bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of autoimmune blistering diseases in Japan
Authors: Encarnacion Maria Rosa Noliza , Kawai Ryota , Kuwabiraki Hiroto , Ban Nanaka , Yoshida Hisako , Shintani Ayumi , Tsuruta Daisuke , Hiroyasu Sho 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAutoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs), including pemphigoid and pemphigus, are intractable dermatological disorders clinically characterized by blistering and erosion affecting mucosal membranes and the skin. Due to their rarity and the limited coverage for less severe cases under Japanese medical subsidies, comprehensive epidemiological analyses encompassing less severe cases have not been conducted in Japan. In this study, we analyzed the epidemiology of AIBDs in Japan, utilizing data from a Japanese nationwide database. We identified 9796 cases of bullous pemphigoid (BP), 62 cases of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), 871 cases of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), and 578 cases of pemphigus foliaceous (PF). BP patients exhibited an older age distribution compared to EBA, PV, and PF, with median ages of 81, 72, 65, and 70 years, respectively. Higher rates of comorbidities such as Alzheimer's disease, spondylopathies, and extrapyramidal and movement disorders were observed only in BP cases, while other neurodegenerative disorders such as polyneuropathies, unspecified dementia, and schizophrenia were frequent in both BP and EBA. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were more commonly prescribed before the onset of BP and EBA compared to PV and PF. Treatment patterns indicated that PV patients were more frequently administered higher doses of oral corticosteroids compared to other AIBDs. Additionally, aggressive therapies, including steroid pulse, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis therapies, were more frequently applied in PV cases. In‐hospital mortality rates were higher in BP and EBA at 8.0% and 11.3%, respectively, compared to PV and PF at 2.8% and 5.9%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that BP and EBA reached a 5‐year in‐hospital mortality rate of approximately 0.21 and 0.34, while PV and PF rates were approximately 0.07 and 0.11, respectively. The Cox hazard model revealed that higher age is the risk factor for in‐hospital mortality in all diseases. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a cumulative steroid cessation probability of 0.25 at 3 years for BP, and at 6 and 5 years for PV and PF, respectively. The Cox hazard model revealed that higher age and lower maximum corticosteroid dose contribute to the steroid cessation probability in BP, PV, and PF. This study provides insights into the epidemiology, treatment patterns, comorbidities, and outcomes of AIBDs in Japan.
First reported case of thymoma‐associated multiorgan autoimmunity induced by COVID‐19
Authors: Hyobu Rie , Mori Miho , Maeda Tatsuo , Fujimori Kazuki , Shimai Yukako , Naito Makiko , Masuda Masayuki , Ohira Tatsuo , Ikeda Norihiko , Okubo Yukari , Harada Kazutoshi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThymoma‐associated multiorgan autoimmunity (TAMA) presents with skin symptoms similar to those of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), liver dysfunction, and enteritis, in the absence of a history of hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. TAMA is a type of paraneoplastic syndrome associated with thymoma. Its etiology is unclear but is thought to be a result of breakdown of immune tolerance. Histopathologically, TAMA is characterized by epidermal acanthosis with parakeratosis, individual cell keratinization, liquefaction degeneration, and intraepidermal infiltration of CD8‐positive lymphocytes. A 64‐year‐old female patient with a history of myasthenia gravis and thymoma treated with prednisolone (10 mg/day) and cyclosporine (150 mg/day) experienced erythema on her trunk after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) onset. A psoriatic drug eruption was suspected and the possible causative drug was discontinued, but the skin rash failed to improve. A skin biopsy demonstrated GVHD‐like histopathological findings. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and duodenal perforation occurred concurrently, leading to the diagnosis of TAMA. Thereafter, the patient continued prednisolone and cyclosporine in the same doses as the TAMA treatment and added topical steroids. During the disease course, candida fungemia and cytomegalovirus infection developed, resulting in the patient's death. The TAMA was considered to have been caused by the release of inflammatory cytokines, autoreactive T cell activation, and regulatory T cell dysfunction induced by COVID‐19.
All that Glitters is Not Gold! Could M&As Post‐Bank Reforms be Just a Tool for Balance Sheet Embellishment?
Authors: Cucinelli Doriana , Ielasi Federica , Zambelli Simona 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigates whether the surge of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) that occurred in Italy after the enactment, in 2016, of a new reform of credit cooperative banks (CCBs) ultimately improved their performance. Worldwide, CCBs have proved to play a crucial role in spurring local economic development. With the adoption of a dataset composed of 594 Italian banks and 3933 bank‐year observations from 2008 to 2020, our results show a positive and significant impact of the 2016 reform on M&As among CCBs. However, contrary to the expectations of regulators, our results highlight a puzzling deterioration in bank stability of the CCBs involved in M&As, with no relevant improvement in capitalization and profitability, reinforcing the view that bigger is not always better, at least in the context of CCBs. Our evidence sheds light on the perils underlying a massive consolidation process of local banking industries, calling for a regulatory recalibration and further research investigating the impact of different growth models capable of preserving the diversity and unique characteristics of banks, rather than pursuing a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ model.
