bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and safety of erenumab in pediatric patients with migraine: A phase I, randomized, open‐label, multiple‐dose study
Authors: Hershey Andrew D. , Paiva da Silva Lima Gabriel , Pannacciulli Nicola , Mackowski Mia , Koukakis Reija , McVige Jennifer Williams 
Published: March 2024

AbstractErenumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor, is efficacious and safe for prevention of attacks of migraine in adults. This phase I, randomized, open‐label, multiple‐dose study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of erenumab in children and adolescents with migraine. The initial treatment phase lasted 12 weeks, followed by an optional 40‐week extension phase for adolescents. Primary end points were PK of erenumab, incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and changes in clinical and laboratory assessments. Participants received erenumab 35 mg (n = 4), 70 mg (n = 17), or 140 mg (n = 32) q4w. The mean age was 14.1 years. Of the 53 participants, 48 (90.6%) completed the initial treatment phase and 36 (67.9%) received erenumab during the extension phase. Mean exposures to erenumab based on the maximum observed concentration and the area under the drug concentration–time curve during the dosing interval increased approximately dose‐proportionally. A total of 42 participants (79.2%) reported TEAEs (307.2 per 100 participant‐years); and four (7.5%) reported serious TEAEs not considered treatment‐related. The most common TEAEs were upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and vomiting. No clinically significant changes were reported in vital signs, electrocardiograms, and laboratory and neurological assessments. Overall, the observed PK profile of erenumab in children and adolescents with migraine is consistent with that in adults when body weight differences are taken into consideration. The safety profile of erenumab in children and adolescents is consistent with that in adults.
Pharmacogenetics of tamoxifen in breast cancer patients of African descent: Lack of data
Authors: Kruger Bianca , Shamley Delva , Soko Nyarai Desiree , Dandara Collet 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, is used to treat hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen acts as a prodrug, with its primary therapeutic effect mediated by its principal metabolite, endoxifen. However, tamoxifen has complex pharmacokinetics involving several drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters influencing its disposition. Genes encoding enzymes involved in tamoxifen disposition exhibit genetic polymorphisms which vary widely across world populations. This review highlights the lack of data on tamoxifen pharmacogenetics among African populations. Gaps in data are described in this study with the purpose that future research can address this dearth of research on the pharmacogenetics of tamoxifen among African breast cancer patients. Initiatives such as the African Pharmacogenomics Network (APN) are crucial in promoting comprehensive pharmacogenetics studies to pinpoint important variants in pharmacogenes that could be used to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy.
Measures of Relative and Absolute Convergence and Pro‐poor Growth with an Illustration based on China (2010–2018)
Authors: Bárcena‐Martin Elena , Silber Jacques , Zhang Yuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIncome mobility is a key issue for understanding the process of economic growth and distributional change. Some economists have used the concept of “pro‐poor growth” to examine, with individual‐level panel data, whether the poor benefit more than the rich from economic growth by tracking the extent of income mobility among different population subgroups. There is also literature in macroeconomics on the measurement of convergence. This paper introduces population‐weighted relative and absolute indices of mobility, convergence, and pro‐poor growth; it also distinguishes between anonymous and nonanonymous approaches to these issues. The empirical analysis is based on Chinese panel data for the period 2010–2018. In both absolute and relative terms, income growth in China was greater for individuals with an initially lower income but only for lower income deciles in relative terms. There was also an overall increase in individual welfare from anonymous and nonanonymous perspectives, which was higher among younger individuals. The welfare of the poor did not increase more than that of the nonpoor. These results shed light on the evolution of income distribution in China during the past decade's rapid economic growth.
Climbing the Export Quality Ladder: Role of Human Capital
Authors: He Xiaogang , Teng Ruifeng , Feng Dawei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study assesses the effect of human capital expansion on China's export product quality. It employs the difference‐in‐differences (DID) framework based on a quasi‐natural experiment investigating the 1999 higher education enrollment expansion as the exogenous policy shock. The empirical results confirm that human capital expansion appreciably improved the quality of China's export products. Human capital expansion promoted the transformation and upgrading of old products and the development of new products in term of intensive margin; it strengthened the endowment advantages of incumbent high‐quality export enterprises while preventing low‐quality enterprises from entering the market through price competition on the extensive margin. This prevented quality decline. Further, the study reveals that the improvement effect driven by human capital came from both innovation‐induced and managerial efficiency improvement channels and was more prominent for large or foreign‐funded enterprises in the eastern region. Our findings highlight the role of human capital in China's remarkable export performance from an endogenous growth perspective.
