bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open banking: an early review
Authors: Xie Chengbo , Hu Sijia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper offers an overview of the burgeoning literature on open banking, focusing on its implications for the financial sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the recent developments in the nascent literature of open banking. In particular, it discusses the following issues. (1) the extent to which open banking fosters competition, drives innovation and enhances financial inclusion; (2) the impact of institutional arrangements on the outcomes of open banking initiatives and (3) the critical role of government in promoting open banking and regulating banking activities.

Findings

The paper concludes with a discussion on potential directions for future research. First, open banking introduces significant challenges to the traditional banking model. Furthermore, the interplay between open banking and financial risk presents an area ripe for exploration. Lastly, the importance of consumer education in the context of open banking cannot be overstated.

Originality/value

Open innovation enables financial institutions generate productive innovations as well as provide customers with significantly better services, by getting access to previously restricted customer data. However, currently non-bank and fintech lenders often face significant barriers in accessing comprehensive customer data, which restricts their capacity to support non-standard credit models. More emphasis is required to be assigned to research on the economic impact of open banking.
Is ChatGPT a source to enhance firms’ strategic value and business sustainability?
Authors: AlQershi Nagwan Abdulwahab , Thursamy Ramyah , Alzoraiki Mohammed , Ali Gamal Abdualmajed , Mohammed Emam Ali Salman , Nasir Muhammad Dzulhaxif Bin Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of three dimensions of ChatGPT strategic value – organization support (OS), managerial productivity (IM) and decision aids (DA) – on the business sustainability (BS) of Malaysian public universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was adopted for this study to examine the relationships between ChatGPT strategic value and the BS of Malaysian public universities.

Findings

The study found that two dimensions of ChatGPT strategic value, namely, OS and IM, influence BS, whereas DA do not.

Research limitations/implications

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to address the relationship between ChatGPT strategic value and BS in a specific context – Malaysian public universities – providing new contributions to theory by extending the literature on the topic.

Practical implications

The findings are expected to guide universities in Malaysia in leveraging ChatGPT strategic value for enhancing BS.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this empirical study is the first in the literature to examine the relationships between ChatGPT strategic value and BS in the education sector. Supported by an original conceptual model, the insights provided should extend the literature dedicated to ChatGPT strategic value and BS in the context of a South Asian economy.
Intelligent condition prediction model for bridge infrastructure based on evaluating machine learning algorithms
Authors: Abu Dabous Saleh , Alzghoul Ahmad , Ibrahim Fakhariya
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Prediction models are essential tools for transportation agencies to forecast the condition of bridge decks based on available data, and artificial intelligence is paramount for this purpose. This study aims at proposing a bridge deck condition prediction model by assessing various classification and regression algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

The 2019 National Bridge Inventory database is considered for model development. Eight different feature selection techniques, along with their mean and frequency, are used to identify the critical features influencing deck condition ratings. Thereafter, four regression and four classification algorithms are applied to predict condition ratings based on the selected features, and their performances are evaluated and compared with respect to the mean absolute error (MAE).

Findings

Classification algorithms outperform regression algorithms in predicting deck condition ratings. Due to its minimal MAE (0.369), the random forest classifier with eleven features is recommended as the preferred condition prediction model. The identified dominant features are superstructure condition, age, structural evaluation, substructure condition, inventory rating, maximum span length, deck area, average daily traffic, operating rating, deck width, and the number of spans.

Practical implications

The proposed bridge deck condition prediction model offers a valuable tool for transportation agencies to plan maintenance and resource allocation efficiently, ultimately improving bridge safety and serviceability.

Originality/value

This study provides a detailed framework for applying machine learning in bridge condition prediction that applies to any bridge inventory database. Moreover, it uses a comprehensive dataset encompassing an entire region, broadening the model’s applicability and representation.
Show Your Hand: The Impacts of Fair Pricing Requirements in Procurement Contracting
Authors: NATHAN BRAD
Published: July 2024

This paper studies how a federal procurement regulation, known as the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), affects the competitiveness and execution of government contracts. TINA stipulates how contracting officials (COs) can ensure reasonable prices. Following TINA, for contracts above a certain size threshold, COs can no longer rely solely on their own judgment that a price is reasonable. Instead, they must either require suppliers to provide accounting data supporting their proposed prices or expect multiple bids. Using a regression discontinuity design, I find that above‐threshold contracts experience greater competition (i.e., more bids), improved performance (i.e., less frequent renegotiations and cost overruns), and reduced use of the harder‐to‐monitor cost‐plus pricing, compared to below‐threshold contracts. These findings suggest that TINA's requirements enhance competition and oversight for above‐threshold contracts.
Population and community ecology: past progress and future directions
Authors: KREBS Charles J. , BOUTIN Stan , BOONSTRA Rudy
Published: July 2024

