bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal insulation of military boots using a thermal foot manikin in cold environments
Authors: Lee Minhee , Stenkina Maria , Yeo Yongheon , Lee Joo-Young 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the thermal insulation of military boots using a thermal foot manikin, and to examine environmental and technical factors to determine their thermal insulation. Three Korean and four US military boots were chosen along with four occupational boots. All measurements were conducted at air temperatures of 21, 0, and − 5 °C with an airflow of < 0.15 m s−1. The following two calculations of thermal insulation were compared: (1) a method using values obtained from all nine zones of the foot manikin [entire-zone method], and (2) a method using values from only zones covered by the boot [partial-zone method]. The results showed that the total insulation (I
T) of the 11 protective boots ranged from 0.9 to 1.2 clo per boot and no differences in thermal insulation across the three air temperatures were found. Thermal insulation had a significant and strong relationship with the thickness of the boot layer (r = 0.905, P < 0.001), whereas there was no relationship between the thermal insulation and the boot mass. The thermal insulation of military boots was 81% explained by the thickness of the boot layer alone, and 94% by both the thickness of the boot layer and boot mass (P < 0.001). Thermal insulation based on the partial-zone method was 26% greater than the values using the entire zone method. We proposed design strategies for military boots according to zonal power consumption.
Advancing cancer therapy with custom-built alternating electric field devices
Authors: Jobson Isobel , Vo Nguyen T. N. , Kujawinski Edward , Denning Chris , Stolnik Snow , Chauhan Veeren M. , Rawson Frankie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In glioblastoma (GBM) therapy research, tumour treating fields by the company Novocure™, have shown promise for increasing patient overall survival. When used with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide, they extend median survival by five months. However, there is a space to design alternative systems that will be amenable for wider use in current research. Therefore, we sought to establish a custom-built alternating electric field device to investigate the effect of electrode design on the responsiveness of cancer cells to this therapy.

Methods
A 96-well microtiter plate modified with an electrode array was fabricated to investigate its application as an in vitro alternating electric field device. This was initially performed with patient-derived GCE 31 and GIN 31 cell lines found in the core and invasive margin of the GBM tumour, respectively. We sought to establish the effect of the application of low-intensity (3 V/ cm) electric fields with an application duration of 4—48 h, using intermediate frequency (300 kHz) alternating currents (AC). To demonstrate that electric fields were entering the cell, GCE 31 and GIN 31 cells were treated with the inorganic, non-conductive zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NP), previously demonstrated to enhance the efficacy of TTFs. After a 4-h exposure to NP, cells were then exposed to alternating electric fields or currents and their metabolic activity was assessed. To better understand how the position and morphology of cells can affect cell therapy responsiveness to alternating electric fields or currents, GBM results were compared to those from the semi-adherent brain tumour cell line, D425.

Results
Contrary to previous findings, there was no significant difference between the GIN 31 and GCE 31 cells exposed to alternating electric fields or currents treated with or without NP compared to cells untreated and unstimulated. D425 cells exposed to alternating electric fields exhibited a pronounced metabolic increase (1.8-fold), while those exposed to alternating electric currents with or without ZnO had a reduced metabolism relative to the untreated control.

Conclusions
The initial hypothesis for the lack of effect of electrical stimulation on the adherent cells was that, due to only a single pair of electrodes being used, the proportion of cells that were in the correct orientation for electric field effects was limited. However, the dramatic shift in cell behaviour of the semi-adherent cells shows that cell morphology plays an important role in the responsiveness of cancer cells to AC electric fields. This study highlights the lack of understanding of the complex mechanisms by which electric fields exert effects on cancer cells. We propose that, for the therapy to be enhanced for patients, research should first focus on the underlying mechanisms of action, specifically on how individual cancer cell types respond to this therapy.
Navigating Disagreements on Health Information: How Patients With Cancer Perceive Health Care Providers' Approaches to Discussing Patient-Identified Information
Authors: Fridman Ilona , Smith Cambray , Barrett Amy , Johnson Skyler , Bhowmick Amrita , Hayes Sara , Elston Lafata Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE
Although publicly available cancer-related information online and offline could help patients make informed decisions, it also poses challenges due to prevalent misinformation. Patients need proper provider guidance to ensure they use valid and relevant information in decisions. We identify effective communication approaches for providers when (1) discussing patient-identified information and (2) disagreeing with it.

