bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of materials for palm and dorsal of anti-vibration gloves for thermal comfort
Authors: Yu Annie , Sukigara Sachiko 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe thermal comfort of a work glove affects wear compliance. This study investigates the thermal comfort of five types of anti-vibration gloves that use chloroprene rubber and spacer fabric as materials to isolate vibration. An evaluation of the fabric and material on the palm and dorsal of the glove, and a wear trial of the gloves were subsequently carried out. The results showed that the palm of the glove made of spacer fabric had higher air and water vapour permeabilities than chloroprene rubber. Using a thin mesh fabric for the dorsal of the glove resulted in a significantly lower skin temperature than using spacer fabric or chloroprene rubber during hand activity. The thermal sensation of the subjects showed no significant difference among the five glove samples. However, the glove wear comfort of the spacer fabric glove was the lowest. Recommendations for the fabric thickness and glove design are provided for developing anti-vibration gloves.
Psychological distress and associated factors among asthmatic patients in Southern, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Ashager Kidist , Feleke Mulualem Gete , Degefu Sindu , Elfios Eshetu , Getnet Asmamaw , Ezo Elias , Sintayehu Mezinew 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
There is an increased prevalence of psychological distress in adults with asthma. Psychological distress describes unpleasant feelings or emotions that impact the level of functioning. It is a significant exacerbating factor in asthma control. Addressing factors that contribute to psychological distress in those asthma patients improves asthma outcomes. So, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among asthmatic patients at Hawassa public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to select 394 asthma patients. Proportional allocation and systematic sampling techniques were used to select study participants. A logistic regression model was used to assess the predictors and psychological distress of the asthmatic patient. The association was interpreted using the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Result
A total of 394 asthma patients participated in the study, giving a response rate of 93.4%. The prevalence of psychological distress among asthmatic patients was 51% [95%CI: 46%-56%]. Participants who had comorbid medical illness [AOR: 6.049, 95% CI (3.131–11.684)], experienced stigma [AOR: 3.587, 95%CI (1.914–6.723)], chewed khat [AOR: 7.268, 95%CI (3.468–15.231)], had poor social support and had uncontrolled asthma were significantly associated with psychological distress in asthmatic patients.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that the prevalence of psychological distress was found to be high among asthmatic patients. Social support, stigma, chewing khat, comorbid medical illness, and poor asthmatic control had significantly associated with psychological distress in asthmatic patients.
Fermented mutton in the Faroe Islands: the survival of a local artisanship and food heritage
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDried and fermented mutton has been an essential storable protein source in an economy where weather conditions and seasonal fluctuations affect the availability of food. For generations, the Faroe islanders have prepared ræstkjøt (fermented and semidried mutton) and skerpikjøt (dried mutton) as an efficient and valuable cultural strategy for preserving meat. The data for this study have been collected through anthropological and ethnobiological fieldwork as an embedded participant observer, supplemented with studies from written sources. Data were selected and qualitatively analysed. Our findings show that this traditional cuisine, so far rarely noticed by researchers as a food heritage, requires that the islanders have access to sheep, master the technique of properly treating the slaughtered carcases, and that the necessary ecological conditions, in relation to wind and temperature, prevail for the meat to ferment and dry. They must also have access to the necessary equipment and skills, and be able to assess when the dried meat is cured. The relationship that exists between humans and the active microorganisms in this specific context is also discussed. Appreciating and consuming local fermented food is also an important way of expressing Faroese cultural identity. Once a staple for rural people, fermented mutton is nowadays a rather exclusive delicacy. The study provides insights into a complex activity that includes local artisanship and food heritage based on the triangle of human–sheep-microbiota.
