bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Mouse Model of Ovalbumin‐Induced Airway Allergy Exhibits Altered Localization of SARS‐CoV‐2‐Susceptible Cells in the Lungs, Which Reflects Omicron BA.5 Infection Dynamics, Viral Mutations, and Immunopathology
Authors: Iketani Takao , Miyazaki Kaya , Iwata‐Yoshikawa Naoko , Sakai Yusuke , Shiwa‐Sudo Nozomi , Ozono Seiya , Asanuma Hideki , Hasegawa Hideki , Suzuki Tadaki , Nagata Noriyo 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAsthma, an allergic disease of the airways, is a risk factor for severity of common respiratory viral infections; however, the relationship between asthma and severity in COVID‐19 remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 (Omicron BA.5 strain) infection in a mouse model of airway allergy. First, stimulation of allergic mice with OVA resulted in the appearance of ACE2‐negative mucus‐secreting goblet cells in the bronchiolar region, and an increase in the number of ACE2‐expressing cells in the alveoli. As a result, ACE2‐expressing cells, which are susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2, were limited to the distal portion of the bronchioles while they increased in the alveolar area. After viral infection, the peak infectious viral load in the OVA group was 100‐fold lower than that in the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group; however, clearance of viral RNA from the upper/lower airways was delayed. There were notable differences in acquisition of nsp5 and nsp6 mutations by the Omicron BA.5 strain recovered from BALF samples obtained from the OVA and PBS groups. Immune responses associated with viral clearance were essentially the same, but expression of granulocyte‐associated chemokines was higher, M2 macrophage responses were predominant, and the higher spike‐specific IgG1/IgG2a ratio in the OVA group post‐infection. Infection localized in the alveolar region earlier in the OVA group, resulting in more severe alveolar damage than in the PBS group. These data suggest a Th2‐shifted immune background and altered localization of SARS‐CoV‐2 susceptible cells in mice with OVA‐induced airway allergy, which reflect Omicron BA.5 infection dynamics, viral mutations, and immunopathology.
Biochemical Investigation of the Association of Apolipoprotein E Gene Allele Variations with Insulin Resistance and Amyloid‐β Aggregation in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Jabeen Komal , Rehman Kanwal , Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid , Hussain Amjad , Shahid Mudassar , Sadaf Bushra 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis article investigates the intricate associations between apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene alleles variation, insulin resistance (IR) and amyloid‐β aggregation in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. A cohort of 250 patients exhibiting the symptoms of CVD and 50 control subjects participated in this study. After applying the stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, the diseased group was further stratified into three categories: CVD+ (Alzheimer's disease) AD, CVD + (diabetes mellitus) DM and CVD + DM + AD. Blood samples were collected from all recruited participants for the biochemical analyses of lipid profile, glycaemic status, liver function enzymes, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. Tetra amplification‐refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (ARMS‐PCR) was employed for APOE gene analysis. Biochemical evaluations revealed the significant elevations in the serum levels of glucose, liver enzymes, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), cholesterol, low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in CVD + DM + AD group. Conversely, the serum levels of insulin, HDL and hexokinase decreased in CVD + DM + AD group compared to the controls and other CVD groups. Tetra ARMS‐PCR results indicated a higher percentage of the risk allele in CVD + DM + AD group when compared with the other groups. Our study elucidates the multifaceted cardiovascular risk factors contributing to IR and AD in CVD patients. Age‐related risk factors, prevalence of APOE risk alleles and the impact of statin use on AD incidences were identified. These findings underscore the need for tailored preventive measures, particularly in APOEε4 and ε3/ε4 carriers with CVD. Further studies should delve into the knowledge‐based protocols to comprehend the underlying mechanisms. Focusing on the therapeutic targets to prevent or delay DM and AD progression in CVDs, especially in APOEε4 carriers, is essential.
