bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational and non-occupational factors of post-COVID-19 condition: a cross-sectional survey in the French general working population
Authors: Rushyizekera Melissa , Delpierre Cyrille , Makovski Tatjana T , Coste Joël 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAlthough the working population carries the greatest burden of long COVID, occupational and non-occupational factors of the condition have not yet been well documented in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate these factors.MethodsA nationwide random sampling cross-sectional survey was conducted among the adult population in mainland France after the large Omicron waves in the autumn of 2022. Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) was defined according to the WHO. Associations of occupational and non-occupational factors with PCC were tested in a conceptual model accounting for the relationships between these factors and considering two control groups (previously infected participants without PCC and participants with no reported or diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection). Interactions between occupational and non-occupational factors were considered.ResultsThe survey included 1131 working adults. PCC was positively associated with reported infection while providing care (prevalence ratio (PR)=2.06 (95% CI 1.08 to 3.94)), being in contact with a colleague (PR=1.61 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.48)) and increased workload (PR=2.85 (95% CI 1.12 to 7.24)), whereas it was negatively associated with reported infection while being in contact with the public or clients (PR=0.23 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.76)). Several non-occupational factors were associated with PCC: sex, household size, household financial satisfaction, number of pre-existing chronic conditions, anxiety, injury sequelae and perceived SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. No interactions were found between these factors.ConclusionsReducing the burden of long COVID in the working population requires public health strategies that consider a wide spectrum of factors, including work conditions in a broad sense. Specific attention should be given to the most vulnerable workers accumulating such factors.
Coexistence of cardiac sarcoidosis and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy-associated genetic variants: a multicentre case-control study
Authors: Rossi Valentina Alice , Palazzini Matteo , Ammirati Enrico , Gasperetti Alessio , Grubler Martin , Brunckhorst Corinna , Manka Robert , Giannopoulos Andreas , Tanner Felix C , Medeiros-Domingo Argelia , Gentile Piero , Bramerio Manuela , Schmidt Dörthe , Tondo Claudio , Flammer Andreas J , Ruschitzka Frank , Duru Firat , Saguner Ardan Muammer 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundCardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by non-caseating granulomas, while arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic condition mainly affecting desmosomal proteins. The coexistence of CS and genetic variants associated with ACM is not well understood, creating challenges in diagnosis and management. This study aimed to describe the clinical, imaging and genetic features of patients with both conditions.MethodsThis was a multicentre retrospective case-control study involving three groups of patients: those with biopsy-proven CS and pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants linked to ACM (n=5); patients with genetic variants but no CS (n=5); and patients with CS without genetic variants (n=5). Clinical data, including symptoms, electrocardiographic findings and imaging results from echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and positron-emission tomography, were analysed.ResultsPatients with CS and genetic variants were more likely to exhibit atrioventricular block (100%), PR prolongation (204 ms vs 160 ms) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (80%) compared with those with genetic variants alone (0% for both). Imaging findings showed a higher prevalence of septal involvement in patients with both conditions (80%) than in those with genetic variants alone (20%). No significant differences were observed between patients with CS and genetic variants and those with CS without genetic variants. The genetic variants identified included variants in PKP2 (40%), DSG2 (20%), DSP (20%) and TTN (20%).ConclusionsThe coexistence of CS and ACM-associated genetic variants is associated with distinct clinical features, including PR prolongation, AVB1°, septal involvement and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. These findings emphasise the need to evaluate for CS in individuals with ACM and associated genetic variants who present with conduction abnormalities or septal involvement, guiding tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
EULAR standardised training model for ultrasound-guided, minimally invasive synovial tissue biopsy procedures in large and small joints
Authors: Möller Ingrid , Largo Raquel , Bong David A. , Filer Andrew , Najm Aurélie , Alivernini Stefano , Terslev Lene , Koski Juhani , Balint Peter , Bruyn George A.W. , Iagnocco Annamaria , Bruns Alessandra , Uson Jacqueline , Acebes Carlos , Rodríguez Ana , Guillen-Astete Carlos , Herrero-Beaumont Gabriel , Miguel Maribel , Garrido Jesús , D’Agostino Maria Antonietta , Naredo Esperanza 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesTo develop an EULAR training model for education in synovial tissue biopsy (STB) under ultrasound guidance (UG) following a stepwise approach: (1) development of educational material on UGSTB in large and small joints; (2) assessment of the validity, reliability and feasibility of the UGSTB educational procedure on cadaveric specimens; (3) validation of this procedure in live patients.MethodsUsing a nominal group (NG) and a DELPHI consensus methodology, educational audio-visual (AV) material and minimal requirements for education in UGSTB were developed by an expert panel. Then the experts performed an UGSTB on cadaveric joints using the developed approach. The samples retrieved from the cadaveric joints were confirmed histologically and the procedure was then tested by a group of ultrasonographers with different expertise for feasibility and face validity. The AV material and the practical procedures’ phases were subsequently ranked by the experts to finalise the training model for performing UGSTB in patients. The ST retrieved in patients was assessed for tissue quality.ResultsBased on NG and DELPHI processes, educational material and a stepwise standardised cadaver-based training model were developed. The knee was the cadaveric joint with the highest yield of histologically good quality of ST. 90% of the UGSTB from patients showed synovial membrane and 77% intact lining layer.ConclusionsThis EULAR endeavour provided a consensus-based comprehensive educational material and a practical cadaver-based model for training in UGSTB, which has shown feasibility and validity in tissue acquisition in specimens and patients.
