bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between cortical and subcortical diaphragmatic motor stimulation by transcranial magnetic stimulation on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Elshoura Hanan Mohamed Ibrahim , Nofal Ahmed Adel Ahmed Ghareeb , Labib Hossam Salaheldin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive method of electrically stimulating neurons in the cerebral cortex, can change neuronal and cortical activity locally and remotely by applying localized magnetic fields. TMS can be used to treat a variety of disorders and improve functional impairments by stimulating the motor cortex. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an invalidating disease that primarily compromises both respiratory and motor functions either during the acute or the chronic phase. In COPD, the diaphragm may contribute to respiratory decompensation This study aims to use TMS as a therapeutic tool in addition to conventional rehabilitative programs in COPD patients and assess this application using diaphragmatic ultrasonography (US) and 6-min walking test (6MWT).

Result
A case–control study with 60 COPD patients divided into three equal groups. The control group (group A) received the conventional rehabilitation program, group B received additional subcortical magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve roots in the neck, and group C received TMS of the diaphragmatic motor cortex area in addition. Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the groups in diaphragmatic US assessment (diaphragmatic thickness (DT) and diaphragmatic mobility (DM) or 6MWT (P > 0.05). After treatment, there was a significant improvement in groups A and B, while a highly significant improvement in group C.

Conclusion
The application of cortical or subcortical TMS to COPD patients improves diaphragmatic function and daily activities significantly. These advancements allowed TMS to be considered as a therapeutic tool in the COPD rehabilitation program.
Des abysses aux astres—Lecture du Voyage au centre de la terre
Authors: Vendeuvre Isabelle de 
Published: February 2025

Résumé
Au carrefour des « Blue Humanities » et de la lecture de près, cet article propose une lecture thalassopoétique du Voyage au centre de la terre de Jules Verne. La mer y est « centrale », invitant paradoxalement à un décentrement radical, non seulement sur le plan narratif mais éthique. Le centre du monde n’est plus l’occident des savants et des explorateurs ; la pauvreté d’une île du Sud de la Méditerranée et le caractère fruste d’une île du Nord de l’Europe indiquent d’autres centres possibles à travers une éthique commune de l’hospitalité, qui paraît plus universelle que la science et la technologie, en apparence triomphantes en cette seconde moitié du XIXe siècle. En faisant pivoter les axes Nord-Sud et Est-Ouest en faveur d’une ligne qui va des abysses aux astres, le roman nous désoriente et interroge nos valeurs contemporaines.
Subjective Realities
Authors: Arrigoni Carlo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In Giovanni Verga’s I Malavoglia (The House by the Medlar Tree, 1881), the most important novel of verismo (Italian naturalism), the natural and social environment is not described in detail but appears in glimpses and fragments, filtered through the characters’ perspectives and as a window into their feelings, desires, or interests. The stress is not so much on the influence of the milieu on the characters’ psyche as on how their psyche molds the world around them. Through an analysis of the many ways in which the village and its polar opposite, the modern city, are reinvented and described within the novel, this article argues that, by showing the discursive malleability of the environment, I Malavoglia ends up casting doubt on the mere possibility of an objective representation of reality.
Border Solidarity
Authors: Poyares Marianna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This essay investigates how border solidarity—that is, grassroots coalitions against the current state of migration and border governance—allows for a radical articulation of traditional theories concerning the foundations of solidarity. Drawing on four years of activism and participatory fieldwork with the New Sanctuary Movement in the United States, the author looks at specific coalitions within migrants’ rights social movements to argue against traditional or otherwise familiar conceptions of the normative foundations of solidarity, such as a common social membership, a shared moral feeling, or a shared experience of oppression. Rather, the author argues, border solidarity as a praxis of contesting border regimes clearly shows the conceptual insufficiency of methodological nationalism, implicit in all three familiar conceptions, for articulating the meaning of solidarity. Taking a cue from materialist feminists bell hooks, Beatriz Nascimento, and Verónica Gago, the author argues that border solidarity as praxis is grounded in differential interdependence and heterogeneous transversal alliances that forge new territories (and constituencies) in opposition to hegemonic ones.
Optimal Partition for a Multi-Type Queueing System
Authors: Cao Shengyu , He Simai , Wang Zizhuo , Feng Yifan 
Published: February 2025