Some quality properties of yellow-fleshed sweet potato flour as affected by different drying methods
Authors: Badiora Olanike Aishat , Morakinyo Tunde Afolabi , Taiwo Kehinde Adekunbi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study compared some quality properties of yellow-fleshed sweet potato flour samples as affected by pretreatments (0.02% sulfite; blanching 85 °C for 3 min 30 s and steam blanching 100 °C for 2 min) and drying methods (oven, sun, and drum drying). The physicochemical composition, functional properties, pasting profile, and least gelation concentration of the flours were determined. Before pretreatment, the sweet potato tubers were sorted, weighed, rinsed, peeled, and diced. The smallest particle size (58 μm) was recorded for samples blanched at 85 °C followed by oven drying while drum-dried samples had the largest particle size (119.5 μm). The pH values (5.58 - 5.90) of the pretreated sun- and oven-dried samples were significantly (p<0.05) impacted by 0.02% sulfite. Compared to other drying methods. drum-dried samples had low bulk density (0.36 g/ml), the highest water (531%) and oil absorption capacities (168.5%,) and the least dispersibility (35%). Drum-dried samples had the highest swelling capacities at 60 – 80 °C but the values decreased at 80 – 90 °C compared to samples from other drying methods that had low swelling capacity at 60 - 70 °C but the values increased as the temperature increased from 70 – 90 °C. Results of the sample pasting profiles showed that pretreatment and drying techniques were significant on the various viscosities measured. Drum-dried samples had the lowest trough viscosity (18.13 RVU), final viscosity (24.88 RVU), setback viscosity (6.75 RVU), peak time (1.07 min), and pasting temperature (0 °C). This study concluded that the pretreatment and drying methods affected the quality properties of the yellow-fleshed sweet potato flour samples differently, consequently altering their functionality.
Graphical Abstract
Identification of main characteristics influencing the suitability for telerehabilitation in stroke patients: Quantitative analyses of the REHA2030 Assessment
Authors: Fink Sascha H. , Sýkorová Jitka Bonková , Wohofsky Lukas , Krainer Daniela 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The Austria-Slovenian project REHA2030, with a broad spectrum of expertise, was focused on making the process of telerehabilitation (TR) possible as valuable user-centred post-clinical rehabilitation of stroke patients in rural areas. Health-related factors, impairments, and environmental and demographic factors influence the patients´ suitability for stroke TR interventions and serve as possible risk factors for patients´ non-adherence or drop-out. The REHA2030 Assessment aimed to identify barriers and resources that should be considered to enable people to participate in TR according to the REHA2030 approach. For that, a structured questionnaire, the “REHA Assessment”, with 88 items, was developed and conducted by therapists about 160 stroke survivors in two rehabilitation clinics. The effect of the 87 characteristics on suitability was statistically analysed using parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results
Twenty-five main personal and environmental characteristics significantly influencing TR's suitability in stroke patients were identified. Significant factors differences between participants ranked as suitable or not suitable for TR were short-term memory, motivation, visual and hearing abilities, and the ambulation scale. Furthermore, the ability to use technology (self-tech knowledge), daily phone or tablet use, and the general willingness to participate in the therapy were considered. The living situation (housing) and their independence in performing daily tasks such as eating (grooming, dressing, and use of toilet also influence the suitability of the participants. Another essential variable to indicate suitability is compliance.

Conclusions
Analysis of the study results showed cognitive abilities, visual and hearing abilities, compliance and willingness to participate in the therapy, together with the knowledge of using technology, as the most enabling factors influencing the suitability for TR in stroke patients in chronic stage. Additionally, the patients´ compliance depends on intrinsic motivation to participate in the REHA2030 TR system, which could be supported by increasing proficiency in digital technologies. In the deliberations of TR assessment, the acquired knowledge from the presented study should be considered with caution to limitations of the research data representing personal views of therapists on the patient´s suitability for REHA2030 TR.
High risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) with MNA and age <18 months: Results from the HR-NBL1/SIOPEN trial.
