bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity of avelumab in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma or advanced urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Hu Ping , Dai Haiqing Isaac , Bourdage James , Zhou Dongli , Trang Ky , Kowalski Karey , Bello Carlo , Hibma Jennifer , Khandelwal Akash , Cowan Kyra , Dong Jennifer , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Gao Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLike other monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be immunogenic in some patients, potentially affecting pharmacokinetics (PKs) and clinical outcomes. In post hoc analyses, we characterized antidrug antibody (ADA) development with avelumab monotherapy in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) from the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial (first‐line [1L; N = 116] and second‐line or later [≥2L; N = 88] cohorts) or with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) from the JAVELIN Bladder 100 (1L maintenance [N = 350]) and JAVELIN Solid Tumor (≥2L [N = 249]) trials. Treatment‐emergent ADAs developed in a numerically higher proportion of patients with aUC (1L maintenance, 19.1%; ≥2L, 18.1%) versus mMCC (1L, 8.2%; ≥2L, 8.9%); incidences within tumor types were similar by line of therapy. In PK analyses, numerically lower avelumab trough concentration and higher baseline clearance were observed in treatment‐emergent ADA+ versus ADA− subgroups; however, differences were not clinically relevant. Numerical differences in overall survival, progression‐free survival, or objective response rate by ADA status were observed; however, no clinically meaningful trends were identified. Proportions of patients with treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs; any grade or grade 3/4), serious TEAEs, TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation, or infusion‐related reactions were similar, with overlapping 80% confidence intervals between ADA subgroups. Efficacy and safety observations were similar in subgroups defined by early development of ADA+ status during treatment. In conclusion, no meaningful differences in PKs, efficacy, and safety were observed between subgroups of avelumab‐treated patients with different ADA status. Overall, these data suggest that ADAs are not relevant for treatment decisions with avelumab.
A preliminary study of dynamic neurochemical changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during working memory
Authors: Oh Hyerin , Berrington Adam , Auer Dorothee P. , Babourina‐Brooks Ben , Faas Henryk , Jung Je Young 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWorking memory (WM) is one of the fundamental cognitive functions associated with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). However, the neurochemical mechanisms of WM, including the dynamic changes in neurometabolites such as glutamate and GABA in the DLPFC, remain unclear. Here, we investigated WM‐related glutamate and GABA changes, alongside hemodynamic responses in the DLPFC, using a combination of functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). During a WM task, we measured Glx (glutamate + glutamine) and GABA levels using GABA editing MEscher‐GArwood Point REsolved Spectroscopy (MEGA‐PRESS) sequence and blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signal changes. In the DLPFC, we observed elevated Glx levels and increased BOLD signal changes during a 2‐back task. Specifically, the Glx levels in the DLPFC were significantly higher during the 2‐back task compared with fixation, although this difference was not significant when compared with a 0‐back task. However, Glx levels during the 0‐back task were higher than during fixation. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between Glx levels in the DLPFC during the 2‐back task and the corresponding BOLD signal changes. Notably, higher Glx increases were associated with increased DLPFC activation and lower WM task performance in individuals. No notable changes in DLPFC GABA levels were observed during WM processing. These findings suggest that the modulation of glutamatergic activity in the DLPFC may play a crucial role in both working memory processing and its associated performance outcomes.
Biomarkers of neurodegeneration in isolated and antidepressant‐related rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Biscarini Francesco , Pizza Fabio , Vandi Stefano , Incensi Alex , Antelmi Elena , Donadio Vincenzo , Ferri Raffaele , Liguori Rocco , Plazzi Giuseppe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeThis study compared the features of isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) and antidepressant‐related REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) with the aim of highlighting markers that might distinguish the two entities.MethodsThe observational cohort study included RBD patients with and without antidepressant use (antiD+ and antiD− patients, respectively), without cognitive impairment and parkinsonism. Clinical features of RBD, subtle motor and non‐motor symptoms of parkinsonism, sleep architecture, REM atonia index, dopamine transporter‐single photon emission computed tomography (DAT‐SPECT) and skin biopsies for the intraneuronal alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn), were evaluated in the baseline work‐up.ResultsThirty‐nine patients, 10 antiD+ and 29 antiD−, were included. AntiD+ patients (more frequently female) reported more psychiatric symptoms, less violent dream enactment, and less frequent hyposmia. Dermal α‐syn was detected in 93.1% of antiD− versus 30% of antiD+ patients (p = 0.00024). No differences appeared in other motor and non‐motor symptoms, Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III score, DAT‐SPECT, or polysomnographic features.ConclusionsPatients with antidepressant‐related RBD have clinical and neuropathological features suggesting a lower risk of evolution than those with iRBD.