Population and community ecology as a science are about 100 years old, and we discuss here our opinion of what approaches have progressed well and which point to possible future directions. The three major threads within population and community ecology are theoretical ecology, statistical tests and models, and experimental ecology. We suggest that our major objective is to understand what factors determine the distribution and abundance of organisms within populations and communities, and we evaluate these threads against this major objective. Theoretical ecology is elegant and compelling and has laid the groundwork for achieving our overall objectives with useful simple models. Statistics and statistical models have contributed informative methods to analyze quantitatively our understanding of distribution and abundance for future research. Population ecology is difficult to carry out in the field, even though we may have all the statistical methods and models needed to achieve results. Community ecology is growing rapidly with much description but less understanding of why changes occur. Biodiversity science cuts across all these subdivisions but rarely digs into the necessary population and community science that might solve conservation problems. Climate change affects all aspects of ecology but to assume that everything in population and community ecology is driven by climate change is oversimplified. We make recommendations on how to advance the field with advice for present and future generations of population and community ecologists.
Fat, protein, and temperature each contribute to reductions in capsaicin oral burn
Authors: Gaiser Justin , Hayes John E.
Published: July 2024

It is widely accepted that milk provides the greatest relief from capsaicin burn, an effect typically attributed to its fat content and temperature. Previously, Lawless et al. reported partitioning lipophilic capsaicin in fat reduces burn, whereas Green showed lower temperature reduces burn. Recent research shows that dairy and nondairy proteins also reduce capsaicin burn, suggesting that multiple factors reduce oral burn from chilies. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of palate cleansers with varied viscosities, temperatures, and sugar, fat, and protein content. Specifically, we tested ice cream, Italian ice, yogurt, lassi, cold water (4°C), and warm water (37°C). Participants rinsed with a 5 ppm capsaicin solution, followed by a palate cleanser, before rating burn intensity continuously for 2 min on a general Labeled Magnitude Scale. Inspection of the time–intensity (TI) curves revealed all palate cleansers performed better than warm water. Italian ice performed on par with cold water, which did better than yogurt. Pairwise comparisons showed that ice cream and lassi had significantly lower burn ratings at some time points relative to warm or cold water. We extracted scaffolding parameters for each TI curve, finding that ice cream and lassi had the lowest areas‐under‐the‐curve and the greatest percent decrease from their maxima, with ice cream performing slightly better in both parameters. These data support the view that it is not just one characteristic of a product, but rather a combination of product factors that reduce oral burn, including fat content, protein content, and temperature. More research is required to determine the relative weight of these factors in combination, given the multiple mechanisms underlying burn reduction.
Kinetics of chemical and color changes in wheat and water during atmospheric cooking as affected by the acidity, hardness, and iron content of water
Authors: Michel Sadiye , Bayram Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Color changes in wheat and cooking water, which affect the quality of bulgur and wastewater, are important. Understanding the impacts of cooking water acidity, hardness, and iron content is significant for producing bright‐yellow colored bulgur and determining the possible negative effects of cooking water on the environment. Thereby, the gelatinization degree and color (L*, a*, b*, and yellowness index) of wheat cooked with waters at different pH (3, 5, 7, 9, and 11), hardness (soft, hard, and very hard), and iron content (0, 1, and 2 mg/L) were determined every 10 min of cooking. pH, Brix, conductivity, hardness, turbidity, and color of cooking waters were also determined and kinetically modeled. After cooking, it was revealed that cooking with water at pH 3 favored the color of cooked wheat, whereas pH 11 caused darkening. Nevertheless, as the wastewater pH of cooking waters with pH 3 and 11 may be harmful to the environment, it is recommended to use water in the range of pH 5–9 for bulgur production. Cooking with very hard water is also not recommended as it causes some adverse effects such as diminishing the gelatinization rate in wheat, increasing the cooking time, and negatively affecting the color.
Towards a better future for DNA barcoding: Evaluating monophyly‐ and distance‐based species identification using COI gene fragments of Dacini fruit flies
Authors: Doorenweerd Camiel , San Jose Michael , Leblanc Luc , Barr Norman , Geib Scott M. , Chung Arthur Y. C. , Dupuis Julian R. , Ekayanti Arni , Fiegalan Elaida , Hemachandra Kennantudawage S. , Aftab Hossain Mohammad , Huang Chia‐Lung , Hsu Yu‐Feng , Morris Kimberly Y. , Maryani A. Mustapeng Andi , Niogret Jerome , Pham Thai Hong , Thi Nguyen Nhien , Sirisena Uda G. A. I. , Todd Terrence , Rubinoff Daniel
Published: July 2024