Wealth Accumulation: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Authors: Lansley Stewart 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis article examines the social and economic impact of the greatly vaunted process of personal wealth accumulation. Recent decades have seen a significant surge in the level of privately owned wealth in the UK, other rich nations and globally. Yet this wealth boom is not associated with an historic boost in innovation and business performance or a faster rate of growth. The article examines the case for distinguishing between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ wealth. ‘Good’ wealth derives from activity which contributes to the common good and wider societal progress, while ‘bad’ wealth occurs when disproportionate and unmerited power is used to seize a larger slice of the economic pie at the expense of others. The evidence is that a significant proportion of growing wealth pools has come through appropriation and transfer, imposing widespread costs on society. Tackling this requires governments to adopt strategies to boost good and limit bad wealth accumulation.
The Golden Ticket? Widening Access in UK Medicine and the Making of an Emotional Proletariat
Authors: Ashley Louise 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT‘Widening Access’ in UK medicine seeks to improve access on the basis of socioeconomic background (SEB). However, evidence has emerged of ‘socially stratified’ careers, as doctors from less advantaged backgrounds are more likely to train in less competitive specialties, such as psychiatry or primary care. These patterns have been welcomed to date as this improves access to care, yet less positive consequences have been overlooked. Based on in‐depth interviews (n = 54) with medical students, qualified doctors and medical educators from less advantaged backgrounds (n = 38), this article asks how values influence medical careers, for what this can tell us about the causes of social stratification and how this informs status hierarchies within the profession. Using the work of Bourdieu, we find that while participants value empathy and compassionate care they believe both are less valuable when securing more competitive careers, and may signal less skill. This helps explain why doctors from less advantaged careers may prefer more community orientated roles, which are often less competitive, and why these specialties may also attract less status and respect. A related risk is that doctors from less advantaged backgrounds are over‐represented in areas imposing the highest emotional demands to become the profession's ‘emotional proletariat’.
Implementation of a National Prenatal Exome Sequencing Service in England: Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Smith Emma J. , Hill Melissa , Peter Michelle , Wu Wing Han , Mallinson Corinne , Hardy Steven , Chitty Lyn S. , Morris Stephen 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivePrenatal exome sequencing (pES) for diagnosing fetal structural anomalies commenced in the English National Health Service (NHS) in 2020. We evaluated cost‐effectiveness to the healthcare system, and costs to families, of pES in addition to standard testing, compared to standard testing alone.DesignA cost‐effectiveness analysis combining costs, outcomes, parent and professional interview and professional survey data.SettingThe English NHS Genomic Medicine Service.Sample413 families with fetal anomalies with a suspected genetic cause referred for pES from 01 October 2021 to 30 June 2022.MethodsWe costed the incremental resource required to deliver the pES clinical pathway. We calculated the diagnostic yield (proportion of cases with pathogenic variants). We divided the total incremental cost by the number of cases with a diagnosis to calculate cost‐effectiveness. We estimated the annual NHS budget requirement based on case numbers. We determined parental costs from interviews.Main Outcome MeasuresIncremental costs of pES to the NHS and families, incremental cost per additional diagnosis and NHS budget impact.ResultsOf 413 referred cases, 241 were tested, at a cost of £2331 (95% credibility interval £1894–£2856) per referred case or £3592 (£2959–£4250) per case that proceeded with testing. The incremental cost per diagnosis (yield 35.3%) was £11 326 (£8582–£15 361). Based on referrals data 01 October 2022 to 30 September 2023, pES costs the NHS £1.8 m annually. Family costs could not be separated from other pregnancy‐related appointments but were not considered burdensome; most appointments were concurrent or remote.ConclusionpES costs the English NHS £11 326 for each additional diagnosis. Incremental costs to families are negligible.