Lacosamide and pregnancy: Data from spontaneous and solicited reports
Authors: Perucca Piero , Bourikas Dimitrios , Voinescu P. Emanuela , Vadlamudi Lata , Chellun Daya , Kumke Thomas , Werhahn Konrad J. , Schmitz Bettina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveIn pregnancy, it is important to balance the risks of uncontrolled epileptic seizures to the mother and fetus against the potential teratogenic effects of antiseizure medications. Data are limited on pregnancy outcomes among patients taking lacosamide (LCM), particularly when taken as monotherapy. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of LCM‐exposed pregnancies.MethodsThis analysis included all reports in the UCB Pharma pharmacovigilance database of exposure to LCM during pregnancy from spontaneous sources (routine clinical settings) or solicited reports from interventional clinical studies and noninterventional postmarketing studies. Prospective and retrospective reports were analyzed separately.ResultsAt the data cutoff (August 31, 2021), there were 202 prospective pregnancy cases with maternal exposure to LCM and known outcomes. Among these cases, 44 (21.8%) patients received LCM monotherapy and 158 (78.2%) received LCM polytherapy. Most patients received LCM during the first trimester (LCM monotherapy: 39 [88.6%]; LCM polytherapy: 143 [90.5%]). From the prospective pregnancy cases with maternal LCM exposure, there were 204 reported outcomes (two twin pregnancies occurred in the polytherapy group). The proportion of live births was 84.1% (37/44) in patients who received LCM as monotherapy, and 76.3% (122/160) for LCM polytherapy. The overall proportion of abortions (for any reason) was 15.9% (7/44) with LCM monotherapy, and 22.5% (36/160) with LCM polytherapy. Congenital malformations were reported in 2.3% (1/44) of known pregnancy outcomes with maternal exposure to LCM monotherapy, and 6.9% (11/160) with polytherapy.SignificanceOur preliminary data do not raise major concerns on the use of LCM during pregnancy. Most pregnancies with LCM exposure resulted in healthy live births, and no new safety issues were identified. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as additional data are needed to fully evaluate the safety profile of LCM in pregnancy.
Leveraging quantum‐inspired chimp optimization and deep neural networks for enhanced profit forecasting in financial accounting systems
Authors: Zhang Lin , Alsubai Shtwai , Alqahtani Abdullah , Alanazi Abed , Abualigah Laith 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDeep learning and metaheuristic algorithms have recently increased in various sciences, including financial accounting information systems (FAISs). However, the existence of large datasets has dramatically increased the complexity of these hybrid networks, so to address this shortcoming, this paper aims to develop a quantum‐behaved chimp optimization algorithm (QCHOA) and deep neural network (DNN) for the prediction of the profit based on FAISs. Considering that there is no suitable dataset for the challenge, a novel dataset is developed utilizing the 15 features from the Chinese market dataset to compare more. This work designs QCHOA and five DNN‐based predictors to forecast profit. These algorithms include the universal learning CHOA (ULCHOA), the niching CHOA (NCHOA) as the two best‐modified versions of CHOA, the quantum‐behaved whale optimization algorithm (QWOA), and the quantum‐behaved grey wolf optimizer (QGWO) as the two best quantum‐behaved optimizers as well as classic CHOA. The most effective deep learning‐based predictors for forecasting the profit, ranked from highest to lowest, are DNN‐QCHOA, DNN‐NCHOA, DNN‐QWOA, DNN‐QGWO, DNN‐ULCHOA, DNN‐CHOA, and classic DNN, with corresponding ranking scores of 42, 36, 30, 24, 18, 12, and 6. As a final suggestion for profit prediction, the DNN‐CHOA is shown to be the most accurate model.
