bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adults living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: old and new challenges in a cohort of 19 patients in their third to fifth decade
Authors: Gadaleta Giulio , Urbano Guido , Brusa Chiara , D'Alessandro Rossella , Rolle Enrica , Cavallina Ilaria , Mattei Alessio , Ribolla Fulvia , Raineri Claudia , Pidello Stefano , Vercelli Liliana , Ricci Federica S. , Mongini Tiziana E. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeAdvances in multidisciplinary care are extending overall survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Our research objective was to delineate the clinical characteristics of this particular cohort and identify novel challenges associated with the disease.MethodsNineteen individuals aged 25–48 years (median 34 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of out‐of‐frame DMD gene mutation were selected.ResultsAll patients were mechanically ventilated (5/19 via tracheostomy), with different patterns of cardiomyopathy. Swallowing and nutritional issues were frequent (median body mass index 18.95), with six cases requiring artificial enteral feeding (median age at start 29 years), as well as bone density alterations (11/19, 58%). Only 2/19 had been on long‐term prednisone therapy. Issues requiring at‐home/hospital assistance were respiratory infections (15/19, 79%), gastroenterological symptoms (9/19, 47%, including toxic megacolon and rectal perforation after repeated enemas), metabolic acidosis (2/19, 11%) and recurrent ischaemic strokes (1/19, 5%). From a social perspective, augmented‐alternative communication devices were necessary for 7/19 (37%), with most of the patients being assisted at home and 2/19 institutionalized. Eight/19 (42%) patients experienced psychiatric symptoms (median age at presentation 16 years) and 9/19 (47%) chronic pain (median age at onset 23 years), in both cases treated with psychoactive/analgesic drugs without major adverse events. The patients' subjective perception of physical health resulted in unfavourable scores, whilst the subjective assessment of mental health unexpectedly showed more positive values compared to other chronic neurological conditions.ConclusionsThe analysis of adults living with DMD reveals several new health‐related issues, such as the management of emergencies and safety of pharmacological treatments for psychiatric symptoms, chronic pain management, as well as an increasing caregivers burden.
Levodopa‐induced orthostatic hypotension in parkinsonism: A red flag of autonomic failure
Authors: Cani Ilaria , Guaraldi Pietro , Giannini Giulia , Sambati Luisa , Barletta Giorgio , Cortelli Pietro , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeLevodopa (LD) is the main treatment for parkinsonism, but its use may be limited by a potential hypotensive effect.MethodsWe evaluated the cardiovascular effect of LD performing head‐up tilt test (HUTT) before and 60 min after 100/25 mg LD/dopa‐decarboxylase inhibitor (pre‐LD vs. post‐LD HUTT) in 164 patients with parkinsonism on chronic LD treatment. Features predictive of LD‐induced orthostatic hypotension (OH) were assessed by logistic regression analysis.ResultsBasal supine blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) decreased after LD. During post‐LD HUTT, BP drop and HR increase were significantly greater than at pre‐LD HUTT. Thirty‐eight percent of patients had OH at post‐LD HUTT compared to 22% of patients presenting OH at pre‐LD HUTT (p < 0.001). Risk factors for LD‐induced/worsened OH were pre‐LD OH (odds ratio [OR] = 36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10–131), absence of overshoot at Valsalva maneuver (OR = 9, 95% CI = 4–20), and pathological Valsalva ratio (OR = 6, 95% CI = 2–15).ConclusionsLD administration caused/worsened hypotension in both supine and orthostatic conditions. Patients with cardiovascular autonomic failure had a higher risk of developing LD‐induced OH. In clinical practice, LD‐induced OH could represent a red flag for cardiovascular autonomic failure.