The utility of a universal DNA ‘barcode’ fragment (658 base pairs of the Cytochrome C Oxidase I [COI] gene) has been established as a useful tool for species identification, and widely criticized as one for understanding the evolutionary history of a group. Large amounts of COI sequence data have been produced that hold promise for rapid species identification, for example, for biosecurity. The fruit fly tribe Dacini holds about a thousand species, of which 80 are pests of economic concern. We generated a COI reference library for 265 species of Dacini containing 5601 sequences that span most of the COI gene using circular consensus sequencing. We compared distance metrics versus monophyly assessments for species identification and although we found a ‘soft’ barcode gap around 2% pairwise distance, the exceptions to this rule dictate that a monophyly assessment is the only reliable method for species identification. We found that all fragments regularly used for Dacini fruit fly identification >450 base pairs long provide similar resolution. 11.3% of the species in our dataset were non‐monophyletic in a COI tree, which is mostly due to species complexes. We conclude with recommendations for the future generation and use of COI libraries. We revise the generic assignment of Dacus transversus stat. rev. Hardy 1982, and Dacus perpusillus stat. rev. Drew 1971 and we establish Dacus maculipterus White 1998 syn. nov. as a junior synonym of Dacus satanas Liang et al. 1993.
Correlation of Anti‐Phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin and Anti‐Phosphatidylserine Antibodies with Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Xiang Junmiao , Pan Yundong , Bao Ruru , Cai Zhuhua
Published: July 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of anti‐prothrombin antibodies (aPT) and anti‐phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) in relation to pregnancy outcomes and coagulation parameters, as well as immune markers.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 477 pregnant women with experienced at least one spontaneous miscarriage who were tested for aPT and aPS/PT antibodies, and compared their clinical characteristics, coagulation indicators, immune biomarkers, and pregnancy outcomes to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these antibodies.

Results

We found that the aPT IgG and the aPS/PT IgM were independently associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.055 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009–1.103, p = 0.017) and 1.041 (95% CI: 1.015–1.067, p = 0.002), respectively. Moreover, we found that the aPS/PT IgM had a higher diagnostic performance than the aPT IgG, as indicated by the AUC of 0.663 and 0.593, respectively. The pregnancy loss rate was positively correlated with the level of aPS/PT IgM, while the aPT IgG is not. We also found that in the pregnancy loss group, aPT IgG showed negative correlations with prothrombin time (PT); aPS/PT IgM showed positive correlations with aPS/PT IgG. However, none of aPT IgG, aPT IgM, aPS/PT IgM, or aPS/PT IgG was related to other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction (FGR), or preeclampsia (PE).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that aPT IgG and aPS/PT IgM are independent risk factors for pregnancy loss, especially aPS/PT IgM, which has a positive linear correlation with pregnancy loss.
Predictability of the Delta Neutrophil Index and Other Blood Parameters on Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Doğru Şükran , Akkuş Fatih , Ezveci Huriye , Yaman Fikriye Karanfil , Parlak Selman , Metin Ülfet Sena , Bahçeci Pelin , Acar Ali
Published: July 2024

Problem

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of delta neutrophil index (DNI), a peripheral blood parameter, on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Method of Study

One hundred eighty‐one participants, 78 pregnant women with SLE, and 103 healthy pregnant women were included in this retrospective study. Peripheral blood parameters including neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and DNI taken in the first trimester were compared between groups.

Results

NLR, PLR, and DNI were significantly higher in the SLE group (p = 0.027, p = 0.007, p = 0.0001, respectively). The same parameters were not found to be significant in determining disease activity in pregnant women with SLE (p > 0.05). When the predictive value of DNI for SGA in pregnancies with SLE was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.666 (95% CI; 0.544–0.788, p = 0.018) with 84.6% sensitivity, 53.8% specificity, 56.0% PPV, and 78.1% NPV at a cut‐off value of 0.16. The predictive value of DNI according to ROC for stillbirth in pregnancies with SLE was AUC 0.731 (95% CI: 0.539–0.923, p = 0.019) with a cut‐off value of 0.17, sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 51.5%, PPV of 58.5%, and NPV of 87.2%.

Conclusions

Although DNI's prediction of SGA and stillbirth in pregnant women with SLE is encouraging, it needs more evidence from prospective studies with larger series.
Serotonergic input from the dorsal raphe nucleus shapes learning‐associated odor responses in the olfactory bulb
Authors: Jing Siqi , Geng Chi , Liu Penglai , Wang Dejuan , Li Qun , Li Anan
Published: July 2024

Aim

Neural activity in the olfactory bulb (OB) can represent odor information during different brain and behavioral states. For example, the odor responses of mitral/tufted (M/T) cells in the OB change during learning of odor‐discrimination tasks and, at the network level, beta power increases and the high gamma (HG) power decreases during odor presentation in such tasks. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these observations remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate whether serotonergic modulation from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) to the OB is involved in shaping activity during the learning process in a go/no‐go task in mice.

Methods

Fiber photometry was used to record the population activity of DRN serotonergic neurons during a go/no‐go task. In vivo electrophysiology was used to record neural activity (single units and local field potentials) in the OB during the go/no‐go task. Real‐time place preference (RTPP) and intracranial light administration in a specific subarea (iClass) tests were used to assess the ability of mice to encoding reward information.

Results

Odor‐evoked population activity in serotonergic neurons in the DRN was shaped during the learning process in a go/no‐go task. In the OB, neural activity from oscillations to single cells showed complex, learning‐associated changes and ability to encode information during an odor discrimination task. However, these properties were not observed after ablation of DRN serotonergic neurons.