METHODS
From June to August 2023, people living with cancer were reached via online communities and asked first about their actual experiences discussing patient-identified information with their providers. Respondents were then randomly assigned into an experiment with three hypothetical scenarios where providers disagreed with patient-identified information. Provider responses included (1) dismissal, (2) explanation, and (3) explanation with relationship-building elements. Pearson correlation and multivariable analysis of variance were used to evaluate differences in patient perceptions.

RESULTS
One hundred seventy-five respondents completed the survey. Mean age: 53 years; 45% female; and 88% White, 10% Black, and 2% others. Forty-six percent held Bachelor's degrees or higher, 11% lived rurally, 36% reported financial difficulties, and 46% rated their health as good/excellent. Between 31% and 37% of respondents reported their provider used communication approaches that negatively correlated with discussion outcomes. The approaches included avoidance of such conversations due to limited time, discouragement of future information searches, or judgmental comments. In the experiment, respondents randomly assigned to receive relationship-building elements were significantly more comfortable sharing information, felt more satisfied, respected, and trusted their provider's opinion more than those receiving the dismissal scenario. The explanation scenario was not perceived differently compared with the dismissal scenario.

CONCLUSION
More than a third of respondents reported negative communication when sharing patient-identified information with their provider. Provider prioritization of relationship-building alongside explanations could foster trust and facilitate open information exchange, supporting informed decisions.
Growth Hormone Increase Induced by Oral Administration of Melatonin in a Young Woman With Sleep Disturbances
Authors: Di Vincenzo Angelo , Zabeo Eva , Purificati Chiara , Rossato Marco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) secretion by the pituitary is regulated by stimulatory and inhibitory pathways such as growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin, respectively, being also modulated by different neurotransmitters acting at the hypothalamic/pituitary level. The pineal gland hormone melatonin regulates GH secretion in many mammals, including humans, although its role in modulating GH secretion has been debated. We describe the case of a young woman chronically taking melatonin for sleep disturbances, referring to her general practitioner for flushing that appeared just after starting melatonin intake. Laboratory findings showed elevated plasma levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). She did not show clinical features resembling acromegaly. The evaluation of pituitary and pituitary end organ hormones showed normal plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), estradiol, free thyroid hormones, cortisol, and prolactin. Urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels were normal. One month after melatonin withdrawal, her plasma levels of GH, together with IGF-1, completely normalized. An oral glucose suppression test showed a normal response of GH secretion, further excluding an autonomous secretion. Physicians should be aware of the possible interference of melatonin on GH secretion to prevent misleading diagnosis of autonomous secretion thus avoiding valueless and costly clinical investigations.
An Appetite for Flames in the Japanese Art World during the 1980s
Authors: Winther-Tamaki Bert 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A rash of fire-centered artistic practices—whether featuring live flames and smoke or charred wood and ash—were among the most sensational phenomena sponsored by institutions of contemporary art in Japan in the 1980s. This “fire art” flourished in an affluent period for Japan that was frequently termed the economic bubble due to skyrocketing real-estate prices which proved unsustainable when the bubble burst in the early 1990s. This economy also spurred sharp increases in energy consumption and the production of greenhouse gases leading to global warming. The Tokyo-centered art world was interlaced with transnational currents, and artists visiting from overseas helped satiate its appetite for artistic flames. The five Japanese and non-Japanese artists studied in this article had very different reasons for igniting fires, and the expressive sensibilities of their burnings ranged from the grim specter of an incinerated sarcophagus to the dazzling mountaintop explosion of gunpowder. Nonetheless, collectively their works may be assessed as a unique genre of fire art that was both critical and symptomatic of the promethean Japanese contributions to the Great Acceleration.
Unobscured off-axis three-mirror freeform all-aluminum imaging telescope
Authors: Yu Jiadong , Mao Xianglong , Gao Rong , Li Jinpeng , Wang Peng , Xu Zhichen , Yuan Ying , Wang Fengbiao 
Published: January 2025