Value‐added Tax and Leverage: Evidence from China's Value‐added Tax Rate Reform
Authors: Fang Hongsheng , Zhao Lexin , Liu Xiufen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper uses China's value‐added tax (VAT) rate reform as a quasi‐natural experiment to identify the impacts of VAT rate shocks on corporate financial leverage. The results indicate that the reform reduced corporate total leverage significantly. There was a decrease in short‐term leverage, but long‐term leverage showed no significant change. These results remained robust across a series of robustness checks. Mechanism analysis shows that increasing profitability and improving cash flows acted as intermediary channels for the reform's impact on leverage. The reform also contributed to the mitigation of the asset–liability mismatch problem and the reduction of debt risk, while having no apparent impact on corporate investments. Finally, enterprises with more elastic demand and those with lower intermediate input ratios were affected most by the deleveraging effect of the VAT rate reform. This study suggests how the VAT rate cut shaped corporate capital structure. It thus helps to explain the economic consequences of VAT rate shocks.
The informed consent process: An evaluation of the challenges and adherence of Ghanaian researchers
Authors: Blankson Paa‐Kwesi , Akumiah Florence , Laar Amos , Kearns Lisa , Owusu Samuel Asiedu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study assessed challenges faced by researchers with the informed consent process (ICP). In‐depth interviews were used to explore challenges encountered by Investigators, Research assistants, Institutional Review Board members and other stakeholders. An electronic questionnaire was also distributed, consisting of Likert‐scale responses to questions on adherence to the ICP, which were derived from the Helsinki Declaration and an informed consent checklist of the US Department of Health and Human Research (HSS). Responses were weighted numerically and scores calculated for each participant. The median score of the level of adherence to the informed consent process was 93%. Most of the respondents (60%) cited the lack of time for the ICP to be a challenge, with 65% indicating a lengthy consent document to be the main challenge with the informed consent document. Challenges with language and communication were the dominant theme among informants. Despite the high adherence of Ghanaian researchers and research assistants to the ICP, challenges are still prevalent, requiring diligent and continuous efforts in research implementation.
Structure and vulnerability of the ichthyochory network in wetland forests of Central Amazonia
Authors: Costa Gilvan , Weiss Bianca , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez , Ferreira Efrem Jorge , Maltchik Leonardo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe interaction between fish and plants is vital for the dynamics of ecosystems since it influences plant distribution and regeneration patterns. In the floodable areas of the Amazon, these interactions are mainly structured by the flood pulse, which enables seed dispersal via water (hydrochory) and fish (ichthyochory), and which contributes to the formation of complex mutualistic networks. Our study evaluated the structure (modularity, nestedness, specialisation, and robustness) of the network of dispersal of seeds by frugivorous fish in a floodplain forest in Central Amazonia. We expect the binary network to have a nested pattern, while the weighted network is expected to have a non‐nested structure; that generalist frugivorous species should constitute the core of the network, while specialist frugivorous species will be peripheral; that the size of fish and seeds is related to specialisation, and that the robustness of the network weakens as generalist frugivorous fish are removed. We found 5012 intact seeds from 49 plant species in the digestive tracts of 11 species of frugivorous fish. A nested and modular pattern was found for the binary and weighted networks, albeit with a low degree of nestedness. Our network proved relatively robust when the frugivores were removed, whereby all the fish and plant species became peripheral. No relationship was found between the size of the fish and the seeds and the degree of specialisation. Considering the anthropogenic impacts that can cause modifications in seed dispersal networks, knowing the structure of mutualistic networks is fundamental in order to be able infer the vulnerability of the interactions as a result of changes in the ecosystem.
Supporting second chance education: Drop‐in students' views on educational barriers and needs to study
Authors: Van Den Berghe Lana , Naert Jan , Vandevelde Stijn , De Pauw Sarah S. W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn many Western societies, earning a degree is considered an ultimate educational achievement. Second chance education (SCE) serves as a distinct pathway for those who have dropped out of school, allowing them to re‐enter the educational system. Understanding the specific obstacles and needs of students in SCE is crucial for providing better‐tailored support. However, limited knowledge exists about the challenges faced by students seeking to enrol in SCE. This qualitative study conducted in‐depth interviews with 28 drop‐in students (Mage = 30) to explore these barriers and needs. Identified barriers span institutional, situational, environmental, and life‐course levels. Primary needs centre around warm and accessible teachers, as well as flexible, student‐focused learning options. The results underscore the value and significance of second chance education as a unique pedagogical context for drop‐in students. It also emphasizes that the insights gained from SCE can inform improvements in regular, first‐chance education, serving diverse student populations. Lastly, SCE serves as a societal mirror, urging a re‐evaluation of the broader discourse in education. Overall, this study calls for more appreciation of SCE, acknowledging and recognizing its unique pedagogical context, dedicated teachers, and determined students.