Health equity integrated epilepsy care and research: A narrative review
Authors: Gotlieb Evelyn G. , Blank Leah , Willis Allison W. , Agarwal Parul , Jette Nathalie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundWith the unanimous approval of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders by the World Health Organization in May 2022, there are strong imperatives to work towards equitable neurological care.AimsUsing epilepsy as an entry point to other neurologic conditions, we discuss disparities faced by marginalized groups including racial/ethnic minorities, Americans living in rural communities, and Americans with low socioeconomic status.Materials and MethodsThe National Institute on Minority Health Disparities Research Framework (NIMHD) was used to conduct a narrative review through a health equity lens to create an adapted framework for epilepsy and propose approaches to working towards equitable epilepsy and neurological care.ResultsIn this narrative review, we identified priority populations (racial and ethnic minority, rural‐residing, and low socioeconomic status persons with epilepsy) and outcomes (likelihood to see a neurologist, be prescribed antiseizure medications, undergo epilepsy surgery, and be hospitalized) to explore disparities in epilepsy and guide our focused literature search using PubMed. In an adapted NIMHD framework, we examined individual, interpersonal, community, and societal level contributors to health disparities across five domains: (1) behavioral, (2) physical/built environment, (3) sociocultural, (4) environment, and (5) healthcare system. We take a health equity approach to propose initiatives that target modifiable factors that impact disparities and advocate for sustainable change for priority populations.DiscussionTo improve equity, healthcare providers and relevant societal stakeholders can advocate for improved care coordination, referrals for epilepsy surgery, access to care, health informatics interventions, and education (i.e., to providers, patients, and communities). More broadly, stakeholders can advocate for reforms in medical education, and in the American health insurance landscape.ConclusionsEquitable healthcare should be a priority in neurological care.
Postmemory dreaming: Nightmares of war in third‐generation descendants of Polish and Russian survivors of World War II
Authors: Owczarski Wojciech 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVarious manifestations of intergenerational memory transmission have been discussed in many scientific fields. Surprisingly, little attention has been paid to these phenomena in the context of dreams. Yet, the sphere of dreaming seems the most informative illustration of how the tragic past influenced the second and third‐generation descendants of trauma survivors. Based on my talks with two descendants of WWII survivors—a Russian woman and a Polish man—I define “postmemory dreams” as night visions affected by cultural representations of historical events. The theoretical background of my study is Hirsch's concept of postmemory, Hall's continuity hypothesis of dreaming, and anthropological dream research. Postmemory dreams reflect and are shaped by the ethos of remembering and commemorating the war—the ethos often imposed by political forces and propaganda—in which the dreamers live. In the cases of my interviewees, these are the Polish ethos of victimhood and the Russian ethos of heroism.
Characterisation of IL‐1 family members in Sweet syndrome highlights the overexpression of IL‐1β and IL‐1R3 as possible therapeutic targets
Authors: Calabrese Laura , Ney Francesca , Aoki Rui , Moltrasio Chiara , Marzano Angelo V. , Kerl Katrin , Stadler Pia‐Charlotte , Satoh Takashi K. , French Lars E. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSweet syndrome (SS) as a prototypic neutrophilic dermatosis (NDs) shares certain clinical and histologic features with monogenic auto‐inflammatory disorders in which interleukin (IL)‐1 cytokine family members play an important role. This has led to the proposal that NDs are polygenic auto‐inflammatory diseases and has fuelled research to further understand the role of IL‐1 family members in the pathogenesis of NDs. The aim of this study was to characterise the expression of the IL‐1 family members IL‐1β, IL‐36γ, IL‐33 and IL‐1R3 (IL‐1RaP) in SS. The expression profile of IL‐1β, IL‐33, IL‐36γ and their common co‐receptor IL‐1R3 was analysed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation and double immunofluorescence (IF) in healthy control skin (HC) and lesional skin samples of SS. Marked overexpression of IL‐1β in the dermis of SS (p < 0.001), and a non‐significant increase in dermal (p = 0.087) and epidermal (p = 0.345) IL‐36γ expression compared to HC was observed. Significantly increased IL‐1R3 expression within the dermal infiltrate of SS skin samples (p = 0.02) was also observed, whereas no difference in IL‐33 expression was found between SS and HC (p = 0.7139). In situ hybridisation revealed a good correlation between gene expression levels and the above protein expression levels. Double IF identifies neutrophils and macrophages as the predominant sources of IL‐1β. This study shows that IL‐1β produced by macrophages and neutrophils and IL‐1R3 are significantly overexpressed in SS, thereby indicating a potential pathogenic role for this cytokine and receptor in SS.