Our other Others: on perpetration, morality, and ethnographic unease
Authors: Korsby Trine Mygind , Vigh Henrik 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article critically assesses the impact of political and moral positions within contemporary anthropology. Re‐examining ideas of advocacy and the ethical within the discipline, it argues for an alternative political anthropology that focuses on perpetration rather than victimhood, offenders rather than the offended. If anthropology wants to be a discipline that works against social wrongs and suffering, then understanding the positions and perspectives of those causing them is, we contend, a necessary point of departure. Yet how can we approach people ethnographically who transgress bodily, legal, and moral boundaries, and why is this not more commonly done? In answering these questions, we analyse mainstream disciplinary ethics, both current and historical, and highlight some of the reactions that the study of perpetrators evoke in anthropologists. This illuminates an inconsistency within political anthropology. While there is ample theoretical and ethnographic nuance within the subdiscipline, this complexity seems to fade when we focus on perpetration. We suggest that anthropology engages more fully in the study of perpetration and approaches the issue by clarifying how (mis)dynamics are anchored within shared social worlds and historical becomings. This article thus calls upon us to expand our anthropological attention and curiosity beyond what might be morally comfortable.
Advancements in emulsion systems for specialized infant formulas: Research process and formulation proposals for optimizing bioavailability of nutraceuticals
Authors: Zhang Liling , Hu Yang , Jiang Ling 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWith the rapid advancements in nutrition and dietary management, infant formulas for special medical purposes (IFSMPs) have been developed to cater to the unique nutraceutical requirements of infants with specific medical conditions or physiological features. However, there are various challenges in effectively preserving and maximizing the health benefits of the specific nutraceuticals incorporated in IFSMPs. This review provides an overview of the nutritional compositions of various IFSMPs and highlights the challenges associated with the effective supplementation of specific nutraceuticals for infants. In addition, it emphasizes the promising potential of emulsion delivery systems, which possess both encapsulation and delivery features, to significantly improve the solubility, stability, oral acceptance, and bioavailability (BA) of nutraceutical bioactives. Based on this information, this work proposes detailed strategies for designing and developing model IFSMP emulsions to enhance the BA of specially required nutraceuticals. Key areas covered include emulsion stabilization, selective release mechanisms, and effective absorption of nutraceuticals. By following these proposals, researchers and industry professionals can design and optimize emulsion‐based IFSMPs with enhanced health benefits. This review not only outlines the developmental states of IFSMP formulations but also identifies future research directions aimed at improving the physiological health benefits of IFSMPs. This effort lays the theoretical groundwork for the further development of emulsion‐type IFSMP in infant formula (IF) industry, positioning the IF industry to better meet the complex needs of infants requiring specialized nutrition.
Wentworth's ‘eye of the Court’: Sir George Radcliffe's management of the Irish parliaments of Charles I's reign.*
Authors: Brownhill Charlotte 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSir Thomas Wentworth (later earl of Strafford) has often been portrayed as an isolated figure working in Ireland, as lord deputy and then lord lieutenant, for the good of the crown. In reality, he had a tried and tested support system that developed throughout the 1620s in England and was implemented in the 1630s in Ireland. In the Irish Parliament of 1634–35, Wentworth relied heavily upon Sir George Radcliffe to generate and maintain support for governmental policy. He was an important conduit of information to Wentworth, assessing the mood of the House, acting as a controller of debate and reporting back to the lord deputy on discussions within committees. However, despite outward appearances that the Parliament of 1634–35 had been a success, the 1640 sessions of the 1640–49 Parliament were much more difficult to control in Wentworth's absence and Radcliffe struggled to maintain the government's initiative over parliament. Radcliffe's parliamentary career provides an insight into how Wentworth used his cabal to support his policies. This was fairly successful whilst Wentworth's government was strong, but, in Wentworth's absence, Radcliffe was unable to control parliament, contributing to the collapse of the regime.
Norman Gash: Political Historian
Authors: Gaunt Richard A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article commemorates the 40th anniversary of the publication of Lord Liverpool by Norman Gash (1912–2009). It considers Gash as a historian who both wrote about 19th‐century politics and expressed political views of his own. These views became increasingly prominent in the 1980s, during Margaret Thatcher's period of office. Thatcher's unexpected public endorsement of Lord Liverpool was reflected in Gash's open support for Thatcher's economic policies in the face of internal party critics, including those who appealed to the legacy of Benjamin Disraeli. Far from being uncomfortable about Thatcher's radicalism, as is sometimes argued, Gash used a series of newspaper interventions to accommodate Thatcherism within Conservative Party history. This drew favourable analogies between Thatcher and Liverpool, but more especially with Sir Robert Peel. Gash did not abandon academic scholarship for public commentary during the 1980s, but at no period in his life was he as willing to join in contemporary political debate as the years in which he was writing and researching Lord Liverpool.
