bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing service availability and readiness to manage cervical cancer in Bangladesh
Authors: Rakhshanda Shagoofa , Dalal Koustuv , Chowdhury Hasina Akhter , Mayaboti Cinderella Akbar , Paromita Progga , Rahman A. K. M. Fazlur , Hussain A. H. M. Eanayet , Mashreky Saidur Rahman 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The second most common cancer among females in Bangladesh is cervical cancer. The national strategy for cervical cancer needs monitoring to ensure that patients have access to care. In order to provide accurate information to policymakers in Bangladesh and other low and middle income countries, it is vital to assess current service availability and readiness to manage cervical cancer at health facilities in Bangladesh.

Methods
An interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization Service Availability and Readiness Assessment Standard Tool was used to collect cross-sectional data from health administrators of 323 health facilities in Bangladesh. Services provided were categorized into domains and service readiness was determined by mean readiness index (RI) scores. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 13.

Results
There were seven tertiary and specialized hospitals, 118 secondary level health facilities, 124 primary level health facilities, and 74 NGO/private hospitals included in the study. Twenty-six per cent of the health facilities provided services to cancer patients. Among the 34 tracer items used to assess cancer management capacity of health facilities, four cervical cancer-specific tracer items were used to determine service readiness for cervical cancer. On average, tertiary and specialized hospitals surpassed the readiness index cutoff of 70% with adequate staff and training (100%), equipment (100%), and diagnostic facilities (85.7%), indicating that they were ready to manage cervical cancer. The mean RI scores for the rest of the health facilities were below the cutoff value, meaning that they were not prepared to provide adequate cervical cancer services.

Conclusion
The health facilities in Bangladesh (except for some tertiary hospitals) lack readiness in cervical cancer management in terms of guidelines on diagnosis and treatment, training of staff, and shortage of equipment. Given that cervical cancer accounts for more than one-fourth of all female cancers in Bangladesh, management of cervical cancer needs to be available at all levels of health facilities, with primary level facilities focusing on early diagnosis. It is recommended that appropriate standard operating procedures on cervical cancer be developed for each level of health facilities to contribute towards attaining sustainable developmental goals.
Use of social service counseling by cancer patients: an analysis of quality assurance data of 6339 breast cancer patients from 13 certified centers in Germany treated between 2015 and 2017
Authors: Breidenbach Clara , Wesselmann Simone , Sibert Nora Tabea , Ortmann Olaf , Blankenburg Katrin , Stoklossa Cindy , Gebauer Gerhard , dos Santos Guilherme Marina , Lindner Christoph , Peschel Susanne , Schad Friedemann , Strecker Paul , Rieger Lorenz , Ferencz Julia , Dieng Sebastian , Kowalski Christoph 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Integrated social care may help to mitigate social risk factors in order to achieve more equitable health outcomes. In cancer centers certified according to the criteria set out by the German Cancer Society, every patient must be given low-threshold access to qualified social workers at the center for in-house social service counseling (SSC). Previous analyses have demonstrated large variation in the utilization of these services across individual centers. Therefore, this research aims at investigating whether SSC utilization varies regarding breast cancer patient characteristics and center characteristics presenting a unique approach of using routine data.

Methods
Multilevel modeling was performed using quality assurance data based on 6339 patients treated in 13 certified breast cancer centers in Germany in order to investigate whether SSC utilization varies with patient sex, age, and disease characteristics as well as over time and across centers.

Results
In the sample, 80.3% of the patients used SSC. SSC use varies substantially between centers for the unadjusted model (ICC = 0.24). Use was statistically significantly (P < .001) more likely in women, patients with invasive (in comparison to tumor in situ/ductal carcinoma in situ) diseases (P < .001), patients with both breasts affected (P = .03), patients who received a surgery (P < .001), patients who were diagnosed in 2015 or 2017 compared to 2016 (P < .001) and patients older than 84 years as compared to patients between 55 and 64 years old (P = .002).