Greenhouse gas dynamics in river networks fragmented by drying and damming
Authors: Silverthorn Teresa , López‐Rojo Naiara , Foulquier Arnaud , Chanudet Vincent , Datry Thibault 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRiver fragmentation by drying and damming is occurring more frequently in the Anthropocene era, yet there is limited knowledge of how this fragmentation influences greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in river networks. River networks have the potential to be important sources of GHGs to the atmosphere through both similar and dissimilar mechanisms associated with temporary (drying) and permanent (damming) fragmentation.We conducted a review of the literature and found 49, 43 and six studies about GHGs (CO2, CH4and N2O) in rivers impacted by damming, drying and their interaction, respectively.We found research lacking in non‐arid climates and in small water‐retention structures for studies regarding drying and damming, respectively. The major factors directly influencing GHG fluxes in river networks impacted by drying were sediment moisture, temperature, organic matter content and texture. In networks impacted by damming, the most influential factors were water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and phytoplankton Chlorophyll‐a.Based on our literature review and meta‐ecosystem theory, we propose that the spatial distribution of fragmentation strongly influences GHG fluxes at the river‐network scale.The actionable future research directions identified here will help to improve our understanding of the effects of fragmentation by drying and damming on GHG fluxes, with the potential to inform river management and climate change mitigation strategies.
Isolation of planarian viable cells using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting for advancing single‐cell transcriptome analysis
Authors: Kuroki Yoshihito , Agata Kiyokazu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPreparing viable single cells is critical for conducting single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) because the presence of ambient RNA from dead or damaged cells can interfere with data analysis. Here, we developed a method for isolating viable single cells from adult planarian bodies using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). This method was then applied to both adult pluripotent stem cells (aPSCs) and differentiating/differentiated cells. Initially, we employed a violet instead of ultraviolet (UV) laser to excite Hoechst 33342 to reduce cellular damage. After optimization of cell staining conditions and FACS compensation, we generated FACS profiles similar to those created using a previous method that employed a UV laser. Despite successfully obtaining high‐quality RNA sequencing data for aPSCs, non‐aPSCs produced low‐quality RNA reads (i.e., <60% of cells possessing barcoding mRNAs). Subsequently, we identified an effective FACS gating condition that excluded low‐quality cells and tissue debris without staining. This non‐staining isolation strategy not only reduced post‐dissociation time but also enabled high‐quality scRNA‐seq results for all cell types (i.e., >80%). Taken together, these findings imply that the non‐staining FACS strategy may be beneficial for isolating viable cells not only from planarians but also from other organisms and tissues for scRNA‐seq studies.
The effectiveness of vocational secondary education on entry‐level job outcomes in Japan: Safety net for low‐educated youth in a vocationally weak educational system
Authors: Ogawa Katsunori 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to analyze the sociodemographic compositions and labor market entry of low‐educated youth in Japan. The paper specifically focuses on whether vocational education provides a safety net for labor market insecurities during an era of educational expansion. While past literature has shown that vocational education contributes to occupationally specific skills and a smooth transition from school to work, less is known about its effectiveness when low‐educated youth become a minority group. The case of Japan provides a unique perspective, given its historically low youth unemployment rate and strong connections between schools and employers, despite its academically oriented high school education system. The 2015 Social Stratification and Social Mobility Survey in Japan is used to evaluate trends in vocational education and their impact on employment. The key variables under examination are entry‐level job outcomes. The results show that, over the past decades, high school graduates in Japan have become a more disadvantaged group than university graduates. Among high school graduates, those from general schools tend to have more advantageous sociodemographic backgrounds than their counterparts from vocational schools. Despite the limitations, vocational high school graduates have been better rewarded in the transition to work throughout recent decades. Furthermore, the labor market premium for vocational school graduates remains stable even after accounting for the influence of school networks. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of these effects. The implications of the findings are discussed within the context of the skill formation regime in Japan.