Authors: Ladenstein Ruth Lydia , Poetschger Ulrike , Valteau Couanet Dominique , Ash Shifra , Beck Popovic Maja , Balwierz Walentyna , Boterberg Tom , Chan Godfrey Chi-Fung , Elliott Martin , Kogner Per , Lode Holger N. , Laureys Genevieve , Luksch Roberto , Malis Josef , Owens Cormac , Papadakis Vassilios , Sarnacki Sabine , Taschner-Mandl Sabine , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Canete Adela 
Published: June 2023

10000 Background: The INES 99.4 trial (JCO 2009,27(7):1014-9) for MYCN amplified (MNA) infants using 6 courses of CBDCA-Vp16/CADO showed early progressions or non-response in 30%. Two-year overall survival (OS) was 30% (SE, 0.08) with median survival of 12 months. Aims are to report risk factors and outcomes for patients < 18 months with MNA neuroblastoma treated on HR-NBL1/SIOPEN. Methods: From 2006-2022, patients < 18 months with MNA INSS stages > 1 were eligible. All infants received Rapid Cojec induction, eventually 2 TVDs, Busulfan-Melphalan as high-dose treatment and could receive Dinutuximab- beta immunotherapy. Toddlers (12-18 months) followed the HR-NBL1/SIOPEN respective eligibility criteria. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 1.2 years in 414 patients (median follow up 7 years): 56% were male; 18.6% had localised tumours, 6.8% stage 4S and 75% stage 4. The predominant primary tumour site was abdominal (85%). Rapid Cojec was used in 85%, BUMEL in 89% and 26% received Dinutuximab-beta. Multiple metastatic compartments were reported in 82% of stage 4. Five-year event-free (5y-EFS) and overall survival (5y-OS) was 0.46±0.03 and 0.51±0.03. Stage 2,3&4S patients had a better 5y-EFS of 0.64±0.03 (p < 0.005) (5y-OS:0.66±0.06), compared to stage 4 with 0.41±0.03 (OS:0.46±0.03). Infants’ 5y-EFS was superior with 0.53±0.04 (5y-OS:0.57±0.04) (p = 0.015) over the toddlers with 5y-EFS 0.42±0.03 (5y-OS:0.46±0.03). Patients with bone marrow (BM) and skeletal metastases ± other sites (MS) did worse (p < 0.005) with a 5y-EFS of 0.31±0.04 (5y-OS:0.36±0.04) whilst other metastatic combinations revealed outcomes above 0.50 ±0.03. LDH (2x > normal) predicted a worse 5y-EFS of 0.43±0.03 (5y-OS:0.46±0.03) (p < 0.001) versus normal LDH (5y-EFS 0.71±0.07; 5y-OS:0.80±0.06). EFS multivariable analysis at diagnosis (MVA) showed independent significance for stage 4 (p-value 0.0139; HR: 1.608) and LDH (p-value 0.0042; HR: 2,237), but not for age. In stage 4 patients MVA on EFS found LDH (p-value 0.0098; HR: 2,567) and BM/skeleton involvement (p-value 0.0024; HR: 1,693) as independent risk predictors. In maintenance Dinutuximab-beta had a major impact on 5y-EFS in stage 4 patients with 0.69±0.05(5y-OS:0.71±0.05) vs. 0.41±0-07 (0.46±0.07) for those treated with 13-cis retinoic acid (p = 0.002 & p = 0.001), but not on others. Conclusions: In HR-NBL1/SIOPEN outcomes improved with almost half of patients alive at 5 years and only few late events. Clinical trial information: NCT01704716 .
Physical and emotional quality of life in children with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia randomized to every 4- vs. 12-week vincristine/dexamethasone during maintenance: Children’s Oncology Group AALL0932.
Authors: Balsamo Lyn M. , Kairalla John A , Hibbitts Emily , Rodwin Rozalyn L , Devidas Meenakshi , Dreyzin Alexandra , Winick Naomi J. , Carroll William L. , Hunger Stephen , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Schore Reuven J. , Loh Mignon L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Angiolillo Anne L. , Kadan-Lottick Nina S. 
Published: June 2023

10025 Background: Children with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) undergo 2-3 years of treatment that impacts their quality of life. AALL0932 randomized reduction in vincristine and dexamethasone pulses (VCR/DEX every 4 weeks vs. every 12 weeks) during maintenance in the average-risk (AR) subset of NCI standard risk (SR) B-ALL. We longitudinally measured physical and emotional function overall and by treatment. Methods: SR AR B-ALL patients enrolled on AALL0932, aged ≥4 years, with English-speaking parents were evaluated at 5 timepoints (T1-T5: end consolidation, maintenance month 1, maintenance month 10, maintenance month 18 for boys/end of therapy for girls, end of therapy for boys). Parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales 4.0 and a survey of supportive services received. Age- and sex-matched z scores and proportion impaired ( > 2 SD below normative mean; 2.5% expected in normative population) on the emotional and physical function subscales were measured longitudinally and compared by treatment with the Fisher’s exact test and repeated measures logistic regression. Results: Consent and data were obtained from 555 participants (mean/sd age = 6.0±1.6 years, 46.8% female). Among randomized participants with completed evaluations, 31.3% had impaired physical function at T1 decreasing to 12.5% at T4. Emotional function was impaired in 24.5% of patients at T1 decreasing to 9.8% at T4. Overall 34.9-43.8% received special education/accommodations at T1-T5; there was low use of other services (Table). In adjusted analysis, treatment group was not associated with physical or emotional function. T2 impairment predicted increased risk of impairment at T4 for physical (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.3-9.7, p < 0.0001) and emotional (OR = 4.7, CI 2.3-9.5, p < 0.0001) function. Conclusions: Impaired physical and emotional function were prevalent early in SR AR B-ALL therapy, improved by the end of therapy, but remained higher than norms. Outcomes did not vary with VCR/DEX frequency. Patients with early emotional and physical impairment are at elevated risk of later impairment. Clinical trial information: NCT01190930 . [Table: see text]
Accelerated brain age and associated neurocognitive impairments in adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Authors: Phillips Nicholas Steve , Baedke Jessica L , Williams AnnaLynn , Ji Qing , Zhang Silu , Scoggins Matthew , Sabin Noah , Merchant Thomas E. , Gajjar Amar J. , Ness Kirsten K. , Hudson Melissa M. , Yasui Yutaka , Krull Kevin R. 