Brassica rapa L. (Tibetan Turnip) polysaccharide improves the immune function and regulates intestinal microbiota in immunosuppressive mice
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xu Qirui , Liu Yong , Liu Ying , Luo Jie , Liu Jia , Yu Siyu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, active polysaccharides were extracted from Brassica rapa L. polysaccharide (BRP), and structural characterization was preliminarily investigated. Its immunomodulatory activity and molecular biological mechanisms in cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice were also explored, as well as its effects on intestinal microbiota. Results indicate that BRP is an acidic heteropolysaccharide with the main components of Ara, GalA, and GlcA and has α‐ and β‐glycosidic linkages with pyranose bonds. The results of the study showed that BRP could effectively improve the thymus and spleen indices and repair Cy‐induced immune tissue damage in immunosuppressed mice. Meanwhile, BRP increased the immune cell activity and antioxidant levels in mice. In addition, BRP increased the secretion of cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG) in mouse serum. It also regulates the relative expression of genes related to the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathways as well as regulates the diversity and composition of mouse intestinal microbiota. In conclusion, BRP was able to regulated the immune function in immunosuppressed mice, providing a theoretical basis for the development of immunomodulators.
Evaluating the synergistic effects of sesame cake powder and soy protein isolate on rheological, textural, nutritional, and phenolic profiles of high‐moisture extrusion processed meat analogs
Authors: Sundar Shyam , Singh Balwinder , Kaur Amritpal 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, the high‐moisture meat analogs (HmMAs) were developed by incorporating defatted sesame cake powder (DSP) in soy protein isolate (SyPI). The quality attributes of HmMA like visual appearance, specific mechanical energy (SME), mass flow rate (MFR), phenolic profile, textural and rheological properties were assessed after varying DSP concentrations (0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% w/w) and feed moisture (FM) levels (55% and 60%). The HmMA1 (derived solely from SyPI) exhibited higher hardness, chewiness, gumminess, cohesiveness, and springiness. The HmMA prepared from SyPI–DSP blends (HmMA2–8) demonstrated significant improvements in nutritional composition, and their visual characteristics indicated noticeable anisotropy. The interaction between SyPI and DSP influenced the quality of HmMA. The higher DSP concentration led to higher MFR and deeper curvatures of U‐shaped structures, whereas lower SMS, textural and rheological properties. The DSP incorporation and 55% FM adjustments allowed mimicking meat cuts with thick fiber, influenced color, and proved advantageous in developing white meat analogs with higher free phenolics. The findings of the study suggest avenues for exploring DSP at a suitable level in SyPI for the development of better quality meat analogs.
Olive pomace upcycling: Eco‐friendly production of cellulose nanofibers by enzymatic hydrolysis and application in starch films
Authors: Rocha Patrik de Souza , Pagno Carlos Henrique , Crizel Tainara de Moraes , Flôres Simone Hickmann , Hertz Plinho Francisco 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOlive pomace (OP) waste, produced in large quantities, contains significant amounts of cellulose and fibers, making it a valuable resource for developing reinforcing ingredients in biodegradable packaging materials. This study aimed to produce nanofibers from OP using enzymatic hydrolysis with hemicellulases and cellulases, and to incorporate these nanofibers into starch films as a reinforcing agent. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared by alkaline pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis (with hemicellulases and cellulases) from olive pomace and applied as reinforcement in starch films in concentrations of 0.5%–5% (w/v). The nanofibers were analyzed according to composition, structural, and thermal properties. The nanofibers' suspension presented a cloudy and white color in aqueous suspension, the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the increase of crystallinity, and the fibers’ range was no wider than 100 nm (according to Scherer equation). The composition analysis showed the decrease of carbonyl groups of hemicellulose and lignin. The starch films presented a homogenous surface. The solubility from these biodegradable films significantly reduced after the incorporation of CNF, and the nanomaterial's presence improved the degradation temperature (from 310°C to 322°C) and the mechanical resistance because the tension of rupture increased from 3.79 to 6.21 MPa.Practical ApplicationThe utilization of waste from the olive pomace for cellulose nanofiber production holds promise, given the nanofibers’ ability to readily integrate into various materials, including starches used in biodegradable film production. Within these matrices, nanofibers act as structure reinforcers and significantly reduce the solubility of films. Although biodegradable films ensure the shelf life, safety, and quality of food, their properties currently do not match those of traditional petroleum‐based materials at an industrial scale, indicating a need for further enhancement.