We study an optimal server partition and customer assignment problem for an uncapacitated first-come-first-served queueing system with heterogeneous types of customers. Each type of customer is associated with a Poisson arrival, a certain service time distribution, and a unit waiting cost. The goal is to minimize the expected total waiting cost by partitioning the server into subqueues, each with a smaller service capacity, and routing customer types probabilistically. First, we show that by properly partitioning the queue, it is possible to reduce the expected waiting costs by an arbitrarily large ratio. Then, we show that for any given server partition, the optimal customer assignment admits a certain geometric structure, enabling an efficient algorithm to find the optimal assignment. Such an optimal structure also applies when minimizing the expected sojourn time. Finally, we consider the joint partition-assignment optimization problem. The customer assignment under the optimal server partition admits a stronger structure. Specifically, if the first two moments of the service time distributions satisfy certain properties, it is optimal to deterministically assign customer types with consecutive service rates to the same subqueue. This structure allows for more efficient algorithms. Overall, the common rule of thumb to partition customers into continuous segments ranked by service rates could be suboptimal, and our work is the first to comprehensively study the queue partition problem based on customer types. Funding: Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72192830, 72192832, 71825003, 72394361, and 72425013] and the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Mathematical Foundations for Artificial Intelligence [Grant 2023B1212010001] is gratefully acknowledged. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/moor.2023.0035 .
Hybrid and/or mixed infection by pig and human Ascaris in a Guarani indigenous village in southern Brazil
Authors: Boeira Veridiana Lenartovicz , Bezagio Renata Coltro , Carvalho Marina Silva de , Gandra Rinaldo Ferreira , Abreu Ana Paula de , Massara Cristiano Lara , Colli Cristiane Maria , Toledo Max Jean de Ornelas 
Published: February 2025

Background
Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are nematode parasites that infect millions of people and pigs worldwide, respectively. Reports of cross-infection and hybridization between the two species has stimulated molecular epidemiological studies of the Ascaris genus. In this study, we evaluated the dynamics of Ascaris transmission between Guarani indigenous schoolchildren, pigs, and the environment of a village in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil.

Methodology/principal findings
Parasitological and molecular analyses of fecal samples from humans and pigs, and soil samples from the village were carried out. Eggs of Ascaris spp. were observed in 8.4% (7/83) of human samples, 44.4% (8/18) of pig samples, and 8.9% (6/68) of soil samples. PCR amplification of the ITS-1 locus of the rDNA gene in samples that were positive in the parasitological examination revealed mixed infection and/or hybrids of the two species, A. lumbricoides and A. suum, in human and swine hosts. The soil, which was contaminated by both human and swine feces, also contained eggs of the two Ascaris species and hybrids, thus constituting a source of Ascaris infection for both hosts. DNA from A. lumbricoides and A. suum, individually, was detected in samples from humans and pigs, respectively, and the soil, while DNA from hybrid and/or Ascaris spp. was detected in samples from both hosts and the soil.

Conclusions/Significance
The results of this study confirm the necessity of a One Health approach with the correct disposal of both human and animal feces to control the spread of human and swine ascariasis.
Evaluation of a Low-threshold Exercise And Protein supplementation intervention for Women (LEAP-W) experiencing homelessness and addiction: Protocol for a single-arm mixed methods feasibility study
Authors: Kennedy Fiona , Murray Deirdre , Ní Cheallaigh Clíona , Romero-Ortuno Roman , Broderick Julie 
Published: February 2025

Background
Frailty is a complex multi-dimensional state of increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes and is associated with older age but there is growing evidence of accelerated ageing and frailty in non-geriatric populations, including those experiencing socio-economic deprivation and extreme social exclusion, such as people experiencing homelessness. Addiction, as a coping mechanism for prior trauma, is common among people who are homeless and can have a gendered dimension. Women experiencing homelessness and addiction have unique needs which require a gendered approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and impact of an exercise intervention to target the known physical functioning deficits and frailty which this population experiences.

Methods
This quantitatively driven, sequential single-arm mixed-methods feasibility study will evaluate the feasibility and impact of a low threshold trauma informed exercise intervention on physical functioning and frailty in women experiencing homelessness and addiction. Physical function (10m Walk Test, 2Min Walk Test, Single Leg Stance, Chair Stand Test, hand grip dynamometry), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale and the SHARE-Frailty Instrument) and nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Status), pain (Numerical Rating Scale) and quality of life (SF 12-V2) will be evaluated. The 10-week intervention will involve a 3-times weekly exercise programme with protein supplementation. Following this, qualitative interviews, which will be thematically analysed using Braun & Clarke methodology, will be conducted. This study will be conducted in Dublin from February to July 2024.

Discussion
Little is known about frailty-focussed interventions in women experiencing homelessness and addiction. This proposed study will help to increase the knowledge base regarding the physical health burden and frailty experienced by this vulnerable population and will deliver a targeted intervention with a gendered dimension to mitigate its affects. The findings of this research will help narrow the research gap and will guide clinicians and policy makers to implement unique gender-based treatment strategies for this population. (300).