Symptom and problem burden, performance status and palliative care phases in specialist palliative care: cross-sectional analysis of care episodes
Authors: Lehmann-Emele Eva , Gesell Daniela , Hodiamont Farina , Wikert Julia , Bausewein Claudia 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesPalliative care phases (stable, unstable, deteriorating, terminal and bereavement) are useful in describing the palliative care situation of patients/relatives and their care needs as well as the suitability of care plans. Little is known about care setting-specific differences of the phases and their association with burden of symptoms/problems and functional status. We aimed to describe the presence and association of symptom/problem burden and functional status with the palliative care phase at the beginning of care episodes in specialist palliative care units, specialist home care teams and advisory services.MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of a prospective, cross-sectional, multicentre study collecting data on patients’ complexity in Germany. Analyses using the palliative care phase, symptom/problem burden measured by the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS), functional status measured by the Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS), severity of confusion and agitation, age and gender were conducted, including descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and multinomial logistic regression.Results3115 phases from three settings were included, with an average age of 72 years (SD±13.3) and 49% male. The distribution of phases at episode start varied among settings: data showed in palliative care units 20.3% stable, 43.4% unstable, 31.5% deteriorating and 4.8% terminal; in palliative care advisory, 26% stable, 33.9% unstable, 32.8% deteriorating and 7.3% terminal; and in specialist palliative home care, 42.4% stable, 21.3% unstable, 29.1% deteriorating and 7.2% terminal phases. Multinomial logistic regression showed that besides functional status, in palliative care units and specialist palliative home care, high physical symptom burden and palliative care advisory, high emotional burden increased the odds of being in an unstable phase.ConclusionsSetting-specific differences in patient characteristics and symptom and problem burden associated with palliative care phases lead towards different demands on the teams providing patient care.
Thomas precession, relativistic torque, and non-planar orbits
Authors: Czarnecki Andrzej , Zelnikov Andrei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We analyze the angular momentum balance for a particle undergoing Thomas precession. The relationships among relativistic torque, the center of mass, and the center of inertia for a spinning particle are clarified. We show that spin precession is accompanied by orbital angular momentum precession, and present examples of the resulting out-of-plane motion.
CA-125 as a Biomarker in Renal Medullary Carcinoma: Integrated Molecular Profiling, Functional Characterization, and Prospective Clinical Validation
Authors: Grimm Sandra L. , Karki Menuka , Blum Kyle A. , Bertocchio Jean-Philippe , He Rong , Tripathi Durga N. , Zacharias Niki M. , Lebenthal Justin M. , Sheth Rahul A. , Rao Priya , Genovese Giannicola , Lu Zhen , Bast Robert C. , Ingram Davis R. , Lazcano Rossana , Wani Khalida M. , Wang Wei-Lien , Lazar Alexander J. , Tannir Nizar M. , Walker Cheryl L. , Coarfa Cristian , Msaouel Pavlos 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose:
Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a highly aggressive malignancy defined by the loss of the SMARCB1 tumor suppressor. It mainly affects young individuals of African descent with sickle cell trait, and it is resistant to conventional therapies used for other renal cell carcinomas. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring of RMC.

Experimental Design:
Integrated profiling of primary untreated RMC tumor tissues and paired adjacent kidney controls was performed using RNA sequencing and histone chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. The expression of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), was prospectively evaluated in 47 patients with RMC. Functional studies were conducted in RMC cell lines to assess the effects of SMARCB1 reexpression.

Results:
MUC16, encoding for CA-125, was identified as one of the top upregulated genes in RMC tissues, with concomitant enrichment of active histone marks H3K4me3 and H3K27ac at its promoter. Elevated serum CA-125 levels were found in 31 of 47 (66%) patients with RMC and correlated significantly with metastatic tumor burden (P = 0.03). Functional studies in RMC cell lines demonstrated that SMARCB1 reexpression significantly reduced MUC16 expression.