A novel ε‐polylysine‐reinforced pullulan/curdlan‐active film for an efficient preservation of fresh‐cut fruit and vegetable
Authors: Liang Jiayi , Xu Haishan , Qin Keying , Chen Jiani , Sun Yuying , Li Yiyang , Ding Shenghua , Wang Rongrong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel active film was developed by employing ε‐polylysine (ε‐PL) as a filler in pullulan/curdlan (P/CD) composite film (P/CD/ε‐PL). The results showed that the structure of P/CD films was more uniform and denser compared to pullulan films, due to the good compatibility and intermolecular interaction between them. Among P/CD films, P/CD 6:1 film showed improved hydrophobicity, mechanical and barrier properties, and thermal stability, thereby selecting it for further use. Thereafter, the addition of ε‐PL further enhanced the structural and physicochemical properties of prepared P/CD/ε‐PL composite films, especially for P/CD/2.5%ε‐PL composite film. It exhibited improved ultraviolet barrier (about 80% at 200–400 nm), antibacterial activity (>90% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), and anti‐fog properties (clearly visible and transparent background). Furthermore, P/CD/2.5%ε‐PL composite film exerted its preservation effect on fresh‐cut peppers and kiwis during storage, delaying the softening, consumption of soluble solids, and deterioration. Therefore, the developed P/CD/2.5%ε‐PL composite film provided promising applications of active packing film.Practical Application: Fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables are prone to deteriorate during storage, and active packaging films play a crucial role in retaining their quality. This study was conducted to prepare a composite film by blending pullulan, curdlan, and ε‐PL and explore its structural, physicochemical, and functional properties, further verifying the preservation effect on fresh‐cut peppers and kiwis. Compared to polyethylene film, the P/CD/2.5%ε‐PL composite film delayed the softening, consumption of soluble solids, and deterioration of fresh‐cut peppers and kiwis during storage. It provides a new perspective on the preservation of fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables.
Superadditivity between control methods in pest management
Authors: van Emden Helmut F. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPest Management (PM) has its 1959 origin in Integrated Control, a combination of a reduced dose of insecticide with biological control. At the time, it was not recognised that the interaction between these two control methods was more than additive. This ‘superadditivity’ can also be achieved with the full dose of insecticide, for example, by localising its application in space. There is also likely to be superadditivity in the interaction between partial plant resistance and biological control. Pests on resistant hosts are usually smaller and the same mortality can often be obtained with just two‐thirds or one‐half of the dose of insecticide needed on susceptible plants, giving superadditivity between partial plant resistance and chemical control. These positive interactions between biological control, chemical control and partial host plant resistance form a ‘Pest Management Triad’, though legislation and risk‐aversion may limit the practicability of protocols based on the Triad.
Drinking firsts at home and with parental knowledge: Racial/ethnic differences in associations with later alcohol outcomes among underage youth
Authors: Lipperman‐Kreda Sharon , Wharton Kristina , Chung Tammy , Sartor Carolyn E. , Jackson Kristina M. , Slade Tim 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrior research has shown that early alcohol experiences, such as age of initiation and speed of progression between drinking milestones, vary across racial/ethnic groups. To inform culturally tailored prevention efforts, this longitudinal study examined racial/ethnic differences in the associations of drinking firsts at home and with parental knowledge with alcohol use outcomes among underage youth.MethodsThe study included baseline and five follow‐up surveys, collected every 6 months, from California adolescents (ages 12–16 years at baseline). The analytic sample was composed of the 689 adolescents who reported lifetime alcohol use at baseline or a follow‐up survey (5% Black, 37% Latinx, 46% White, and 12% other/mixed racial/ethnic group; 54% female). Participants who reported consumption of a full drink, intoxication, or heavy episodic drinking (HED) were asked ages and contexts of these drinking firsts, including whether the initiation was at their own home and whether their parents/guardians knew about this drinking event. Outcomes included past‐6‐month alcohol frequency, alcohol quantity, and number of alcohol‐related problems. Multilevel negative binomial regression analyses were conducted, controlling for demographics and age of initiation by type of drinking behavior. Moderation analyses examined racial/ethnic differences.ResultsFor consumption of the first full drink, both drinking at home and parental knowledge were negatively associated with all outcomes; associations did not vary by race/ethnicity. First intoxication at own home was negatively associated with the number of drinks for Latinx youth and with the number of problems for Black youth. For first HED, drinking at own home was positively associated with drinking frequency across groups, and for Black youth specifically, parental knowledge of their first HED experience was significantly associated with greater later alcohol frequency and quantity.ConclusionsResults suggest that the association of family contexts of drinking first with later alcohol outcomes among underage youth varied by stage of alcohol use and race/ethnicity.