Conclusion
The analysis approach allows a unique insight into the reality of cancer care. Sociodemographic and disease-related patient characteristics were identified to explain SSC use to some extent.
Acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy during pembrolizumab treatment for metastatic melanoma: a case report
Authors: Lambert Ine , Fasolino Giuseppe , Awada Gil , Kuijpers Robert , ten Tusscher Marcel , Neyns Bart 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The use of immunomodulating therapy to treat various cancers has been on the rise and these immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to cause ocular side effects. In this article a case of acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) is reported which developed during a first line treatment with pembrolizumab.

Case presentation
A 54-year-old woman was referred because of blurry vision in both eyes with a yellow spot in the central visual field of the left eye. These symptoms started after four treatments with pembrolizumab (a monoclonal antibody against the programmed cell death receptor-1) for a metastatic recurrent vaginal mucosal melanoma. Her best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in both eyes with a correction of + 2.00 bilaterally. There were no inflammatory findings in the anterior segment or the vitreous. Fundoscopy revealed an attenuation of the foveal reflex with subtle yellow-white subretinal macular deposits (vitelliform lesions) in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography did not show staining or leakage in the mid-phase, neither a late staining. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the macula illustrated bilateral neurosensory retinal detachment with a thick, highly reflective band at the outer photoreceptor segment. En face structural OCT at the level of the photoreceptors showed focal areas of increased signal corresponding to hyperreflective vitelliform material. The treatment with pembrolizumab was ceased immediately. During the following visits we slowly saw an improvement of the neurosensory retinal detachment. After almost four months a total resolution of the subretinal fluid was visualized in both eyes without the use of additional treatment, though the vitelliform deposits persisted.

Conclusions
The development of AEPVM in melanoma patients could be triggered by treatment with Pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab has the potential to disturb indirectly the retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis with accumulation of lipofuscin deposits and subretinal fluid, both signs of AEPVM.
Daily variation in sleep characteristics in individuals with and without post traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Biggs Quinn M. , Ursano Robert J. , Wang Jing , Wynn Gary H. , Amin Rohul , Fullerton Carol S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about how daily variation in sleep characteristics is related to PTSD. This study examined the night-to-night and weekday versus weekend variation in sleep duration, sleep quality, trouble falling asleep, and difficulty staying asleep in individuals with and without PTSD.

Methods
Participants (N = 157; 80 with PTSD, 77 without PTSD) completed daily self-reports of their nighttime sleep characteristics for 15 consecutive days. Linear mixed models were used to examine the associations between the 7 days of the week and weekday versus weekend variation in sleep characteristics and PTSD.

Results
Individuals with PTSD reported shorter sleep duration, lower sleep quality, more trouble falling asleep, and more difficulty staying asleep than individuals without PTSD. The pattern of change across the week and between weekdays and weekends was different between those with and without PTSD for sleep quality and trouble falling asleep. Among those with PTSD, sleep duration, sleep quality, and trouble falling asleep differed across the 7 days of the week and showed differences between weekdays and weekends. For those without PTSD, only sleep duration differed across the 7 days of the week and showed differences between weekdays and weekends. Neither group showed 7 days of the week nor weekday versus weekend differences in difficulty staying asleep.