Clinical trials.gov number
NCT05700305.
RESILSTIGMA. Resilience to self-stigmatization experienced by people living with HIV: Which self-reported factors improve awareness among health workers?
Authors: Jacomet Christine , Miele Cécile , Goncalves Emilie , Lambert Céline , Belletier Clément , Linard Françoise , Phalip-Le Besnerais Josiane , Dellamonica Pierre , Dambrun Michaël 
Published: February 2025

Background
Self-stigmatization is the process by which environmental stigmas are internalized. It leads to a decline in self-esteem, isolation, denial and risk behavior, and impairs quality of life. The aims of our study were to investigate the psychological, social and medical factors, in particular psychological flexibility and its defusion component, that are associated with resilience to self-stigmatization in people living with HIV (PLHIV), and to assess clinicians’ perceptions of the condition.

Methods
A multicenter observational study was conducted in France using self-reports from PLHIV consulted between January 15, 2022 and June 15, 2022 and from professionals responsible for their care (study registration number 2021-A01588-33/SI:21.02814.000036). Self-stigmatization was measured by examining four domains: perceived stigma, anticipated stigma, internalized stigma and enacted stigma.

Results
Self-reports were collected from 45 hospital wards, 666 from PLHIV, of whom 71% were male with a mean age of 53 +/- 12.6 years, and 131 from health professionals, of whom 72.5% were clinicians. A total of 279 PLHIV (42%) reported items of self-stigmatization. Multivariable analysis showed that self-stigmatization was significantly associated with major depression (OR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.19 to 10.80, p = 0.02), psychological inflexibility (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.97, p = 0.001), and parental support deficit in childhood (OR parental support: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.98, p = 0.04). Among the dimensions of psychological inflexibility associated with HIV self-stigma, only fusion was positively associated (p<0.01). The proportion of PLHIV experiencing self-stigma was accurately estimated by only 31 (23.7%) health workers. Those health workers who did not minimize the prevalence of self-stigmatization among PLHIV had no particular characteristics.

Conclusions
While the best means to combat self-stigmatization would be a social-ecological approach, it is fundamental to target in parallel individual vulnerability and protective factors accessible to health workers’ interventions. Psychiatric care and/or the new cognitive-behavioral therapies could be offered more often as part of personalized care.
Exploring the associations between the biomechanical and psychological mechanistic pathways of lower back pain development amongst persons with lower-limb amputation: A study protocol
Authors: Withey Alexandra , Cazzola Dario , Tabor Abby , Seminati Elena 
Published: February 2025

Introduction
The global rise in lower-limb amputations is mainly due to diabetes and vascular complications. Amputations cause serious physical and psycho-social disabilities which impair locomotion and compromise patients quality of life. Biopsychosocial factors such as altered gait parameters, poor prosthetic fit, depression, fear avoidance behaviours and stigma increase the risk of individuals incurring lower back pain; the leading cause of secondary disability amongst persons with lower-limb amputation. Exploring the potential mechanistic pathways of lower back pain development is important to inform timely patient-centred programmes of care. Currently, limited information exists to inform the design of such programmes. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand the bio-behavioural, psychological, and social features of individuals with lower-limb amputation in the presence of lower back pain.

Methods and analysis
This proposed study protocol employs a prospective longitudinal study design that aims to explore the determinants of lower back pain amongst 30 adults with unilateral lower-limb amputation over 12-months. Biomechanical gait variables, trunk and lower-limb muscle activations, and objective pain measurements will be monitored every 3-months, and their relationship will be investigated. This information can be used to explore the characteristics of lower back pain and will inform future care management and rehabilitation processes. A data repository will be created and will be accessible through the University of Bath library website (https://library.bath.ac.uk/home).

Trial reference number
The study is registered at IRAS ID: 321729 and at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06243549.
Clinical, immune and genetic risk factors of malaria-associated acute kidney injury in Zambian children: A study protocol
Authors: Mwaba Chisambo , Munsaka Sody , Mwakazanga David , Rutagwerae David , Ngalamika Owen , Mwanza Suzanna , McCulloch Mignon , Mpabalwani Evans 
Published: February 2025

Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects nearly half of children with severe malaria and increases the risk of adverse outcomes such as death and poor cognitive function. The pathogenesis and predictors of malaria-associated acute kidney injury (MAKI) are not fully described. This study aims to determine the clinical, immune, and genetic correlates of risk to AKI in Zambian children admitted with malaria. In addition, we intend to assess a modified renal angina index (mRAI), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR), when done on the first day of admission, for the ability to predict AKI two days later (day 3) in children admitted with malaria.