Experiences of nurses managing parenthood and career: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: Ong Pearl , Cong Xiaomei , Yeo Yumi , Shorey Shefaly 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimConsolidate and synthesize evidence on working nurse‐parent experiences of parenthood.BackgroundDemands in healthcare strain the workforce, causing burnout and high turnover rates, especially among nurses. Balancing work and family responsibilites is even more challenging for nurse‐parents.IntroductionNursing is highly stressful, and the experiences of nurse‐parents are under‐researched highlighting the need to better understand and support nurse‐parents in their dual roles.MethodsSeven databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for published and unpublished primary qualitative studies. Extracted data were meta‐summarized and synthesized using Sandelowski and Barroso's approach.FindingsTwelve peer‐reviewed studies, conducted between 2007 and 2022, investigated the challenges faced by 339 female nurse‐parents across various countries. The meta‐synthesis revealed two main themes: (a) Clashes of dual roles, and (b) Accept, adapt, and compromise, which were supported by six subthemes. Nurse‐parents struggled with dual roles, often neglected self‐care, and experienced work–family conflicts. However, they learned to accept their situations, adapt by seeking help from family, friends, and colleagues, and compromise on career aspirations to prioritize their families. The importance of organizational support and flexibility in accommodating their dual roles was emphasized.DiscussionFemale nurse‐parents face challenges in balancing their dual roles, resulting in fatigue, compromised self‐care, and limited social interactions. The culture of self‐sacrifice in nursing contributes to these challenges, impacting patient safety. Supportive interventions like mindfulness programs and exercise classes can promote well‐being. Staffing shortages and shift work further affect the work–life balance for nurse‐parents.Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policyCreating a supportive work environment for nurse‐parents is crucial. Family‐friendly shifts revised parental leave policies, and improved childcare support are needed. Supporting nurse‐parents benefits their well‐being and enhances patient care. Collaboration between healthcare organizations and policymakers is essential to address workforce shortages and implement changes.
The effects of perceived organizational support on attitudes toward medical errors in surgical nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Er Fatma , Özkan Meral 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimThis study aims to determine the effects of perceived organizational support on attitudes toward medical errors in surgical nurses.BackgroundNurses exhibit high performance in a work environment that supports, satisfies, and motivates them. Organizational support is one of the factors affecting the work environments of nurses. A strong nursing and hospital leadership supports the daily professional practices and well‐being of nurses and is important in creating a positive work environment for nurses.Materials and methodsThe population of this cross‐sectional study was composed of nurses (N = 414) in the surgical clinics of the Turgut Özal Medical Center. To reach the necessary sample size, the purposive sampling method, which is a nonprobability sampling method, was used. The data were collected using a personal information form, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale and the Scale of Attitudes toward Medical Errors.ResultsIt was determined that 91.1% of the participants had positive attitudes toward the importance and reporting of medical errors and moderate perceived organizational support (3.04 ± 0.67). The organizational support perceived by the participants did not have a statistically significant effect on their attitudes toward medical errors (β = 0.015; p = 0.865). The multiple linear regression model established in the study revealed that education level and previous medical error status were significant predictors of the attitudes of the participants toward medical errors.ConclusionIt was determined that surgical nurses had positive attitudes toward the importance and reporting of medical errors and moderate perceived organizational support levels, and perceived organizational support did not significantly affect attitudes toward medical errors in surgical nurses.Implications for nursing practice and health policyIn this study, it was determined that the perceived organizational support levels of surgical nurses did not have a significant effect on their attitudes toward medical errors. Assuming that adequate organizational support will reduce medical error rates, it is considered important to develop and implement policies to increase organizational support levels. Likewise, the use of safety reporting systems should be expanded to reduce medical error rates, reports should be used only to prevent and reduce risks, and systems and strategies should be developed instead of blaming individuals. In addition to the reporting of confirmed medical errors to ensure patient safety, the reporting of so‐called “near misses” is also very important. For this reason, institutional support should be provided regarding the importance of “near miss” events in error reporting. Necessary practices should be provided to identify, report, correct, and prevent these events.