Conclusion

The activity of neural networks and single cells in the OB, and their ability to encode information about odor value, are shaped by serotonergic projections from the DRN.
Insights into tick dynamics and anaplasmosis in ruminants: A microscopic and molecular perspective
Authors: Malik Ayesha , Afshan Kiran , Okla Mohammad K. , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Razzaq Abdul , Hussain Munib , Firasat Sabika , Mirzaeva Gulnora , Kholmatov Bakhtiyor , Lika Erinda
Published: July 2024

Ticks are blood‐sucking parasite and transmit pathogens to humans, domestic and wild animals. Ticks are seriously damage the production of sheep and goats, resulting in heavy economic loss to farmers. The present study investigated microscopic and molecular identification of ticks and tick‐borne anaplasmosis infesting sheep and goats in three agro‐ecological zones of Pakistan. The collected ticks were identified at species level based on their morphological features through microscopy by using taxonomic keys. Four Rhipicephalus (R.) species namely: R. guilhoni Rh. geigyi, R. annulatus, R. pulchellus, two Haemaphysalis (Hae) spp. Hae. sulcate, Hae. punctate, one Ixodes ricinus and Hyalomma anatolicum were identified. The morphological variations in their body sizes, scutal pattern, female genital opening, spiracular plate length and male adanal plate were recorded. Furthermore, we assessed the effectiveness of utilizing the 16S rRNA gene sequence to differentiate Anaplasma samples at the species level. Microscopically suspected positive blood samples for Anaplasma were subjected to DNA extraction. Anaplasma was observed in the blood of 14 animals. The sequence similarity between Anaplasma marginale and the reference genome were 99.25%, while below this value indicating a distinct species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close similarity with A. marginale isolates from Iran, Vietnam and Pakistan This study contributes to the epidemiology of ticks and TBPs in the KP province and highlights the importance of proactive TBP surveillance in livestock.
A novel scoring model for predicting efficacy and guiding individualised treatment in immune thrombocytopaenia
Authors: Xu Min , Liu Jiachen , Huang Linlin , Shu Jinhui , Wei Qiuzhe , Hu Yu , Mei Heng
Published: July 2024

Despite diverse therapeutic options for immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP), drug efficacy and selection challenges persist. This study systematically identified potential indicators in ITP patients and followed up on subsequent treatment. We initially analysed 61 variables and identified 12, 14, and 10 candidates for discriminating responders from non‐responders in glucocorticoid (N = 215), thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO‐RAs) (N = 224), and rituximab (N = 67) treatments, respectively. Patients were randomly assigned to training or testing datasets and employing five machine learning (ML) models, with eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) area under the curve (AUC = 0.89), Decision Tree (DT) (AUC = 0.80) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) (AUC = 0.79) selected. Cross‐validated with logistic regression and ML finalised five variables (baseline platelet, IP‐10, TNF‐α, Treg, B cell) for glucocorticoid, eight variables (baseline platelet, TGF‐β1, MCP‐1, IL‐21, Th1, Treg, MK number, TPO) for TPO‐RAs, and three variables (IL‐12, Breg, MAIPA−) for rituximab to establish the predictive model. Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in validation datasets demonstrated strong correlations between response fractions and scores in all treatments. Scoring thresholds SGlu ≥ 3 (AUC = 0.911, 95% CI, 0.865–0.956), STPO‐RAs ≥ 5 (AUC = 0.964, 95% CI 0.934–0.994), and SRitu = 3 (AUC = 0.964, 95% CI 0.915–1.000) indicated ineffectiveness in glucocorticoid, TPO‐RAs, and rituximab therapy, respectively. Regression analysis and ML established a tentative and preliminary predictive scoring model for advancing individualised treatment.
Azacitidine combined with interferon‐α for pre‐emptive treatment of AML/MDS after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: A prospective phase II study
Authors: Huang Chongmei , Jia Yannan , Yang Jun , Cai Yu , Tong Yin , Qiu Huiying , Zhou Kun , Xia Xinxin , Zhang Ying , Shen Chang , Wan Liping , Song Xianmin
Published: July 2024

This prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the pre‐emptive treatment modality of azacitidine in combination with interferon‐α (IFN‐α) in AML/MDS patients post‐transplantation. Forty‐seven patients aged 17–62 were enrolled with 14 patients having completed the planned 12 cycles. Following initiation, 72.3% responded positively after the first cycle, peaking at 77.2% by the fifth cycle. Notably, 24 patients maintained sustained responses throughout a median follow‐up of 1050 days (range, 866–1234). Overall survival, leukaemia‐free survival and event‐free survival probabilities at 3 years were 69.5%, 60.4% and 35.7% respectively. Cumulative incidences of relapse and non‐relapse mortality were 36.5% and 4.3% respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that receiving pre‐emptive treatment for fewer than six cycles and the absence of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease after intervention was significantly associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The combination of azacitidine with IFN‐α was well‐tolerated with no observed severe myelotoxicity, and the majority of adverse events were reversible and manageable. In conclusion, the use of azacitidine in conjunction with IFN‐α as pre‐emptive therapy is a safe and effective treatment to prevent disease progression in AML/MDS patients with MRD positivity post‐allo‐HSCT.
Inhibition of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 restores cardioprotection by remote ischaemic preconditioning in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Erkens Ralf , Duse Dragos Andrei , Brum Amanda , Chadt Alexandra , Becher Stefanie , Siragusa Mauro , Quast Christine , Müssig Johanna , Roden Michael , Cortese‐Krott Miriam , Ibáñez Borja , Lammert Eckhard , Fleming Ingrid , Jung Christian , Al‐Hasani Hadi , Heusch Gerd , Kelm Malte
Published: July 2024