Freeform optics has emerged as a significant design tool over the past decade. Non-rotationally symmetric optical surfaces enable high-performance imaging systems to achieve a large field of view (FOV), high resolution, low distortion, lightweight construction, and compact structure simultaneously. Advances in single-point diamond-turning fabrication and computer-generated hologram (CGH)-based metrology are gradually making optical imaging with freeform optics more practical. In this paper, we present the development and verification of an unobscured off-axis three-mirror freeform aluminum imaging telescope (FAIT). The design, fabrication, metrology, and assembly processes of the FAIT are discussed in detail. This system achieves an unobscured FOV of 4∘×4∘ with a maximum distortion of less than 1%. The optical modulation transfer function (MTF) across the full FOV exceeds 0.7 at the Nyquist spatial frequency of 90 lp/mm within the wavelength range of 400–900 nm. By integrating aluminum freeform reflectors with mechanical and electronic systems, the final FAIT successfully captures high-resolution photographs both on the ground and in near-Earth orbit. The all-freeform mirrors ensure that the FAIT maintains a compact envelope. Furthermore, the all-aluminum optomechanical structure facilitates effective athermalization while preserving cost-effectiveness and lightweight characteristics. Additionally, its weight of approximately 2.9 kg renders the entire FAIT system highly advantageous for space applications.
Prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide tendency among individual with long-COVID and determinants: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bidhendi-Yarandi Razieh , Biglarian Akbar , Karlstad Jannike Lie , Moe Cathrine Fredriksen , Bakhshi Enayatollah , Khodaei-Ardakani Mohammad-Reza , Behboudi-Gandevani Samira 
Published: January 2025

Background
While mental health alterations during active COVID-19 infection have been documented, the prevalence of long-term mental health consequences remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mental health symptoms—depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal tendencies—and to identify their trends and associated risk factors in individuals with long-COVID.

Methods
We conducted a systematic literature search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO up to August 2024, targeting observational studies published in English. Study quality was assessed using structured standard tools. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal tendencies in individuals with long-COVID. Secondary outcomes included trends in these mental health problems over time and identification of associated determinants.

Results
A total of 94 eligible studies were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence estimates, regardless of follow up times duration, were as follows: depression, 25% (95%CI:22–28%; PI:1–59%); anxiety (adjusted via trim and fill method), 23%(95%CI:21–25%;PI:2–35%); composite outcomes of depression and/or anxiety, 25% (95%CI:23–27%;PI:2–51%); stress, 26%(95%CI:13–39%;PI:1–69%); and suicidality, 19%(95%CI:15–22%;PI:13–25%). The results of meta-regression analyses revealed a statistically significant trend showing a gradual decrease in the prevalence of the composite outcome of anxiety and/or depression over time (RD = -0.004,P = 0.022). Meta-regression results indicated that being female and younger age were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of mental health symptoms. Study design and study setting did not contribute to heterogeneity.

Conclusion
One-fourth of individual with long-COVID experience mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and stress, which remain prevalent even two years post-infection despite a slight decreasing trend. Factors such as female gender and younger age were linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. These findings indicate the need for ongoing mental health screening and early interventions to mitigate long-term psychological distress in long-COVID patients.
Use of evidence-based health professions education: Attitudes and practices of academic leaders
Authors: Nawabi Shazia , Waseem Rida Fatima , Binrayes AbdulAziz , Abulhamael Ayman Moaz , Ahmad Zaina , Khan Kiran Imtiaz , Habib Syed Rashid , Javed Muhammad Qasim 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes, practices, supports, and barriers of academic leaders regarding the use of Evidence-Based Health Professional Education (EBHPE).

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 79 faculty members in leadership positions, from four different undergraduate colleges at Qassim University. A pre-validated questionnaire was distributed electronically. The e-questionnaire was comprised of 38 questions regarding participants’ demographics, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers/supports towards EBHPE. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic characteristics and responses to survey items. The frequency distribution of the subjects was analyzed, and the median and means were calculated. Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparison of the means between the demographic groups. Spearman correlation was utilized to determine any relationships between the questionnaire’s three sections.

Results
Of the 79 participants, 24 were Department Heads and 48 were female. The mean±SD values for Attitude, Practices and Support/Barriers were found to be 3.47±0.40, 2.72±0.84 and 3.34±0.43, respectively. The mean value of Attitude Score was > 3.41, therefore, it was interpreted that respondents had positive attitude towards EBHPE. Conversely, the values for Practices and Support/Barriers were interpreted as neutral (range = 2.61–3.40), neither good nor bad. The correlation coefficients between ’attitudes’ and ’supports and barriers’ (0.388) and ‘practices’ and ‘supports and barriers’ (0.388) indicated the weak association between these factors. The Cronbach’s α value for questionnaire was found to be 0.887 indicating its reliability.