Published: June 2023

10028 Background: Structural brain aging assessed from routine clinical MRI exams is associated with neurologic and neurocognitive impairments in older non-cancer populations yet is unexplored in childhood cancer survivors. Methods: Neurocognitive assessments and clinical 3-D T1 MRI whole brain images were obtained on 253 childhood cancer survivors (acute lymphoblastic leukemia = 118; brain tumor = 49; Hodgkin lymphoma = 86) and 43 community controls. Brain age was estimated using open-source Gaussian process regression software (BrainAgeR) on visually inspected, segmented, and normalized MRI scans. Benjamin-Hochberg adjusted T-tests were used to compare age-adjusted neurocognitive z-scores between controls and survivors. Linear regression tested associations between brain age acceleration (brain age-chronological age) and treatment (multivariable), and neurocognitive outcomes (univariable). Results: Survivors (mean(SD) age 31.2[8.9]) had poorer executive function (Trails B survivors -0.72 vs controls 0.32, p < 0.0001), processing speed (Grooved Peg Board -0.77 vs 0.05, p < 0.0001), memory (visual selection -0.73 vs -0.10, p = 0.0010; digit backward span -0.45 vs 0.08, p = 0.0304), vocabulary (WASI vocabulary -0.43 vs 0.14, p = 0.0007), and reading (WJ letter word -0.43 vs -0.05, p = 0.0006) compared to controls. In survivors, mean[95%CI] brain age was 7.5[6.4 to 8.6] years older than chronologic age; 0.65[-1.0 to 2.3] years for controls. Compared to males without cranial radiation, for females age≥10 years at cancer diagnosis treated with ≥40Gy cranial radiation, brain age acceleration was 13.35 years (p < 0.001), which worsened by an additional 9.81 years (p = 0.017) for those diagnosed < 10 years. Greater brain age acceleration was associated with a worse performance in executive function (β = -1.73, p < 0.001), processing speed (β = -2.18, p < 0.001), memory (β = -2.07, p < 0.001; β = -1.78, p < 0.029), vocabulary (β = -2.04, p < 0.001), and reading (β = -3.77,p < 0.001). Conclusions: Survivors of childhood cancer experience significant brain age acceleration that is associated with impairments in neurocognitive function. In non-cancer populations, accelerated brain age has been shown to predict late morbidities and mortalities. BrainAge is a promising surrogate biomarker that could predict cognitive decline and improve early detection of dementia risk. Finally, it highlights the risk of cranial radiation in < 10-year-old female cancer survivors.