Background and Purpose

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (rIPC) for cardioprotection is severely impaired in diabetes, and therapeutic options to restore it are lacking. The vascular endothelium plays a key role in rIPC. Given that the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is inhibited by proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), we hypothesized that pharmacological Pyk2 inhibition could restore eNOS activity and thus restore remote cardioprotection in diabetes.

Experimental Approach

New Zealand obese (NZO) mice that demonstrated key features of diabetes were studied. The consequence of Pyk2 inhibition on endothelial function, rIPC and infarct size after myocardial infarction were evaluated. The impact of plasma from mice and humans with or without diabetes was assessed in isolated buffer perfused murine hearts and aortic rings.

Key Results

Plasma from nondiabetic mice and humans, both subjected to rIPC, caused remote tissue protection. Similar to diabetic humans, NZO mice demonstrated endothelial dysfunction. NZO mice had reduced circulating nitrite levels, elevated arterial blood pressure and a larger infarct size after ischaemia and reperfusion than BL6 mice. Pyk2 increased the phosphorylation of eNOS at its inhibitory site (Tyr656), limiting its activity in diabetes. The cardioprotective effects of rIPC were abolished in diabetic NZO mice. Pharmacological Pyk2 inhibition restored endothelial function and rescued cardioprotective effects of rIPC.

Conclusion and Implications

Endothelial function and remote tissue protection are impaired in diabetes. Pyk2 is a novel target for treating endothelial dysfunction and restoring cardioprotection through rIPC in diabetes.
Effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on participation in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dimakopoulos Rigas , Vakalaki Theodora , Spinou Arietta , Michopoulos Ioannis , Papadopoulou Μarianna
Published: July 2024

Background

Participation in life activities is an integral part of health and a main outcome of rehabilitation services for children and adolescents with disabilities. However, there is still no consensus on the most effective way to improve participation. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on participation outcomes of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted, searching the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), between 2001 and 2023. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated children with CP undergoing any intervention and using any tool measuring participation as an outcome measure. A meta‐analysis of treatment effect was conducted. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the effect on participation when intervention targeted different International Classification of Functioning (ICF) domains.

Results

A total of 1572 records were identified. Eight RCTs including 384 children (195 in the intervention group and 189 in the control group) were included in the systematic review and in the meta‐analysis. A sensitivity analysis showed that interventions focusing on participation significantly improved participation; standardized mean difference (1.83; 95% CI: 1.33–2.32; Z = 7.21; P < 0.00001). When other types of interventions, that is, focusing on body functions and structures or activities, were used, then participation was not favourably affected.

Interpretation

Interventions primarily targeting barriers to participation across several ICF domains have a greater influence on enhancing participation. Interventions aimed at enhancing specific motor skills, including gross and fine motor function or strength, do not necessarily have a positive impact on participation.
Whole genome sequencing identifies a homozygous splicing variant in TDRKH segregating with non‐obstructive azoospermia in an Iranian family
Authors: Amiri‐Yekta Amir , Sen Sharanya , Hazane‐Puch Florence , Tebbakh Célia , Roux‐Buisson Nathalie , Cazin Caroline , Thierry‐Mieg Nicolas , Bouras Ahmed , Mohammad Ali Sadighi‐Gilani , Hosseini Seyedeh‐Hanieh , Goodarzian Maedeh , Gourabi Hamid , Ray Pierre F. , Kherraf Zine‐Eddine
Published: July 2024

Non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) resulting from primary spermatogenic failure represents one of the most severe forms of male infertility, largely because therapeutic options are very limited. Beyond their diagnostic value, genetic tests for NOA also hold prognostic potential. Specifically, genetic diagnosis enables the establishment of genotype‐testicular phenotype correlations, which, in some cases, provide a negative predictive value for testicular sperm extraction (TESE), thereby preventing unnecessary surgical procedures. In this study, we employed whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate two generations of an Iranian family with NOA and identified a homozygous splicing variant in TDRKH (NM_001083965.2: c.562‐2A>T). TDRKH encodes a conserved mitochondrial membrane‐anchored factor essential for piRNA biogenesis in germ cells. In Tdrkh knockout mice, de‐repression of retrotransposons in germ cells leads to spermatogenic arrest and male infertility. Previously, our team reported TDRKH involvement in human NOA cases through the investigation of a North African cohort. This current study marks the second report of TDRKH's role in NOA and human male infertility, underscoring the significance of the piRNA pathway in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, across both studies, we demonstrated that men carrying TDRKH variants, similar to knockout mice, exhibit complete spermatogenic arrest, correlating with failed testicular sperm retrieval.
The global burden of disease attributable to high body mass index in 204 countries and territories: Findings from 1990 to 2019 and predictions to 2035
Authors: Chen Yuhan , Ma Li , Han Zhigang , Xiong Peng
Published: July 2024

Aim

Our study aims to provide an updated estimate of age‐ and sex‐specific deaths and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with high body mass index (BMI) from 1990 to 2019 at the global, regional and national levels, and to forecast the global burden of disease attributed to high BMI from 2020 to 2035.