Methods
This is an unmatched case-control study with a nested prospective observational study. A case-to-control ratio of 1:1 is used and 380 children with malaria and aged less than 16 years are being recruited from two hospitals in Zambia. Eligible children are recruited after obtaining written informed consent. Recruitment occurs during the malaria season and began on 6th March 2024 and will continue until July 2025. AKI is defined using the 2012 KIDGO AKI creatinine criteria, and cases are defined as children admitted with malaria who develop AKI within 72 hours of admission, while controls are children admitted with malaria but with no AKI. Serum creatinine is collected on Day 1 within 24 hours of admission, on Day 3 and then again on discharge or day 7, whichever comes sooner. Baseline biomarker concentrations will be determined using the Luminex multiplex Elisa system or high-sensitivity ELISA. SPSS version 29 will be used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests will be run as appropriate. A p ≤ 0.05 will be considered as significant. The sensitivity, specificity, and estimates of the area under the curve (AUC) for the renal angina score will be determined.
Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on results in the animal naming test in patients with and without liver cirrhosis
Authors: Schleicher Eva Maria , Tuchscher Julia , Weber Matthias , Galle Peter Robert , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Gairing Simon Johannes , Labenz Christian 
Published: February 2025

Introduction and objectives
Diabetes mellitus is a common comorbidity in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and cognitive dysfunction. The simplified Animal Naming Test (S-ANT1) has been established for detecting minimal HE (MHE). It is currently unknown whether S-ANT1 results are affected by diabetes mellitus in patients with and without cirrhosis.

Materials and methods
This study analyzed data from 268 patients with cirrhosis without signs of HE ≥ 1. MHE was defined using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). All patients were also tested with S-ANT1. 14 patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot syndrome but no cirrhosis, as well as 37 healthy controls, were also tested with S-ANT1 and served as controls.

Results
Type 2 diabetes mellitus was present in 79 (29.5%) patients with cirrhosis and MHE according to PHES was detected in 81 (30.2%) patients. In the total cohort, results in S-ANT1 did not differ between patients with and without diabetes mellitus (19 vs. 20 animals, p = 0.108). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the only variables independently associated with performance in S-ANT1 were PHES-MHE, school education, sodium, and age, while diabetes mellitus was not. Patients with diabetic foot syndrome but no cirrhosis performed poorer in S-ANT1 compared to healthy controls, while patients with cirrhosis and MHE performed poorer than patients with diabetic foot syndrome.

Conclusion
S-ANT1 seems to be usable for screening for MHE in patients with cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while one might be more cautious when interpreting results in patients with diabetes-related complications.
Computational modeling of bone allograft reconstruction following femoral shaft tumor resection: Investigating the impact of supplementary plate fixation
Authors: Boháč Petr , Apostolopoulos Vasileios , Marcián Petr , Tomáš Tomáš , Mahdal Michal , Návrat Tomáš 
Published: February 2025

Background and objective
The use of bone allograft reconstructions after tumor resection can introduce significant complications. Stable fixation is required to decrease the incidence of mechanical complications of segmental bone allografts. The purpose of the present study is to compare plating fixation methods of diaphyseal allografts after intercalary resection of the femur.

Methods
We created four defined fixation models using plates and/or intramedullary polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to simulate typical bone tumor resection with intercalary allograft reconstruction. One angularly stable plate (DFP) with 13 locking screws and fresh frozen allografts (labeled “I”) were used for bone reconstruction. Three modified reconstructions were created: “II” included a supplementary plate (SP) with four locking screws, “III” was augmented with intramedullary PMMA in the allograft, and “IV” combined intramedullary PMMA and both plates. We applied a load model that simulates partial weight bearing on the lower limb to simulate the load during postoperative rehabilitation.

Results
The highest stress in the DFP occurred at the allograft-bone transition, with variant IV reaching 297 MPa. PMMA augmentation reduced median interfragmentary motion (IFM) and sliding distances, with variant III achieving the lowest distal sliding distance (0.9 μm) in the distal area. Supplementary plate fixation reduced maximal and median proximal IFM distances (86.9 μm in variant II vs. 116.0 μm in variant I) but increased sliding distances (23.7 μm in variant II vs. 0.6 μm in variant I).

Conclusions
PMMA augmentation reduces IFM and sliding distances, enhancing rigidity, particularly in the distal area. Supplementary plate fixation decreases IFM distances in the proximal area but increases sliding distances in the same region. Variants III and IV demonstrate lower IFM and sliding distances in the distal area overall. Variant III shows very low sliding distances in both distal and proximal areas. Variant IV combines improved firmness with slightly higher stress levels.