Adherence to mercaptopurine (6-MP) and habit strength in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Authors: Yang Mira , Badawy Sherif Mohamed , Singh Revika , King Kathryn 
Published: June 2023

10030 Background: Rates of adherence to mercaptopurine (6-MP) below 90% have been associated with increased relapse in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Habit strength has been associated with medication adherence through multiple mechanisms, including self-efficacy and social norms. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between habit strength, adherence to 6-MP, and health-related quality of life domains. Methods: This was a single center, cross-sectional study. A total of 52 participants, including 11 patients (ages 12-23, mean age 16 ± 4, 45% Female) and 41 parents/caregivers (ages 25-43, mean age 37 ± 5, 80% Female) of patients with ALL under the age of 18. Participants completed the Visual Analogue Scale (VASdose), PROMIS Medication Adherence Scale (PMAS), Self-Regulated Habit Index (SRHI), and PROMIS quality of life measures (PROMIS-CAT). Spearman’s rho correlations were used to assess relationships between variables. Eleven semi-structured interviews of patients and caregivers were conducted and analyzed using Grounded Theory coding and thematic analysis. Results: Overall, 81% (n = 42/52) of participants surveyed had high adherence to 6-MP (VASdose ≥95%); 91% (n = 10/11) of patients and 78% (n = 32/41 of parents/caregivers reported high adherence. The median VASdose and PMAS score were 100% (IQR 97-100) and 39.5 (IQR 38-40) across all participants, respectively. Participants with higher adherence, VASdose ≥ 95% and PMAS ≥ 39.5, reported less physiological stress (p = 0.02), and better cognitive function (p = 0.09) and peer relations (p = 0.08), compared to those with lower adherence. No significant correlation was found between medication adherence rate and habit strength. Emerging themes from qualitative coding included the influence of routine and automaticity on 6-MP as well as adherence strategies. Strategies such as reminders, care team communication, and developing personalized tools were cited by participants as potentially improving adherence in taking or administering 6-MP. Other facilitating participant characteristics included experience with medication administration, self-efficacy, and access to social support. Financial burden, scheduling conflicts, and medication access were common barriers cited by participants. Conclusions: Nearly one-fifth of our participants reported lower adherence to 6-MP (VASdose < 95%), which increases risk of relapse. Medication adherence to 6-MP was not associated with habit strength, but our results show preliminary associations between adherence rates and quality of life outcomes, such as physiological stress. Behavioral interventions are needed to better optimize adherence to 6-MP and improve health outcomes in pediatric ALL.
A phase 1b study of crizotinib in combination with temsirolimus in pediatric ALK- or MET-aberrated relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma (ITCC-053): Results of the phase 1 part.
Authors: Schellekens Kim , Schoot Reineke Anna , van Eijkelenburg Natasha K.A. , Huitema Alwin , Casanova Michela , Reinhardt Dirk , Marshall Lynley V. , Aerts Isabelle , Barone Giuseppe , Chesler Louis , Tall Jennifer , Hughes Debbie , Dandis Rana , Moreno Lucas , Winkler-Seinstra Pauline L.H. , Wilner Keith D. , Zwaan C Michel , van der Lugt Jasper 
Published: June 2023

10036 Background: Preclinical data in neuroblastoma (NBL) models provided evidence that the addition of an mTOR inhibitor with crizotinib may overcome the relative resistance to ALK inhibitors (Berry et al., 2012, Cancer Cell). The primary objective of this phase 1b trial was to establish the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of crizotinib in combination with the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus in pediatric NBL patients. Methods: Patients aged 1-21 years with relapsed/refractory ALK/MET aberrated NBL were eligible to enroll onto stratum 2 of the CRISP trial (EudraCT: 2015-005437-53, ITCC-053), sponsored by Erasmus MC. This was an open-label, non-randomized, two-stage phase 1b dose finding study. Crizotinib was dose escalated using the EWOC method in four dose levels (DL) ranging from 100 mg/m2 to 280 mg/m2 twice daily (BID) in 28 day cycles. Temsirolimus was administered intravenously in a fixed dose of 60 mg/m2/week. Both starting doses were reduced compared to the single agent RP2D because of an expected CYP3A4 interaction. Primary endpoint was dose limiting toxicity (DLT) during cycle 1. Radiological disease assessments and blood sampling for pharmacokinetics were scheduled per protocol. Results: Nine NBL patients were enrolled onto stratum 2 between 06-2018 and 12-2022. Eight patients with a median age of 7 years (range: 1-12) received trial treatment. The temsirolimus dose was reduced to 40 mg/m2 after the first 3 patients based on unexpected toxicity. DLTs occurred in 2/3 patients treated with crizotinib at DL2 (200 mg/m2 BID); grade 3 elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and grade 3 gastritis (temsirolimus dose; see table). No DLT occurred in 5 patients treated with crizotinib DL1 (150 mg/m2 BID). Dose re-escalation of crizotinib to DL2 was considered not feasible. The RP2D was established at 150 mg/m2 BID crizotinib with 40 mg/m2 temsirolimus. Frequent grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were anorexia, gastritis, oral mucositis (n = 2) and anemia (n = 3). Treatment, toxicity and response are summarized in table. Conclusions: We established a RP2D of 150 mg/m2 BID crizotinib in combination with 40 mg/m2 temsirolimus. The expansion cohort is currently open for enrollment. Clinical trial information: EUCTR2015-005437-53 . [Table: see text]