Methods

We used the data for the number of deaths, DALYs, age‐standardized rate (per 100 000 population), percentage change and population attributable fraction from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) to examine the disease burden attributable to high BMI. We further applied an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to predict the disease burden for the period 2020‐2035.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the deaths and DALYs attributable to high BMI increased by 148% and 155.86% for men, and by 111.67% and 121.78% for women, respectively. In 2019, high BMI directly accounted for 8.52% [95% uncertainty intervals (UI) 0.05, 0.12] of all‐cause deaths and 5.89% (95% UI 0.04, 0.08) of global DALYs. The highest death rates were observed in men aged 65‐69 and women aged 75‐79. The highest DALY rates were observed in the age group of 60‐64 for both sexes. In 2019, the highest age‐standardized deaths and DALY rates were observed in the Central Asia region [163.15 (95% UI 107.72, 223.58) per 100 000 people] and the Oceania region [4643.33 (95% UI 2835.66, 6902.6) per 100 000 people], respectively. Fiji [319.08 (95% UI 213.77, 444.96) per 100 000 people] and Kiribati [10 000.58 (95% UI 6266.55, 14159.2) per 100 000 people] had the highest age‐standardized deaths and DALY rates, respectively. In 2019, the highest age‐standardized rates of high BMI‐related deaths and DALYs were observed in the middle‐high socio‐demographic index quintile and in the middle socio‐demographic index quintile. The age‐standardized deaths and DALY rates attributable to high BMI are projected to increase in both sexes from 2020 to 2035. The death rates are projected to rise from 62.79 to 64.31 per 100 000 people, while the DALY rates are projected to rise from 1946 to 2099.54 per 100 000 people.

Conclusions

High BMIs significantly contribute to the global disease burden. The projected rise in deaths and DALY rates attributable to high BMI by 2035 highlights the critical need to address the impact of obesity on public health. Our study provides policymakers with up‐to‐date and comprehensive information.
Portfolio construction using explainable reinforcement learning
Authors: Cortés Daniel González , Onieva Enrique , Pastor Iker , Trinchera Laura , Wu Jian
Published: July 2024

While machine learning's role in financial trading has advanced considerably, algorithmic transparency and explainability challenges still exist. This research enriches prior studies focused on high‐frequency financial data prediction by introducing an explainable reinforcement learning model for portfolio management. This model transcends basic asset prediction, formulating concrete, actionable trading strategies. The methodology is applied in a custom trading environment mimicking the CAC‐40 index's financial conditions, allowing the model to adapt dynamically to market changes based on iterative learning from historical data. Empirical findings reveal that the model outperforms an equally weighted portfolio in out‐of‐sample tests. The study offers a dual contribution: it elevates algorithmic planning while significantly boosting transparency and interpretability in financial machine learning. This approach tackles the enduring ‘black‐box’ issue and provides a holistic, transparent framework for managing investment portfolios.
The β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist formoterol attenuates necrosis and apoptosis in the rat myocardium under experimental stress‐induced cardiac injury
Authors: Naryzhnaya Natalia V. , Logvinov Sergey V. , Kurbatov Boris K. , Derkachev Ivan A. , Mustafina Liliia R. , Gorbunov Aleksandr S. , Sirotina Maria A. , Kilin Mikhail , Gusakova Svetlana V. , Maslov Leonid N.
Published: July 2024

Background

Currently, there is no effective therapy for takotsubo syndrome (stress‐induced cardiac injury in humans) in the clinics. It has previously been shown that β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) agonist formoterol reduces cardiomyocyte injury in experimental takotsubo syndrome.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate whether formoterol prevents apoptosis and necrosis of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells in stress‐induced cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Stress‐induced cardiac injury was induced by immobilization of rats for 2, 6, and 24 hours.

Results

The myocardium of stressed rats showed a reduction in contractility and histological manifestations of cardiomyocyte damage: karyopyknosis, perinuclear edema of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, and microcirculation disturbances augmented with extended exposure to stress. In addition, apoptosis of endothelial cells was detected 6 hours after the onset of stress and peaked at 24 hours. Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes significantly gained only after 24 hours of stress exposure. These morphological alterations were associated with increased levels of serum creatine kinase‐MB, syndecan‐1, and thrombomodulin after 24 hours of stress. Administration of β2‐AR agonist formoterol (50 μg/kg) four times during 24‐hour stress exposure led to the improvement in myocardial inotropy, decrease in the severity of histological signatures, reduction in the number of TUNEL‐positive cardiomyocytes, serum creatine kinase‐MB, syndecan‐1, and thrombomodulin levels.