Eclipse of the Public Corporation or Eclipse of the Public Markets?
Authors: Doidge Craig , Kahle Kathleen M. , Karolyi G. Andrew , Stulz René M. 
Published: September 2023

The authors look back at Michael Jensen's 1989 article “The Eclipse of the Public Corporation.” They find some of his predictions have been borne out but other important ones, not. Jensen concluded that the publicly held corporation was in decline and had outlived its usefulness in many sectors. He argued that agency costs made public corporations an inefficient form of organization and that new private organizational forms promoted by private equity firms would likely replace the public firm.The number of public firms in the U.S. has declined significantly but there are still many hugely profitable and successful public companies. U.S. public markets are still well‐suited for firms with mostly tangible assets. So, what we are really witnessing is an eclipse not of public corporations, but of the public markets as the place where young firms with mostly intangible capital seek their funding.This is especially true when the usefulness of the intangible assets has yet to be proven. Sometimes the market is extremely optimistic about some intangible assets, but otherwise firms with unproven intangible assets may be better off funding themselves privately. This evolution has a downside: investors limited to public markets are cut off from investing in high intangible‐asset firms. Additionally, as fewer firms remain publicly listed, fewer firms will be transparent to society.
Fiduciary Duties of Corporate Directors in Uncertain Times
Authors: Millstein Ira M. , Odoner Ellen J. , Sharma Aabha 
Published: September 2023

Confronting new political uncertainties, heightened challenges, and asserted “best practices,” directors may wonder whether their fiduciary duties have changed. The authors synthesize the latest decisions of the Delaware courts on the standards of conduct for directors and the standards by which their conduct is reviewed. While directors should expect uncertainty to be a fact of corporate life, neither the fiduciary duties of directors nor the protections afforded them have changed. Disinterested and independent directors, acting in good faith to make decisions they deem in the best interests of the corporation, continue to have broad protections under the business judgment rule. This legal framework enables and encourages active directors to make hard choices when they need to do so.The paper includes flowcharts illustrating how the standards of judicial review apply to various categories of business decisions that directors may have to make. It concludes with practical suggestions for directors and General Counsels to establish business judgment rule protection for board decisions or, where applicable, withstand more stringent standards of review.
Global Trade – Hostage to the Volatile US Dollar
Authors: Kantor Brian 
Published: September 2023

Brian Kantor says that every financial manager ought to have a multi‐decade historical perspective on foreign exchange rates to appreciate how quickly and dramatically rates can change. Managers should understand how domestic politics influences central bank policies and, ultimately, foreign exchange rates, even if unintentionally. Longer‐term historical perspectives are a necessary part of a solid decision‐making foundation.He provides a summary foreign exchange history from the perspective of the South African Rand (ZAR) and the US dollar (USD). What is most remarkable about such exchange rates, perhaps, is not just the variation around established trends but the tendency of apparently well‐established trends to reverse completely. Kantor explains that, since 1970, the global economy has had to cope with flexible exchange rates that do not necessarily trend to Purchasing Power Parity “equilibrium.” This is a highly unsatisfactory feature of the global financial and trading system.The chance of a reintroduction of genuinely fixed exchange rates seems very small, however. Business decision‐makers will have to cope as best they can with unpredictable real exchange rates.