An assessment of potential herbivory impacts of a reintroduced marsupial in a predator‐free woodland sanctuary
Authors: O'Loughlin Luke S. , Baines Greg , Carlson Emma , Wimpenny Claire , Cooney Rosie 
Published: March 2024

SummaryFenced sanctuaries that exclude feral predators are critical for threatened species conservation. However, adaptive management of these sanctuaries requires careful consideration of the potential impact herbivore populations free from predation can have on the condition of native vegetation. The Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in the Australian Capital Territory comprises Critically Endangered box‐gum grassy woodland, threatened orchids, abundant macropods, and a reintroduced population of the Eastern Bettong (Bettongia gaimardi, hereafter “Ngaluda”). To understand how Ngaluda, along with other herbivores, may be potentially impacting vegetation across the sanctuary, we undertook an assessment of indicator plant species. We monitored 106 plots for 13 indicator species (10 species with tuberous roots that the burrowing Ngaluda would be preferentially targeting and three non‐tuberous species). We found that most floristic indicators we investigated – including richness of indicator species and the abundance of lilies – were higher in the Goorooyarroo area of the sanctuary (where Ngaluda are absent and wallabies are rare) compared to the Mulligans Flat area of the sanctuary (where Ngaluda are present and wallabies are abundant), suggesting a negative impact of the overall herbivore assemblage of Mulligans Flat. However, within just Mulligans Flat, some indicators, including the abundance of a common orchid, were significantly lower in areas associated with high Ngaluda activity irrespective of other herbivore densities. We found no instance of Ngaluda presence or higher activity being associated with higher values for any floristic indicator we investigated. These results are consistent with known impacts of abundant herbivores and reintroduced digging marsupials in other predator‐free sanctuaries in Australia. Our results highlight that Ngaluda herbivory may be outweighing any positive effect of their diggings on native vegetation and indicate the need for careful risk mitigation when deciding how critically endangered animals and vegetation communities are managed together in sanctuaries.
Endogeneity and causal attributions in management research: Some reflections and proposals
Authors: Giarratana Marco S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article explores the pivotal role of causal identification in the domain of management research and its alignment with theory creation. It seeks to stimulate thought about how researchers can approach theories and their causal identification with a review of the canonical methods. The article first addresses the intricacies of identification and the principal methodologies that researchers have recently employed in their investigations. Subsequently, it delves into the inherent costs associated with identification, specifically the need for additional assumptions, and the potential constraints on generalizability. It also promotes a more thoroughly examination of the nature of endogeneity. Finally, it explores how the link between causal identification and theory legitimacy could generate superstitious trajectories.
Antimanic‐like effect of dipyridamole in the methylphenidate‐induced hyperlocomotion
Authors: Santos Anderson Gustavo , Kühl Carlos Eduardo , Higashijima Arisa Namie , Kanazawa Luiz Kae Sales , de Souza Suzen Tortato Furtado , Andreatini Roberto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundAdenosinergic system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and drugs that affect adenosine neurotransmission have shown some efficacy as add‐on therapy in manic patients.ObjectiveThus, the aim of the present study was to screen adenosinergic drugs for antimanic‐like effect in methylphenidate (MPH)‐induced hyperlocomotion in mice.MethodsMale and female Swiss mice received a single allopurinol (50 and 200 mg/kg, ip), dipyridamole (20 mg/kg, ip), or inosine (50 mg/kg, ip) administration before an acute MPH challenge (5 mg/kg, sc). In experiments with repeated treatment, male mice received a daily administration of allopurinol (25 and 50 mg/kg, ip), dipyridamole (20 mg/kg, ip), or inosine (50 mg/kg, ip) for 14 days. Finally, pretreatment with aminophylline (2 mg/kg, sc), an unspecific adenosine receptor antagonist, was used to evaluate a putative adenosinergic mediation. Locomotor activity was measured in the automated activity chamber for 20 min.ResultsAcute and repeated dipyridamole reduced the increase in locomotor activity induced by MPH, while allopurinol and inosine had no effect. Aminophylline blocked the effect of dipyridamole in MPH‐induced hyperlocomotion.ConclusionThe present results suggest that dipyridamole may have an antimanic‐like effect through adenosine receptors and reinforce the proposal that the adenosine system may be an interesting target for new antimanic drugs.
Evidence of marine predation on silver New Zealand longfin eels, Anguilla dieffenbachii
Authors: Jellyman Donald , Franklin Paul , Aarestrup Kim , Birnie‐Gauvin Kim , Baker Cindy , Jellyman Phillip 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe use of Pop‐up Satellite Archival Tags (PSATs) has provided considerable new information about the behaviour of migrating (silver) eels (Anguilla spp.) at sea, with 9 of 19 recognised species or subspecies tagged to date. However, such studies often reported premature tag detachment and relatively high rates of predation. Since 2000, several PSAT‐tagged New Zealand longfin eels, Anguilla dieffenbachii, were released to understand migratory behaviour and location of potential spawning grounds. Of 20 PSAT‐tagged eels released in 2019, all tags detached prematurely, but 7 (58%) were likely eaten or injured by predators 1–81 days after release. Two eels were probably eaten by sperm whales, whereas other tagged eels were likely eaten by lamniform and non‐lamniform sharks, and southern bluefin tuna. Because of the high rate of predation, we recommend that future releases should be from smaller catchments or offshore.