Using 360° immersive storytelling to engage communities with flood risk
Authors: Parsons Katie , Lloyd Williams Alison , Skinner Christopher 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCommunities worldwide face escalating flood risks due to climate change, a fact that emphasises the critical role of flood preparedness in community flood resilience. Globally, flood risk is expected to double by 2050. In the United Kingdom, where this study is set, approximately one property in six is already at risk of flooding, with that figure set to increase significantly in coming decades. Children and young people are often overlooked in work on flood resilience and response. Researchers working with flood‐affected children have learned from their experiences and supported them in telling their stories and sharing insights about how to best manage flood risk in the future. Here, we advance a research approach that co‐created with young people and teachers a suite of educational resources centred on using innovative 360° animation and immersive storytelling approaches. That work has allowed us to bring to life testimonies by children affected by flooding and to advance debates on how empathy can be amplified to widen engagement across a range of audiences and stakeholders. The tools we developed place the user in the centre of the child’s flood‐impacted world, something that has received relatively little attention. The results provide significant new insights on the use of 360° storytelling approaches that can prompt enhanced, empathic responses that motivate users to want to learn more about flooding, help create a sense of solidarity, and inspire action. We argue that such empathy‐driven, action‐oriented responses are crucial when developing future flood preparedness plans and enhancing broader community flood resilience.
Increased antibiotic resistance gene abundance linked to intensive bacterial competition in the phyllosphere across an elevational gradient
Authors: Ding Yihui , Ma Rui‐Ao , Zhang Ran , Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Jian , Li Shaopeng , Zhang Si‐Yu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAntibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are ancient and widespread in natural habitats, providing survival advantages for microbiomes under challenging conditions. In mountain ecosystems, phyllosphere bacterial communities face multiple stress conditions, and the elevational gradients of mountains represent crucial environmental gradients for studying biodiversity distribution patterns. However, the distribution patterns of ARGs in the phyllosphere along elevational gradients, and their correlation with bacterial community structures, remain poorly understood. Here, we applied metagenomic analyses to investigate the abundance and diversity of ARGs in 88 phyllosphere samples collected from Mount Tianmu, a national natural reserve. Our results showed that the abundance of ARGs in the phyllosphere increased along elevational gradients and was dominated by multidrug resistance and efflux pumps. The composition of bacterial communities, rather than plant traits or abiotic factors, significantly affected ARG abundance. Moreover, increased ARG abundance was correlated with greater phylogenetic overdispersion and a greater proportion of negative associations in the bacterial co‐occurrence networks, suggesting that bacterial competition primarily shapes phyllosphere resistomes. These findings constitute a major advance in the biodiversity of phyllosphere resistomes along elevations, emphasizing the significant impact of bacterial community structure and assembly on ARG distribution, and are essential for understanding the emergence of ARGs.
Choice of assurance provider and impact on quality of sustainability reporting: Evidence from sustainability reporting restatements
Authors: Bentley‐Goode Kathleen A. , Simnett Roger , Thompson Anne , Trotman Andrew J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUsing data from 32 countries, we identify the determinants of assurance provider type (accounting firm versus non‐accounting firm) and examine whether assurance provider type is associated with sustainability reporting quality. We measure sustainability reporting quality via changes in metrics made to sustainability reports from the prior year and restatements to correct errors in previously issued sustainability reports. We find that accounting firm assurers are positively associated with changes in metrics and restatements of prior period errors. We also examine the association between assurance and the application level of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines used to prepare the sustainability report. Both accounting and non‐accounting firm providers are associated with higher GRI application levels and increases in GRI application level. Together, these results suggest that non‐accounting firms focus more on the quantity of disclosures, while accounting firms emphasise both the quality and quantity of disclosures in sustainability reports in accordance with the GRI Reporting Framework. Among accounting firm providers, we find little difference in sustainability reporting quality between accounting firm assurers that do versus do not audit the financial statements. The results of this study provide important insights for practitioners and standard‐setters as to the value of sustainability assurance and the relative benefits of engaging accounting versus non‐accounting assurance providers.