Association between pulp and periapical disease with type 2 diabetes: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wang Yuqiang , Zhu Jiakang , Tang Ying , Huang Cui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThis current Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to comprehensively explore the potential bidirectional link between pulp and periapical disease (PAP) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodologySummary level data of European‐based population genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) were employed to undertake this MR study. With the selection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the instrumental variable, the radial inverse‐variance weighted (radial IVW) method with modified second‐order weights was applied as the primary method. Additionally, a range of sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate pleiotropy. Results from different sources of outcome were pooled by meta‐analysis with the fixed model.ResultsThe results of this MR analysis did not suggest a significant impact of pulp and periapical disease on type 2 diabetes (combined OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.07, p = .033) and vice versa (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.96–1.14, p = .329). No significant pleiotropy was detected in the final model after the removal of outliers, demonstrating the reliability of the results in our primary analysis.ConclusionsWith the limitations inherent in the present MR study, there is no significant evidence in either direction to suggest a causal association between pulp and periapical disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns among keloid patients: United States Electronic Health Records (EHR) Database Study
Authors: Olopoenia Abisola , Yamaguchi Yuji , Peeva Elena , Berman Brian , Jagun Oladayo , George Prethibha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere is limited epidemiologic evidence on keloids using real‐world data, especially in the United States (US) across race and ethnicity.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using Cerner Real‐World Data, between 2015 and 2021, to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of US adults with keloids. Keloids were identified using a combination of ICD‐10 and (Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine‐Clinical Terms [SNOMED] codes). Demographics (including race and ethnicity), clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and healthcare utilization were compared across keloid and non‐keloid populations.ResultsAmong 5,457 keloid patients identified in the study, the majority were female (61.8%) with a mean age of 34.2 years and of non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Asian descent (P < 0.001). Relative to non‐keloid cohorts, patients with keloids had significantly higher rates of integumentary, cardiorespiratory, general, auditory, and ocular surgeries and burns (all P < 0.05). Patients with keloids were also more likely to have comorbidities like obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes (P < 0.05) when compared to those with no keloids. A large proportion of keloids were untreated; among those treated, the most common keloid treatments were medication therapy (51.5%) and surgical excision (10.6%). Non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic keloid patients were significantly more likely to receive medication therapy and surgical excision (P < 0.001) compared to keloid patients of other races or ethnicities.ConclusionsThis study provided real‐world insights into the keloid population in the US. Our findings emphasize the high burden of keloids and its substantial impact on ethnic minorities. Given high keloid recurrence rates and limited standardized treatments for keloids, further research into keloids is crucial to the development of keloid‐specific therapeutic options.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Multivariate Regime Switching Student‐t Copula Models
Authors: Cortese Federico P. , Pennoni Fulvia , Bartolucci Francesco 
Published: February 2024

SummaryWe propose a multivariate regime switching model based on a Student‐
copula function with parameters controlling the strength of correlation between variables and that are governed by a latent Markov process. To estimate model parameters by maximum likelihood, we consider a two‐step procedure carried out through the Expectation–Maximisation algorithm. To address the main computational burden related to the estimation of the matrix of dependence parameters and the number of degrees of freedom of the Student‐
copula, we show a novel use of the Lagrange multipliers, which simplifies the estimation process. The simulation study shows that the estimators have good finite sample properties and the estimation procedure is computationally efficient. An application concerning log‐returns of five cryptocurrencies shows that the model permits identifying bull and bear market periods based on the intensity of the correlations between crypto assets.
Overcoming local anesthesia failure during routine dental treatments in children
Authors: Yagudaev Michael , Yarom Noam , Ashkenazi Malka 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundLocal anesthesia (LA) during routine dental treatment in children fails in 5%–35% of first attempts. No data, however, are available on the success rates of subsequent attempts.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of primary, secondary, and tertiary LA attempts (P‐LA, S‐LA, and T‐LA, respectively) for anesthetizing molars during routine dental treatments in children.DesignWe retrospectively analyzed dental records of all children (2–18 years) who had been administered LA for the treatment of primary or permanent molars by a single paediatric dentist, between 2011 and 2022. All LAs were delivered using a computer‐controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) system.ResultsThe failure rate of P‐LA in 1312 molars was 13% and correlated with age (p < .001), type of tooth (p < .001), type of treatment (p < .001), and treated arch (p < .001). The effectiveness of S‐LA for buccal infiltration, intrasulcular, inferior alveolar nerve block, greater palatine nerve block (GPNB), posterior superior alveolar nerve block (PSANB), or a combination of the last two was 50%, 87.2%, 66.7%, 63.6%, 33.3%, and 100%, respectively, and was not significantly associated with age or the type of tooth, treatment, or P‐LA.ConclusionThe optimal choice of S‐LA for anesthetizing maxillary molars was a combination of PSANB and GPNB, whereas for mandibular molars, it was IS‐CCLAD system.