In‐depth investigation of FAM20A insufficiency effects on deciduous dental pulp cells: Altered behaviours, osteogenic differentiation, and inflammatory gene expression
Authors: Sriwattanapong Kanokwan , Theerapanon Thanakorn , Khamwachirapitak Chompak , Sae‐ear Pannagorn , Sa‐Ard‐Iam Noppadol , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Porntaveetus Thantrira 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimLoss‐of‐function mutations in FAM20A result in amelogenesis imperfecta IG (AI1G) or enamel‐renal syndrome, characterized by hypoplastic enamel, ectopic calcification, and gingival hyperplasia, with some cases reporting spontaneous tooth infection. Despite previous reports on the consequence of FAM20A reduction in gingival fibroblasts and transcriptome analyses of AI1G pulp tissues, suggesting its involvement in mineralization and infection, its role in deciduous dental pulp cells (DDP) remains unreported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of DDP obtained from an AI1G patient, providing additional insights into the effects of FAM20A on the mineralization of DDP.MethodologyDDP were obtained from a FAM20A‐AI1G patient (mutant cells) and three healthy individuals. Cellular behaviours were examined using flow cytometry, MTT, attachment and spreading, colony formation, and wound healing assays. Osteogenic induction was applied to DDP, followed by alizarin red S staining to assess their osteogenic differentiation. The expression of FAM20A‐related genes, osteogenic genes, and inflammatory genes was analysed using real‐time PCR, Western blot, and/or immunolocalization. Additionally, STRING analysis was performed to predict potential protein–protein interaction networks.ResultsThe mutant cells exhibited a significant reduction in FAM20A mRNA and protein levels, as well as proliferation, migration, attachment, and colony formation. However, normal FAM20A subcellular localization was maintained. Additionally, osteogenic/odontogenic genes, OSX, OPN, RUNX2, BSP, and DSPP, were downregulated, along with upregulated ALP. STRING analysis suggested a potential correlation between FAM20A and these osteogenic genes. After osteogenic induction, the mutant cells demonstrated reduced mineral deposition and dysregulated expression of osteogenic genes. Remarkably, FAM20A, FAM20C, RUNX2, OPN, and OSX were significantly upregulated in the mutant cells, whilst ALP, and OCN was downregulated. Furthermore, the mutant cells exhibited a significant increase in inflammatory gene expression, that is, IL‐1β and TGF‐β1, whereas IL‐6 and NFκB1 expression was significantly reduced.ConclusionThe reduction of FAM20A in mutant DDP is associated with various cellular deficiencies, including delayed proliferation, attachment, spreading, and migration as well as altered osteogenic and inflammatory responses. These findings provide novel insights into the biology of FAM20A in dental pulp cells and shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying AI1G pathology.
Surgical outcomes and predictive value for major complications of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy of real‐world data in a single institution in Japan
Authors: Yasuda Yosuke , Numao Noboru , Fujiwara Ryo , Takemura Kosuke , Yoneoka Yusuke , Oguchi Tomohiko , Yamamoto Shinya , Yonese Junji 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to describe the surgical outcome of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy and predictive factors for major complications in real‐world clinical practice at a single institution in Japan.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 208 consecutive patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical cystectomy at our institution between 2019 and 2023. Patient and disease characteristics, intraoperative details, and perioperative outcomes were reviewed. Postoperative complications were defined as minor complications (Clavien–Dindo grades 1–2) or major complications (grades 3–5). Predictors of complications were examined using multivariable logistic analysis.ResultsOverall, 147 men and 61 women, median age 70 years (interquartile range, 62–77), were included in this study. Median operative time and estimated blood loss were 8.4 h and 185 mL, respectively; 11 patients (5%) received intraoperative blood transfusions. For urinary diversions, ileal conduit, neobladder, and cutaneous ureterostomy were performed in 153 (74%), 49 (24%), and 6 (3%) patients, respectively. Urinary diversions were primarily performed with extracorporeal urinary diversion. In total, 140 complications occurred in 111 patients (53%) within 30 days. Of these patients, 31 major complications occurred in 28 patients, and one perioperative death (0.5%) with a postoperative cardiovascular event. Multivariable analysis showed only prolonged operative time (odds ratio: 4.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.82–10.35, p < 0.01) was the independent risk factor for major complications.ConclusionsThis study reports surgical outcomes at our single institution. Prolonged operative time was a significant prognostic factor for major complications. As far as we know, this study reports the largest number of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy cases at a single center in Japan.