , Viano Sergio A , Méndez Daniel G , González Lucas , Davies Patricio , Elizalde Juan C , Bressan Elbio , Grandini Danilo , Nagaraja T G , Tedeschi Luis O 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Monensin and virginiamycin are included in beef cattle finishing diets as prophylaxis to minimize the incidence of ruminal acidosis and liver abscesses. Due to different and probably complementary modes of action, this study aimed to determine the effects of a combination of monensin and virginiamycin, both included in the diet at recommended doses, on ruminal health, the occurrence of liver abscesses, and growth performance of feedlot-finished cattle. One hundred and forty-four steers (6 animals/pen) were fed 1 of 3 corn-based finishing diets containing 30 mg of monensin (MN), 25 mg of virginiamycin (VM), or 30 and 25 mg of monensin and virginiamycin (MN + VM), respectively, per kilogram of dry matter. Ruminal pH probes were inserted into two animals per pen and set to record pH every 10 min. On d 100, animals were slaughtered, and rumens and livers were recovered, on which occurrence and degree of ruminal damage, prevalence and number of liver abscesses, and liver scores (A−: livers with no more than two small abscesses; A+: livers with at least one large abscess or more than four medium abscesses; A: any other abscessed liver) were determined. Simultaneous inclusion of monensin and virginiamycin resulted in a 4.3% decrease (P &lt; 0.04) in dry matter intake (DMI; 8.8, 9.2, and 9.2 ± 0.19 kg/d for MN + VM, MN, and VM-fed animals, respectively) and similar (P &gt; 0.13) average daily body weight gain (ADG; 1.49 ± 0.021 kg/d) and hot carcass weight (HCW; 269 ± 1.7 kg), compared with feeding diets containing one additive or the other. Therefore, in terms of ADG, a 9.4% improvement (P &lt; 0.01) in feed efficiency was observed in MN + VM-fed animals. Backfat thickness (5.6 ± 0.08 mm) and ribeye area (69.9 ± 0.53 cm2) remained unaffected (P ≥ 0.74), as well as the minimum (4.98 ± 0.047), mean (6.11 ± 0.037), and maximum ruminal pH (7.23 ± 0.033) values and the time (125 ± 22.3 min/d), area (57.67 ± 12.383 pH × h), and episodes (22 ± 3.8 bouts) of pH below 5.6 (P ≥ 0.12). Overall, prevalence (24 ± 3.4%) and the number of liver abscesses (1.6 ± 0.14 abscesses/abscessed liver), liver scores (20 ± 3.1% of A− and 4 ± 1.8% of A livers), and prevalence (67 ± 3.5%) and degree of damage to the ruminal epithelium (2.5 ± 0.22% affected surface) were similar (P ≥ 0.18) across treatments; however, the occurrence of ruminal lesions tended (P ≤ 0.07) to be associated with that of liver abscesses and reduced ADG when feeding monensin alone.
Traffic signal control in mixed traffic environment based on advance decision and reinforcement learning
Authors: Du Yu , ShangGuan Wei , Chai Linguo 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Reinforcement learning-based traffic signal control systems (RLTSC) can enhance dynamic adaptability, save vehicle travelling time and promote intersection capacity. However, the existing RLTSC methods do not consider the driver's response time requirement, so the systems often face efficiency limitations and implementation difficulties. We propose the advance decision-making reinforcement learning traffic signal control (AD-RLTSC) algorithm to improve traffic efficiency while ensuring safety in mixed traffic environment. First, the relationship between the intersection perception range and the signal control period is established and the trust region state (TRS) is proposed. Then, the scalable state matrix is dynamically adjusted to decide the future signal light status. The decision will be displayed to the human-driven vehicles (HDVs) through the bi-countdown timer mechanism and sent to the nearby connected automated vehicles (CAVs) using the wireless network rather than be executed immediately. HDVs and CAVs optimize the driving speed based on the remaining green (or red) time. Besides, the Double Dueling Deep Q-learning Network algorithm is used for reinforcement learning training; a standardized reward is proposed to enhance the performance of intersection control and prioritized experience replay is adopted to improve sample utilization. The experimental results on vehicle micro-behaviour and traffic macro-efficiency showed that the proposed AD-RLTSC algorithm can simultaneously improve both traffic efficiency and traffic flow stability.
Genome Evolution and Early Introductions of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Mexico
Authors: Castelán-Sánchez Hugo G , Martínez-Castilla León P , Sganzerla-Martínez Gustavo , Torres-Flores Jesús , López-Leal Gamaliel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A new variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), named Omicron (Pango lineage designation B.1.1.529), was first reported to the World Health Organization by South African health authorities on 24 November 2021. The Omicron variant possesses numerous mutations associated with increased transmissibility and immune escape properties. In November 2021, Mexican authorities reported Omicron’s presence in the country. In this study, we infer the first introductory events of Omicron and the impact that human mobility has had on the spread of the virus. We also evaluated the adaptive evolutionary processes in Mexican SARS-CoV-2 genomes during the first month of the circulation of Omicron. We inferred 160 introduction events of Omicron in Mexico since its first detection in South Africa; subsequently, after the first introductions there was an evident increase in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during January. This higher prevalence of the novel variant resulted in a peak of reported cases; on average 6 weeks after, a higher mobility trend was reported. During the peak of cases in the country from January to February 2022, the Omicron BA.1.1 sub-lineage dominated, followed by the BA.1 and BA.15 sub-lineages. Additionally, we identified the presence of diversifying natural selection in the genomes of Omicron and found six non-synonymous mutations in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, all of them related to evasion of the immune response. In contrast, the other proteins in the genome are highly conserved; however, we identified homoplasic mutations in non-structural proteins, indicating a parallel evolution.
Targeting Pain Science Education in Youth With Chronic Pain
Authors: Pate Joshua W. , Harrison Lauren E. , Hess Courtney W. , Moseley G. Lorimer , Rush Gillian , Heathcote Lauren C. , Simons Laura E. 
Published: December 2022