Conclusions
On average those with PTSD had shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, and greater trouble falling and staying asleep. In particular, the day of week variation in sleep quality and trouble falling asleep specifically distinguishes those with PTSD from those without PTSD. Our findings suggest that clinical care might be improved by assessments of sleep patterns and disturbances across at least a week, including weekdays and weekends. Future studies should explore the mechanisms related to the patterns of sleep disturbance among those with PTSD.
Determinants of treatment-seeking behavior during self-reported febrile illness episodes using the socio-ecological model in Kilombero District, Tanzania
Authors: Mburu Caroline M. , Bukachi Salome A. , Shilabukha Khamati , Tokpa Kathrin H. , Ezekiel Mangi , Fokou Gilbert , Bonfoh Bassirou , Kazwala Rudovick 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundFebrile diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa cause acute and chronic illness. Co-infections are common and these diseases have a complex etiology that includes zoonoses. For the implementation of appropriate treatment and control strategies, determinants of lay treatment-seeking behavior by the affected communities need to be understood. The objective of this study was to explore, using the socio-ecological model, the determinants of treatment-seeking actions among self-identified febrile illness cases in the Kilombero District of Tanzania.MethodsThirty-nine in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 men and 11 women in three villages in Kilombero district. These villages were purposively selected due to malaria endemicity in the area, animal husbandry practices, and proximity to livestock-wildlife interaction, all risk factors for contracting febrile zoonotic infections. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews to identify the key determinants of treatment-seeking actions.ResultsStudy participants attributed febrile illnesses to malaria, typhoid and urinary tract infections. Treatment-seeking behavior was an iterative process, influenced by individual, socio-cultural, ecological and policy factors. Age, expendable income, previous history with a febrile illness, perceptions on disease severity, seasonal livelihood activities and access to timely healthcare were some of the determinants. Self-treatment with pharmaceutical drugs and herbs was usually the initial course of action. Formal healthcare was sought only when self-treatment failed and traditional healers were consulted after the perceived failure of conventional treatment. Delays in seeking appropriate health care and the consultation of medically unqualified individuals was very common.ConclusionThe results imply that treatment-seeking behavior is shaped by multiple factors across all levels of the socio-ecological model. Public policy efforts need to focus on facilitating prompt health care seeking through community education on the complicated etiology of febrile illnesses. Improved access to timely treatment and better differential diagnostics by health professionals are essential to ensure correct and appropriate treatment and to reduce reliance of patients on unqualified persons.
Relationship between multimorbidity, disease cluster and all-cause mortality among older adults: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: He Kun , Zhang Wenli , Hu Xueqi , Zhao Hao , Guo Bingxin , Shi Zhan , Zhao Xiaoyan , Yin Chunyu , Shi Songhe 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have evaluated the association of multimorbidity with higher mortality, but epidemiologic data on the association between the disease clusters and all-cause mortality risk are rare. We aimed to examine the relationship between multimorbidity (number/ cluster) and all-cause mortality in Chinese older adults.

Methods
We conducted a population-based study of 50,100 Chinese participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the impact of long-term conditions (LTCs) on all-cause mortality.

Results
The prevalence of multimorbidity was 31.35% and all-cause mortality was 8.01% (50,100 participants). In adjusted models, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause mortality risk for those with 1, 2, and ≥ 3 LTCs compared with those with no LTCs was 1.45 (1.32–1.59), 1.72 (1.55–1.90), and 2.15 (1.85–2.50), respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). In the LTCs ≥2 category, the cluster of chronic diseases that included hypertension, diabetes, CHD, COPD, and stroke had the greatest impact on mortality. In the stratified model by age and sex, absolute all-cause mortality was higher among the ≥75 age group with an increasing number of LTCs. However, the relative effect size of the increasing number of LTCs on higher mortality risk was larger among those < 75 years.

Conclusions
The risk of all-cause mortality is increased with the number of multimorbidity among Chinese older adults, particularly disease clusters.
Comparison of self-reported & device-based, measured physical activity among children in Germany
Authors: Burchartz Alexander , Oriwol Doris , Kolb Simon , Schmidt Steffen C. E. , Wunsch Kathrin , Manz Kristin , Niessner Claudia , Woll Alexander 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
As children show a more complex but less structured movement behavior than adults, assessment of their many spontaneous and impulsive movements is a challenge for physical activity (PA) assessment. Since neither questionnaires nor accelerometers enable optimal detection of all facets of PA, a multimodal, combined approach of self-reported and device-based methods is recommended. Based on the number of days on which the participants reached the physical activity (PA) values given in the WHO guideline, this study examines 1) the difference between self-reported and device-based, measured PA and 2) whether PA differences between age and gender groups obtained by two methods are comparable.

Methods
Participants aged 6–17 years were randomly chosen and data were collected representatively at 167 sample points throughout Germany within the Motorik-Modul Study. PA of n = 2694 participants (52.3% female) was measured using the ActiGraph accelerometer (ACC) and a physical activity questionnaire (PAQ). The sample was divided into three age groups (6–10 yrs. n = 788, 11–13 yrs. n = 823, 14–17 yrs. n = 1083). Numbers of days per week with at least 60 min moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) were analyzed for both methods.