Conclusions:
The correlation between serum CA-125 levels and metastatic burden suggests that CA-125 is a clinically relevant biomarker for RMC. These findings support further exploration of CA-125 for disease monitoring and targeted therapeutics in RMC.
Metric structural human connectomes: Localization and multifractality of eigenmodes
Authors: Bobyleva Anna , Gorsky Alexander , Nechaev Sergei , Valba Olga , Pospelov Nikita 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
We explore the fundamental principles underlying the architecture of the human brain’s structural connectome through the lens of spectral analysis of Laplacian and adjacency matrices. Building on the idea that the brain balances efficient information processing with minimizing wiring costs, our goal is to understand how the metric properties of the connectome relate to the presence of an inherent scale. We demonstrate that a simple generative model combining nonlinear preferential attachment with an exponential penalty for spatial distance between nodes can effectively reproduce several key features of the human connectome. These include spectral density, edge length distribution, eigenmode localization, local clustering, and topological properties. Additionally, we examine the finer spectral characteristics of human structural connectomes by evaluating the inverse participation ratios (IPRq) across various parts of the spectrum. Our analysis shows that the level statistics in the soft cluster region of the Laplacian spectrum (where eigenvalues are small) deviate from a purely Poisson distribution due to interactions between clusters. Furthermore, we identify localized modes with large IPR values in the continuous spectrum. Multiple fractal eigenmodes are found across different parts of the spectrum, and we evaluate their fractal dimensions. We also find a power-law behavior in the return probability—a hallmark of critical behavior—and conclude by discussing how our findings are related to previous conjectures that the brain operates in an extended critical phase that supports multifractality.
‘You Can Be a Citizen of Mars
Authors: Dennis Dorcas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper examines how a local Ghanaian Pentecostal church mediates global mobility and structural immigration barriers for alienated persons through ritual performance. Imperial alienating immigration processes for ‘undesired’ persons on the move to the Global North engender a religious ritual performance designed to confront the alienating structures, negotiate imposed dominant labels, and reconstruct belonging. In the ritual process, passports become sacred tools for mediating travel, while prophecies reveal travel constraints and future events. The ritual empowers and emboldens participants to pursue their travels as an orchestrated success program divinely prepared for them. The ritualization of travel is a symbolic performance of contestations of imperial travel barriers and alienations. Using data from ethnographic fieldwork at the Power Cathedral in Kumasi, popular for its innovative ‘Token of Passports’ (ToP) rituals, the article offers an account of the phenomenon in Ghana’s Pentecostal space to show how local religions mediate mobility for alienated groups.
Proof of Concept
Authors: Lundblad Kristina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The production, reading, and correcting of article proofs is a highly important part of scholarly publishing, and the proof of an article is the only place where researcher, journal production team, and publisher come together, directly or indirectly. Yet, the proof process is rarely examined or discussed, and scholars seem to regard it as something separated from the research process. This paper brings attention to this matter. It presents data from a survey on scholars’ experiences of article proofs and assesses the results in relation to the structure and business concept of the mainstream academic publishing industry. It elucidates the connections between research, offshore outsourcing of typesetting, the reign of quantitative values, and the quest for profit in academic publishing.
Time-dependent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging for the analysis of parotid gland tumors
Authors: Geng Di , Zhu Liu-Ning , Liu Jun , Zhao Xian-Ce , Wang Yi-Shi , Xu Xiao-Quan , Wu Fei-Yun 
Published: January 2025

Background Different parotid tumors differ in terms of treatment strategies due to their distinct biological behaviors. Time-dependent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (td-dMRI) can characterize and quantify the cytological indexes, and then aid the differential diagnosis of various tumors. However, the value of td-dMRI in the analysis of parotid gland tumors remains unclear. Purpose To investigate the value of quantitative parameters derived from td-dMRI in the analysis of parotid gland tumors. Material and Methods In total, 39 patients with parotid gland tumors were prospectively enrolled, including 24 patients with polymorphic adenomas (PAs), eight with Warthin's tumors (WTs), and seven with malignant tumors (MTs). Td-dMRI was performed for preoperative evaluation. Intracellular volume fraction ( Vin), mean cell size ( d), extracellular diffusion coefficient ( Dex), and cellularity were obtained based on the Imaging Microstructural Parameters Using Limited Spectrally Edited Diffusion model, and compared among the three groups. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed for further statistical analysis as appropriate. Results Significant differences were found in all td-dMRI-derived indexes among PAs, WTs, and MTs (all P < 0.05). Vin was the sole parameter with significant differences for all sub-group comparisons (PAs vs. WTs, P < 0.001; PAs vs. MTs, P = 0.031; WTs vs. MTs, P = 0.047). With Vin values of 0.267, 0.231, and 0.260 as threshold, respectively, optimal performance levels were obtained for differentiating PAs from WTs (area under the ROC curve [AUC]=0.932, sensitivity=0.917, and specificity=0.875), PAs from MTs (AUC=0.744, sensitivity=0.833, and specificity=0.714), and WTs from MTs (AUC=0.750, sensitivity=0.875, and specificity=0.714). Conclusion Microstructural parameters derived from td-dMRI, especially Vin, might be promising imaging biomarkers for characterizing parotid gland tumors.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Lokomat® robot-assisted gait training in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review