Bugs and bytes: Entomological biomonitoring through the integration of deep learning and molecular analysis for merged community and network analysis
Authors: Suresh Mukilan Deivarajan , Xin Tong , Cook Samantha M. , Evans Darren M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Insects play a vital role in ecosystem functioning, but in some parts of the world, their populations have declined significantly in recent decades due to environmental change, agricultural intensification and other anthropogenic drivers. Monitoring insect populations is crucial for understanding and mitigating biodiversity loss, especially in agro‐ecosystems where a focus on pests and beneficial insects is gaining momentum in the context of sustainable food systems.
Biomonitoring has long played an important role in providing early warnings of insect pests and their vectored pathogens and for assessing agro‐ecosystem management. However, identification of invertebrates by taxonomists is time‐consuming and fraught with numerous other challenges, particularly when it comes to real‐time monitoring.
Recent technological advances in both computational image recognition and molecular ecology have enhanced biomonitoring efficiency and accuracy, reducing labour efforts, but leading to unprecedented volumes of data generated.
This perspective article examines the significance and further potential of deep learning with image‐based recognition, aided by complementary technologies, in advancing entomological biomonitoring. Using entomological sticky traps as an example, we discuss each step of the workflow required to create ecological networks using image‐based recognition, multimodal data and deep learning, and we identify the challenges inherent to this method and other insect survey techniques.
In order to become mainstream for global biomonitoring, access to long‐term, standardised multimodal data is required for comprehending ecosystem dynamics, structure and function and for mitigating insect population declines.
Assessment of the Spatial Pattern of Small Termite Mounds and Trees in Altered Lands in Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Babatunde Babatokpè Calèb , Padonou Elie Antoine , Sinsin Franck , Azihou Akomian Fortuné , Akakpo Bokon Alexis , de Zoeten Tiago 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTermite restore plant diversity and soil on altered lands in West Africa with particular abundance of small mound made by Trinervitermes trinervitus, Trinervitermes geminatus, Cubitermes spp. or Microcerotermes spp. The particular abundance of small mounds on altered lands suggests the existence of underlying abiotic and biotic factors. This study investigated the spatial patterns of termite mounds on the altered lands and its relationship with tree distribution in order to sustain the ecological restoration of the altered lands. Thus, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect images on three different altered land sites of 18 ha characterised with termite mounds. The images were ortho‐mosaicked with Pix4D Mapper software. Termite mounds and trees were digitalised on these images in ArcGIS software. The Ripley's pair correlation function using spatstat package was applied to assess the spatial pattern and association of mounds and trees. An aggregative pattern (g(r) > 1) was revealed in the spatial distribution of both termite mounds and trees across all sites. Furthermore, a positive clustered association between termite mounds and trees was noted at two study sites, likely due to the absence of human disturbance. Therefore, this interaction should be vital for assisted ecological restoration and can be factored into efforts to accelerate the restoration of soils and plants on degraded lands. The authors then recommend future research to explore the specific role this attractive relationship plays in ecosystem restoration.