Conclusions
This study concludes that the respondents had positive attitude towards EBHPE. However, this positive attitude was not reflected in their practices. Healthcare professionals should be committed to educational excellence, and endeavour to rely on evidence-based literature regarding the planning and review of learning, teaching, and assessment strategies.
Pooled prevalence and associated factors of traditional uvulectom among children in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Demis Kebede Solomon , Agmas Kindu , Kefale Demewoz , Kassaw Amare , Aytenew Tigabu Munye 
Published: January 2025

Background
Traditional childhood uvulectomy (TCU) is an unregulated cultural practice associated with significant health risks, including infections, anemia, aspiration, and oral or pharyngeal injuries. The reuse of unsafe tools such as blades, needles, or thread loops exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis B. Despite its clinical significance, the pooled prevalence and associated factors of TCU have not been adequately examined through systematic reviews or meta-analyses.

Objective
This review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of TCU in some African countries.

Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online, to identify relevant studies. A weighted inverse-variance random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated predictors of TCU. Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using a forest plot, I2 statistics, and Egger’s test, ensuring the robustness and reliability of the findings. Missing data was handled by random effect model and sensitivity analysis. Data extraction was conducted fromNovember 6 to December 23, 2023.

Eligibility criteria
Included studies focused on children aged birth to under 15 years, examining TCU defined as the partial or complete removal of the uvula by traditional healers.

Participants
Eleven primary studies comprising 7,231 children from some countries in Africa were included.

Results
Pooled estimate of TCU in some African countries was 40.98% (95% CI: 25.04–56.92; I2 = 99.61, P = 0.001). Mothers residing in rural areas were 2.45 times more likely to have a child experienced TCU compared to those in urban areas (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.59–3.32). Similarly, Mothers with a history of having a previous child who undergo TCU were 8.44 times more likely to seek the procedure for their other children compared to mothers without such a history (AOR = 8.44; 95% CI: 6.27–10.61). However, caution is warranted when interpreting these findings due to the significant heterogeneity reported across the included studies, which may influence the generalizability of the results.

Conclusions
Nearly two-fifths of children in some African countries experienced TCU, which was influenced by maternal history and rural residency. While most procedures did not result in hospitalization, significant health risks remain. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions within maternal and child health programs to address TCU and mitigate its associated morbidity in the affected countries across Africa.

Prospero I.D.
CRD42024498699.
The impact of anticoagulant-related bleeding on quality of life: Development of a novel measure based on perspectives from older adults
Authors: Parks Anna L. , Slager Stacey L. , Cizik Amy M. , Fang Margaret C. , Supiano Mark A. , Katz Patti P. , Witt Daniel M. 
Published: January 2025

Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AF) disproportionately affect older adults, who are at increased risk of bleeding from treatment with anticoagulant therapy. The impact of bleeding on older adults’ quality of life (QoL) is poorly understood due to the lack of a validated measure of their experience. This study’s purpose is to describe the first evidence-based steps in developing a new condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for the effect of anticoagulant-related bleeding on older adults’ QoL.

Methods
Adults aged 65 years and older with VTE or AF at the University of Utah who were eligible for anticoagulation were recruited. We purposely sampled by age, sex, race/ethnicity, diagnosis, bleeding history and anticoagulant. In accordance with evidence-based guidelines for PROM development, focus groups were conducted to refine a hypothesized conceptual model of bleeding-related QoL and analyzed according to hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis methods. Focus group results were used to write a draft PROM. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to revise items on the draft PROM and were analyzed using thematic analysis to generate a final bleeding-related QoL PROM.

Results
Twenty individuals participated in interviews, and nine in two focus groups. Median age was 81 (range 69–95), 52% were women and 69% were White (10% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 7% Black, 3% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander). Through inductive and deductive thematic analysis of focus groups, we identified 19 themes (e.g., specific bleeding symptoms, adaptations in relationships, fatigue) that fell into 5 domains: 1) bleeding symptoms, 2) healthcare experiences, 3) social function, 4) emotional function, 5) physical function. These 19 themes and 5 domains formed the basis of the draft PROM. We conducted semi-structured cognitive interviews, and we performed thematic analysis to revise the drafted measure for clarity and relevance. The data resulted in a new PROM for bleeding-related QoL in older adults.

Conclusion
Employing evidence-based methods for PROM development, we found that bleeding can have a marked impact on everyday activities, emotional wellbeing and interpersonal relations for older adults. We incorporated these distinct aspects of wellbeing and function into a novel PROM for bleeding-related QoL that can inform clinical care and research after subsequent psychometric validation.