Authors: Martino Cinnera Alex , Ciancarelli Irene , Paolucci Teresa , Merla Arcangelo , Di Nicola Marta , Perpetuini David , D'Arienzo Martina , Genovesi Giorgia , Moretti Antimo , Russo Emanuele Francesco , Gatta Maria Teresa , Gimigliano Francesca , Cardone Daniela , Morone Giovanni 
Published: January 2025

Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) may present motor and gait impairment. Objective This systematic review aims to assess the potential of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with Lokomat® exoskeleton to improve gait in children with CP. Methods The search was conducted and repoted according to PRISMA guidelines on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and PEDro databases. All randomised controlled trials (RCT) including children with CP who underwent RAGT with Lokomat® were considered eligible. Risk of bias was assessed with the Rob2 tool by two blinded reviewers. The review was previously registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42023488699). Results 948 articles were found, and 9 studies involving 403 children with CP met the inclusion criteria. We found a heterogeneity in the RAGT protocol and a higher risk of bias for two included studies. Seven out nine studies reported a statistically significant improvement ( p < 0.05) on gait, balance, or global functions with respect to control groups. Specifically, walking speed and stride length were improved after RAGT. Conclusions Children with CP can benefit from the add-on therapy with RAGT through Lokomat® to improve walking and balance function. There is a need for RCTs with better patient stratification and with less heterogeneity in outcomes to improve the quality of the pooled evidence.
Maximizing use of available vascular capital for autologous arteriovenous fistula creation and maintenance: Single center results
Authors: Garcia-Lopez Alexis , Abdalah Leyla , Salgado Octavio J , Vachharajani Tushar J 
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Nicaragua is a Central American country with a high prevalence of patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly among young men. This is largely attributable to Mesoamerican nephropathy, a form of interstitial nephritis that predominantly affects young agricultural workers. While the majority of patients have access to chronic dialysis programs, a very small number have an option of receiving a renal transplant. Consequently, they must spend years on hemodialysis (HD), where the vascular access issue is of vital importance for their survival. Given that prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVG) are expensive devices with a lower cost-benefit ratio, limited availability within the health system and are unaffordable for the majority of patients, it is crucial to perform autogenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) whenever possible. Patients and methods: This paper presents a 4-year period review (2020–2023) of a single-center vascular access program that optimizes vasculature utilization of each patient for creation of AFV and describes the surgical revision techniques used to prolong the patency of vascular accesses. Results: The autogenic vascular access program has resulted in more than 80% of prevalent patients undergoing HD at our center being hemodialyzed through an autogenic AVF by the end of 2023. Conclusions: It can be concluded that it is possible to significantly increase the proportion of autogenic vascular accesses in each center by optimizing the patient’s own vasculature. This approach has the potential to reduce morbidity and costs, particularly in low-income countries.
Effect of solution concentration, process parameters and a second electric field on electrospun polyamide-11 fibers
Authors: Barata Teresa Raquel A , Paul Roshan , Belino Nuno JR 
Published: January 2025

The electrospinning process parameters for producing polyamide 11 (PA11) nanofibers using formic acid (FA) as the solvent were investigated. Key variables such as solution concentration, tip-to-collector distance, applied voltage, flow rate, and the introduction of a second electric field were optimized to produce uniform, bead-free nanofibers. Preliminary studies indicated that a 10% (w/v) PA11/FA solution concentration, a 25 kV voltage applied to the collector, a 12 cm tip-to-collector distance and a flow rate of 0.03 mL/min yielded the most consistent results in a conventional nozzle electrospinning setup. The effects of distance, voltage, and flow rate on fiber morphology were examined, with increased distance producing thinner fibers due to improved solvent evaporation, while higher voltages resulted in thicker fibers, highlighting the complex interplay between these parameters. Flow rate also played a significant role in fiber formation. The incorporation of charged metallic rings along the jet path, introducing a second electric field, further improved fiber uniformity. The most significant effect on the morphology of electrospun PA11 fibers was observed with rings connected to increasing voltage values, resulting in fibers with an average diameter of 145.7 ± 23.7 nm, minimal bead formation, and uniform circular cross-section. These optimized electrospinning parameters and the application of a second electric field show potential for improving fiber quality in applications such as filtration, textiles, and tissue engineering, contributing to a deeper understanding of PA11 electrospinning.