Objectives:
An important part of providing pain science education is to first assess baseline knowledge and beliefs about pain, thereby identifying misconceptions and establishing individually-tailored learning objectives. The Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) was developed to support this need. This study aimed to characterize the concept of pain in care-seeking youth and their parents, to examine its clinical and demographic correlates, and to identify conceptual gaps.

Materials and Methods:
Following an initial interdisciplinary evaluation, a cohort of 127 youth aged 8 to 18 years, and their parents, completed a series of questionnaires.

Results:
Parents had slightly higher COPI scores than youth did, reflecting parents’ greater alignment with contemporary pain science. The moderate positive association with older age among youth (r=.32) suggests that COPI is sensitive to cognitive development and life experiences. Youth and parent COPI responses were weakly associated (r=0.24), highlighting the importance of targeting the concept of pain in both groups. For both parents and youth, ‘Learning about pain can help you feel less pain’ was the least endorsed concept. This conceptual ‘gap’ is a key point of intervention that could potentially lead to greater engagement with multidisciplinary pain treatment.

Discussion:
The COPI appears useful for identifying conceptual gaps or ‘sticking points’; this may be an important step to pre-emptively address misconceptions about pain through pain science education. Future research should determine the utility of COPI in assessing and treating youth seeking care for pain. The COPI may be a useful tool for tailoring pain science education to youth and their parents.
Accounting for Misclassification and Selection Bias in Estimating Effectiveness of Self-managed Medication Abortion
Authors: Jayaweera Ruvani T. , Bradshaw Patrick T. , Gerdts Caitlin , Egwuatu Ijeoma , Grosso Bélen , Kristianingrum Ika , Nmezi Sybil , Zurbriggen Ruth , Ahern Jennifer , Moseson Heidi 
Published: December 2022

Background:
Studies on the effectiveness of self-managed medication abortion may suffer from misclassification and selection bias due to self-reported outcomes and loss of follow-up. Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis can estimate self-managed abortion effectiveness accounting for these potential biases.

Methods:
We conducted a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis based on data from the Studying Accompaniment model Feasibility and Effectiveness Study (the SAFE Study), to generate bias-adjusted estimates of the effectiveness of self-managed abortion with accompaniment group support. Between July 2019 and April 2020, we enrolled a total of 1051 callers who contacted accompaniment groups in Argentina and Nigeria for self-managed abortion information; 961 took abortion medications and completed at least one follow-up. Using these data, we calculated measures of effectiveness adjusted for ineligibility, misclassification, and selection bias across 50,000 simulations with bias parameters drawn from pre-specified Beta distributions in R.