The union default: Free‐riding solutions
Authors: Harcourt Mark , Gall Gregor , Wilson Margaret 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA union default would empower unions to extend membership and representation to nonunion employers but still allow workers to opt‐out and, thereby, free‐ride. Though most workers would retain membership, free‐riding could still undermine a default. First, propensity to maintain membership is likely to vary, leaving some sectors with too few members for viable, effective representation. Second, public goods research suggests free‐riding increases over time when already extant. Third, expectations of widespread future free‐riding could discourage workers from recruiting the minimum number of workers necessary to attain the default. We test two solutions—all employees being required to pay union fees or employers paying union fees—to these challenges, examining effects on intention to retain membership and support for a default. We find both have positive impacts upon reducing free‐riding.
Extending coverage to migrant workers to advance universal social protection
Authors: Kazi‐Aoul Samia , van Panhuys Clara , Brener Mariano , Ruggia‐Frick Raúl 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMigration is a complex phenomenon that has significant implications for migrant workers’ access to social protection and for social security systems in both origin and destination countries. As the number of migrants continues to rise worldwide, policy makers face a multitude of challenges in adapting social protection programmes to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population. This article explores the relationship between migration and social protection, highlighting key issues and trends that have emerged in recent years. It examines the impact of migration on social security systems in both sending and receiving countries and reports on the ways in which migration patterns can create both opportunities and challenges for these systems. The article provides an overview of social protection measures and gaps in selected countries and considers the need for policy makers to take account of the unique needs and circumstances of migrant populations. The article also explores the role of international cooperation in addressing the social protection challenges and opportunities posed by migration. It considers some of the emerging trends and innovations to support the governance of social protection schemes that may help to address some of the legal and practical challenges faced by migrant workers and social security institutions. The article highlights the importance of understanding the complex relationship between migration and social protection to develop policies and programmes that are responsive to the needs of all members of society, regardless of their country of origin or immigration status. It also underlines the importance of quality administration and good governance for the effective implementation of social protection measures. In support of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda, a call is made for continued dialogue and collaboration among policy makers and stakeholders to ensure that social security systems are equitable, effective, inclusive, and sustainable in an increasingly globalized world.
Extending social protection to migrant workers in the region of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC): An analysis of enablers and barriers
Authors: Lowe Christina , Hagen‐Zanker Jessica , Mazzilli Caterina , Khater Lea Bou , Pellerano Luca , Hunt Abigail 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article explores factors influencing the extension of social protection to migrant workers in the region of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC). While there are some indications of new momentum for reforms, we find that reforms to address gaps in legal social protection coverage have historically been hindered by the very design of the migration system, including the assumed short‐term migration time frame and over reliance on employer‐sponsored provisions, as well as the political economy in the region, which translates into a segmented labour market and associated social protection entitlements for national and migrant workers, and limited channels for migrant worker representation. Despite some new mechanisms being developed, labour dispute and judicial systems are often ineffective in protecting workers and their families when benefits are not paid. Bureaucratic, financial, language, documentation and geographic barriers constitute further obstacles to migrant workers’ access to social protection in practice. The article closes with key policy implications, including measures for: developing comprehensive legal provisions in line with international standards and principles as well as the commitments to leave no one behind and to ensure social protection for all in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; addressing practical barriers, power imbalances and outreach, monitoring and enforcement gaps; and strengthening dialogue and collaboration between all actors, including GCC and country of origin governments, employers, workers, and wider stakeholders advocating for migrant workers’ rights.
Social protection for refugees and migrants: Examining access to benefits and labour market interventions
Authors: Seyfert Karin , Alonso Héctor 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe article discusses the current practices for providing social protection to refugees and migrants, focusing primarily on low‐ and middle‐income (LMICs) destination countries. It examines formal providers of social protection, including state institutions, development agencies and humanitarian organizations. In recent years, there has been an increase in funding from multilateral donors, especially in the context of the COVID–19 pandemic, leading to the establishment of national assistance programmes in LMICs that also encompass refugees and to a lesser extent migrant workers. International agencies play a crucial role in providing humanitarian cash assistance to refugees, given their status under international protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention and related protocols. Access to social insurance remains tied to formal employment. Social insurance entitlements for migrants are often restricted and refugees are typically excluded from formal employment in LMICs. Regarding labour market interventions, refugees and migrants are often excluded from national programmes, with migrants’ residence permits being often tied to employment. For refugees, international agencies take a prominent role in providing livelihood programmes aimed at enhancing income‐generating opportunities, economic inclusion and financial independence. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear, lacking rigorous evidence, and often being short‐term with limited coverage.