Density and Ecological Distribution of Geckos in the Sahelian Metropolitan Area of Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Dayama Wendata Francis , Kangoyé Napoko M. , Hema Emmanuel M. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTropical dry areas are often characterised by a lack of reptile abundance data. For example, in Burkina Faso, the population and ecological distribution of the gecko are poorly understood. Contributing to fill this gap, this study assessed the diversity, density and ecological distribution of geckos in the metropolitan area of Ouagadougou. The study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 using the direct count of individuals in 72 quadrats (each 25 × 25 m2) evenly distributed throughout the entire study area, from a random start. Two distinct species, Hemidactylus angulatus and Ptyodactylus sp. have been encountered. H. angulatus density was estimated as 0.000352 individuals/m2 (95% CI: ±0.000336) with a population estimate of 987,360 individuals (95% CI: ±942,480) in 2020; 0.000256 individuals/m2 (95% CI: ±0.000432) with a population estimate of 718,080 individuals (95% CI: ±1,211,760) in 2021; and 0.000368 individuals/m2 (95% CI: ±0.00048) with a population estimate of 1,032,240 individuals (95% CI: ±1,346,400) in 2022. Ptyodactylus sp. density was estimated as 0.010016 individuals/m2 (95% CI: ±0.004608) with a population estimate of 28,094,880 individuals (95% CI: ±12,925,440) in 2020; 0.012352 individuals/m2 (95% CI: ±0.005696) with a population estimate of 34,647,360 individuals (95% CI: ±15,977,280) in 2021; and 0.0144 individuals/m2 (95% CI: ±0.007136) with a population estimate of 40,392,000 individuals (95% CI: ±20,016,480) in 2022. The spatial distributions of both species were aggregative (dispersion index I = 3.81 for H. angulatus and I = 24.82 for Ptyodactylus sp.). Our study revealed that microhabitat is the resource axis typically partitioned by Ouagadougou geckos. The geckos of Ouagadougou follow the same pattern of available resource partitioning as African reptile communities.
Judicial Effectiveness and Cost of Debt: Evidence From A Quasi‐Natural Experiment in China*
Authors: Li Yue , Bai Min , Song Yiru 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper utilizes the implementation of circuit courts in China to identify a causal relationship between judicial effectiveness and corporate debt financing costs. We provide firm‐level evidence demonstrating that enhanced judicial effectiveness leads to lower debt costs, with reduced credit discrimination and improved contract enforcement being key mechanisms. Further analyses reveal that the impact of judicial effectiveness on debt costs is more pronounced for firms that initially experienced higher levels of credit discrimination, and firms with lower credit quality, weaker collateral capacity, and higher reliance on bonds. We also find that improved judicial enforcement increases firms' total loans and credit loans, while reducing collateral loans. Additionally, firms reduce operating expenses to strengthen their financial condition and increase R&D investment after securing more debt at lower costs. This paper offers novel evidence highlighting the critical role of judicial reform in shaping the debt market.
Serum Ferritin Levels and Liver‐Related Events in Individuals With Steatotic Liver Disease: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Song Byeong Geun , Goh Myung Ji , Kang Wonseok , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Paik Yong‐Han , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Sinn Dong Hyun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSerum ferritin has been suggested as a potential biomarker associated with disease progression in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).AimsWe investigated the association between serum ferritin levels and liver‐related events (LREs) in individuals with steatotic liver disease (SLD).MethodsThis cohort study included 17,560 adults with SLD (MASLD [n = 15,744], MASLD with increased alcohol intake (MetALD) [n = 1103] and cryptogenic SLD [n = 713]) without LRE at baseline. A steatotic liver was diagnosed using ultrasound, and LRE was defined as the development of decompensation (ascites, variceal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy) or hepatocellular carcinoma. Participants were categorised into high (≥ 300 μg/L for males, ≥ 200 μg/L for females) or normal to low (< 300 μg/L for males, < 200 μg/L for females) ferritin levels.ResultsDuring 211,425 person‐years of follow‐up (median: 12.3 years), 74 incident LRE cases were identified, with 63 cases in MASLD, 10 in MetALD and 1 in cryptogenic SLD. The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for LRE comparing individuals with high and normal‐to‐low ferritin level was 3.13 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.89–5.18). Increased risk of LRE in individuals with high serum ferritin level compared to those with normal to low serum ferritin level was consistent across SLD subtypes (aHR 2.69, 95% CI 1.55–4.67 for MASLD; aHR 5.73, 95% CI 1.31–25.0 for MetALD), and SLD severity assessed by Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index (aHR 2.38, 95% CI 1.34–4.21 for FIB‐4 ≥ 1.3; aHR 3.13, 95% CI 1.18–8.29 for FIB‐4 < 1.3).ConclusionsSerum ferritin levels correlated with the risk of LRE in patients with SLD.