Results:
After accounting for the potential influence of various sources of bias, bias-adjusted estimates of effectiveness were similar to observed estimates, conditional on chosen bias parameters: 92.68% (95% simulation interval: 87.80%, 95.74%) for mifepristone in combination with misoprostol (versus 93.7% in the observed data) and 98.47% (95% simulation interval: 96.79%, 99.39%) for misoprostol alone (versus 99.3% in the observed data).

Conclusions:
After adjustment for multiple potential sources of bias, estimates of self-managed medication abortion effectiveness remain high. Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis may be useful in studies measuring an epidemiologic proportion (i.e., effectiveness, prevalence, cumulative incidence) while accounting for possible selection or misclassification bias.
Development and Validation of Algorithms to Estimate Live Birth Gestational Age in Medicaid Analytic eXtract Data
Authors: Zhu Yanmin , Thai Thuy N. , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Bateman Brian T. , Winterstein Almut G. , Straub Loreen , Franklin Jessica M. , Gray Kathryn J. , Wyss Richard , Mogun Helen , Vine Seanna , Taylor Lockwood G. , Ouellet-Hellstrom Rita , Ma Yong , Qiang Yandong , Hua Wei , Huybrechts Krista F. 
Published: December 2022

Background:
While healthcare utilization data are useful for postmarketing surveillance of drug safety in pregnancy, the start of pregnancy and gestational age at birth are often incompletely recorded or missing. Our objective was to develop and validate a claims-based live birth gestational age algorithm.

Methods:
Using the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) linked to birth certificates in three states, we developed four candidate algorithms based on: preterm codes; preterm or postterm codes; timing of prenatal care; and prediction models – using conventional regression and machine-learning approaches with a broad range of prespecified and empirically selected predictors. We assessed algorithm performance based on mean squared error (MSE) and proportion of pregnancies with estimated gestational age within 1 and 2 weeks of the gold standard, defined as the clinical or obstetric estimate of gestation on the birth certificate. We validated the best-performing algorithms against medical records in a nationwide sample. We quantified misclassification of select drug exposure scenarios due to estimated gestational age as positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and specificity.

Results:
Among 114,117 eligible pregnancies, the random forest model with all predictors emerged as the best performing algorithm: MSE 1.5; 84.8% within 1 week and 96.3% within 2 weeks, with similar performance in the nationwide validation cohort. For all exposure scenarios, PPVs were >93.8%, sensitivities >94.3%, and specificities >99.4%.

Conclusions:
We developed a highly accurate algorithm for estimating gestational age among live births in the nationwide MAX data, further supporting the value of these data for drug safety surveillance in pregnancy. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B989.
The use of loop diuretics in the context of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Malhamé Isabelle , Dong Susan , Syeda Ambreen , Ashraf Rizwana , Zipursky Jonathan , Horn Daphne , Daskalopoulou Stella S. , D'Souza Rohan 
Published: December 2022

Aims:
Addressing volume expansion may improve the management of hypertension across the pregnancy continuum. We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence on the use of loop diuretics in the context of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Methods and results:
Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar were searched for original research articles published up to 29 June 2021. Of the 2801 results screened, 15 studies were included: eight randomized controlled trials, six before–after studies, and one cohort study. Based on random effects meta-analysis of before–after studies, antepartum use of loop diuretics was associated with lower DBP [mean difference −17.73 mmHg, (95% confidence intervals −34.50 to −0.96); I
2 = 94%] and lower cardiac output [mean difference −0.75 l/min, (−1.11 to −0.39); I
2 = 0%], with no difference in SBP, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, or total peripheral resistance. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials revealed that postpartum use of loop diuretics was associated with decreased need for additional antihypertensive patients [relative risk 0.69, (0.50–0.97); I
2 = 14%], and an increased duration of hospitalization [mean difference 8.80 h, (4.46–13.14); I
2 = 83%], with no difference in the need for antihypertensive therapy at hospital discharge, or persistent postpartum hypertension.

Conclusion:
Antepartum use of loop diuretics lowered DBP and cardiac output, while their postpartum use reduced the need for additional antihypertensive medications. There was insufficient evidence to suggest a clear benefit. Future studies focusing on women with hypertensive pregnancy disorders who may most likely benefit from loop diuretics are required.