Conclusion

Present data suggest that apoptosis and necrosis of cardiomyocytes and necrosis of endothelial cells in stress‐induced cardiac injury can be mitigated by activation of the β2‐AR. However, formoterol did not eliminate completely cardiomyocyte apoptosis, histological alterations, or endothelium injury markers under stress.
Consultations With Muslims From Minoritised Ethnic Communities Living in Deprived Areas: Identifying Inequities in Mental Health Care and Support
Authors: Tannerah Ashraf , Hazel Oluwalolami , Desson Sheree , Farah Rahima , Kamil‐Thomas Zalihe , Iqbal Halima , Eames Catrin , Saini Pooja , Bifarin Oladayo
Published: July 2024

Background

Limited research concerning existing inequities in mental health care and support services in the United Kingdom captures perceptions and lived experiences of the significantly underrepresented Muslim population.

Methods

Underpinned by social constructivist theory, we used consultation to facilitate public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) to identify inequities in mental health care and support experienced by Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities living in deprived areas in Liverpool, UK. The rationale was to (a) better inform standards and policies in healthcare and (b) provide a psychologically safe space to members of the Muslim community to share perceptions and experiences of mental health care and support services. To ensure trustworthiness of the data, member checking was adopted. This paper describes the procedure to achieving this consultation, including our recruitment strategy, data collection and analysis as well as key findings.

Findings

Twenty‐seven consultees attended the women's consultation and eight consultees attended the men's consultation. Consultees were from Yemeni, Somali, Sudanese, Egyptian, Algerian, Pakistani and Moroccan communities and share the Islamic faith. Four key interlinked themes were identified from consultees' narratives: (1) broken cycle of trust; (2) an overmedicalised model of care; (3) community mental health prevention initiatives; and (4) culturally conscious training and education.

Conclusions

The Muslim population has identified numerous barriers to accessing mental health support and there is a need to resource activities that would aid deeper understanding of mental health support needs through continuous and meaningful community initiatives. This would afford mental health practitioners and organisations opportunities for developing realistic anti‐racism strategies, effectively adopting social prescription, strengthening partnerships and collaborations aimed at supporting delivery of evidence‐based mental health care provisions to tackle mental health inequities.

Patient and Public Involvement

This paper reports on the involvement and engagement of Muslims from minoritised ethnic communities living in the Liverpool city region.
Integrating machine learning and single‐cell analysis to uncover lung adenocarcinoma progression and prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Feng Jiaqi , Rui Min , Xie Jiping , Zhang Lianmin , Zhang Zhenfa
Published: July 2024

The progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) to invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) involves a complex evolution of tumour cell clusters, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. By integrating single‐cell datasets and using inferCNV, we identified and analysed tumour cell clusters to explore their heterogeneity and changes in abundance throughout LUAD progression. We applied gene set variation analysis (GSVA), pseudotime analysis, scMetabolism, and Cytotrace scores to study biological functions, metabolic profiles and stemness traits. A predictive model for prognosis, based on key cluster marker genes, was developed using CoxBoost and plsRcox (CPM), and validated across multiple cohorts for its prognostic prediction capabilities, tumour microenvironment characterization, mutation landscape and immunotherapy response. We identified nine distinct tumour cell clusters, with Cluster 6 indicating an early developmental stage, high stemness and proliferative potential. The abundance of Clusters 0 and 6 increased from AAH to IAC, correlating with prognosis. The CPM model effectively distinguished prognosis in immunotherapy cohorts and predicted genomic alterations, chemotherapy drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy responsiveness. Key gene S100A16 in the CPM model was validated as an oncogene, enhancing LUAD cell proliferation, invasion and migration. The CPM model emerges as a novel biomarker for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in LUAD patients, with S100A16 identified as a potential therapeutic target.
Factors influencing the reimbursement of cancer drugs in Europe: A scoping review
Authors: Nieto‐Gómez Pelayo , Castaño‐Amores Celia
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Reimbursement process of oncology drugs in Europe occurs within a complex decision‐making process that varies between Member States. Distinctions between the States trigger societal debates since it is necessary to balance access to medicines and health systems sustainability.

Aims and Objectives

We aimed to review the evidence concerning factors associated with the reimbursement decision or Health Technology Agency recommendation of oncology drugs in Europe.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in two databases from inception to august 2023. Screening and data extraction were performed by pairs.

Results

Thirteen articles were included and encompassed data from 11 nations. Seven articles showed that cost‐effective (C‐E) drugs and lower Incremental Cost‐Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) had higher likelihood of reimbursement. Disease severity might influence the reimbursement decision with financial agreements. Improvement in clinical outcomes, substantial clinical benefit (p < 0.01) or overall survival gains (p < 0.05) were positively associated. Orphan drug designation impact varies between countries but positive decisions are usually achieved under specific conditions. Clinical and C‐E uncertainty frequently led to reimbursement with financial agreements or outcomes‐based conditions. Sociodemographic factors as: social health insurance system, higher Gross Domestic Product and larger elderly population were positively associated with reimbursement (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

There is a need for further research into key determinants of reimbursement decisions in Europe and the development of drug access models that can effectively address and overcome costs and effectiveness uncertainties.
Impact of non‐thermal plasma generated using air and nitrogen on functional properties of milk protein dispersions
Authors: Modupalli Nikitha , Rahman Md Mahfuzur
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on improving the functionalities of milk protein concentrate (MPC) using a nonthermal plasma jet and plasma‐activated water (PAW) with atmospheric air and nitrogen as source gases. The 5% and 10% MPC dispersions were directly treated with a plasma jet, and PAW was used to make the MPC dispersions. The dispersions were analyzed for changes in protein structure and functional properties. The treatment altered the secondary structure of MPC protein structure by increasing β‐components and changing the order of random coils. The solubility of the PAW‐treated 5% protein dispersions doubled due to plasma‐induced modification of hydrophilic and covalent bonds of the protein, but this increase was not significant for the 10% dispersions due to less hydration. Emulsifying capacity increases by around 7% for plasma jet and PAW with air, owing to hydrophobicity on the particle surface. The gelation capacity and heat coagulation time rise by almost twice; however, foaming capacity decreases, indicating protein structural modifications and aggregations caused by plasma exposure. The viscosity of the 5% dispersions decreased due to high solubility, while that of the 10% dispersions increased due to less hydration. Principle component analysis was used to correlate the change in functionality with different operating parameters. In conclusion, this study illustrates that the functional properties of MPC can be significantly modified through plasma treatment. The observed changes depend on several factors, including the mode of plasma exposure, the source gas used to generate the plasma, and the concentration of the protein solution.

Practical applications

Milk protein concentrate (MPC) is a promising ingredient in food products such as cheese, cultured dairy items, nutritional goods, infant milk formulas, ice cream, dairy‐based drinks, sports beverages, and a variety of health‐focused products. However, the application is profoundly hindered due to its poor solubility and solubility‐related functional properties. MPC powders lose functionalities during manufacturing and gradually lose them again during processing and storage. This study explores the potential of non‐thermal plasma to improve the functional properties of proteins. This study explores the potential of two different discharges: plasma jet and plasma‐activated water (PAW), using atmospheric air and nitrogen as source gases. The findings of this study would also help to understand the types of plasma discharge (jet vs PAW) and types of sources of gases that can be used in industrial applications. Some optimization parameters of this study can be used for scaling up the plasma processing of milk or dairy products. In addition, PAW is being very well studied to improve food safety, and this study would provide information on the physicochemical properties of MPC. Therefore, it would also help to understand how to apply non‐thermal plasma to achieve both microbial and physical effects.
Analysis of drying kinetics and energy consumption of brine pretreated freshwater prawn fillets
Authors: Akpan Godwin Edem , Aregbesola Omotayo A. , Olagunju Titilope M.
Published: July 2024

This study examined the effect of various process factors on the drying of fresh water filleted prawns (Macrobrachium felicinum). The aim was to obtain data utilizing experimental and theoretical analysis that can be applied in equipment development and process optimization for drying seafood. Thus, pre‐treated prawns at different brine concentrations were dried at three isothermal conditions using a laboratory oven. The experimental moisture content data was changed to a moisture ratio and was employed to determine the drying attributes of the prawn. Drying condition optimality was explored more for model suitability using seven drying models in existence. Treatment of the prawns at a brine concentration of 2–6% affected the drying kinetics. The effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy for brine treatments ranged from 3.66 × 10−7 to 7.52 × 10−7 m2/s and 39.09 to 40.86 kJ/mol respectively while the specific energy required for the drying procedure varied from 44.52 to 76.34 kWh/kg after 9–14 h continuous drying at 50–70°C. Furthermore, the drying data's optimization demonstrated that the optimum temperature for drying filleted prawns in thin layers was 60.59°C with a brining concentration of 4.35%. The moisture ratio data fitted into semi‐theoretical and empirical model revealed that the Page model was the best model for samples pretreated by 0%, 4%, and 6% brine, whereas the Logarithmic model was the best‐fit for the samples brined with 2% solution. The study's data will be useful in developing and assessing drying techniques and systems for prawns and other related freshwater products.

Practical Applications

Prawns (Macrobrachium felicinum) are a common dietary item in several countries, and demand for dried marine food delicacies is increasing as they are high in antioxidant poly‐unsaturated fatty acids, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12. However, because prawns are highly perishable and post‐harvest losses are predicted to make up 35% of daily catches, drying is required to minimize these losses. To guarantee that the drying process is both efficient and cost‐effective, optimum drying conditions must be established. As a result, this study was carried out to produce data that would be useful for drying pretreated prawn fillets.