Results
Only every 25th respondent (4%) reaches the WHO standard of 60 min MVPA every day if measured with ACC. Self-reported PA was slightly higher (9%) (meanPAQ = 3.82 days; meanACC = 2.34 days; Fmethod = 915.85; p = <.001; fCohen = .64). The differences between the methods are significantly smaller in younger children than in the older age groups (Fage = 264.2, p < .001; fCohen = .48). The older the subjects are, the lower is the proportion of those who meet the WHO guideline on each day, with girls meeting the guideline less frequently than boys in all age groups.

Conclusion
Children and adolescents living in Germany show a very low adherence to the WHO guideline on PA. While younger children are much more active with their free play, especially children over 10 years of age and especially girls should be the target of programs to increase PA.
Estimating effective infection fatality rates during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Staerk Christian , Wistuba Tobias , Mayr Andreas 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The infection fatality rate (IFR) of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most discussed figures in the context of this pandemic. In contrast to the case fatality rate (CFR), the IFR depends on the total number of infected individuals – not just on the number of confirmed cases. In order to estimate the IFR, several seroprevalence studies have been or are currently conducted.

Methods
Using German COVID-19 surveillance data and age-group specific IFR estimates from multiple international studies, this work investigates time-dependent variations in effective IFR over the course of the pandemic. Three different methods for estimating (effective) IFRs are presented: (a) population-averaged IFRs based on the assumption that the infection risk is independent of age and time, (b) effective IFRs based on the assumption that the age distribution of confirmed cases approximately reflects the age distribution of infected individuals, and (c) effective IFRs accounting for age- and time-dependent dark figures of infections.

Results
Effective IFRs in Germany are estimated to vary over time, as the age distributions of confirmed cases and estimated infections are changing during the course of the pandemic. In particular during the first and second waves of infections in spring and autumn/winter 2020, there has been a pronounced shift in the age distribution of confirmed cases towards older age groups, resulting in larger effective IFR estimates. The temporary increase in effective IFR during the first wave is estimated to be smaller but still remains when adjusting for age- and time-dependent dark figures. A comparison of effective IFRs with observed CFRs indicates that a substantial fraction of the time-dependent variability in observed mortality can be explained by changes in the age distribution of infections. Furthermore, a vanishing gap between effective IFRs and observed CFRs is apparent after the first infection wave, while an increasing gap can be observed during the second wave.

Conclusions
The development of estimated effective IFR and observed CFR reflects the changing age distribution of infections over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Further research is warranted to obtain timely age-stratified IFR estimates, particularly in light of new variants of the virus.
Cumulative exposure characteristics of vegetable farmers exposed to Chlorpyrifos in Central Java – Indonesia; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liem Jen Fuk , Mansyur Muchtaruddin , Soemarko Dewi S. , Kekalih Aria , Subekti Imam , Suyatna Franciscus D. , Suryandari Dwi A. , Malik Safarina G. , Pangaribuan Bertha 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Agriculture is a major economic sector in Indonesia. Chemical pesticides are widely being used in agriculture for controlling pest. There is a growing concern that pesticide exposure, particularly chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure, combined with other occupational characteristics that determine the level of exposure, can lead to further health impacts for farmers. Our objective was to evaluate the cumulative exposure characteristics among farmers exposed to CPF by using a validated algorithm.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 152 vegetable farmers aged 18–65 who actively used CPF for at least 1 year in Central Java, Indonesia. Subject characteristics were obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, addressed for sociodemographic and work-related characteristics. The cumulative exposure level (CEL) was estimated as a function of the intensity level of pesticide exposure (IL), lifetime years of pesticide use and the number of days spraying per year. CEL was subsequently classified into two groups, high and low exposure groups. The difference in characteristics of the study population was measured using Chi-square, independent-t or Mann-Whitney test. Association between CEL and its characteristics variables were performed by multiple linear regression.

Results
Seventy-one subjects (46.7%) were classified as the high exposure group. The use of multiple pesticide mixtures was common among our study population, with 94% of them using 2 or more pesticides. 73% reported direct contact with concentrated pesticides product, and over 80% reported being splashed or spilt during preparation or spraying activity. However, we found that the proportion of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use in our subjects was low. Higher volume of mixture applied (p <  0.001) and broader acres of land (p = 0.001) were associated with higher cumulative exposure level, while using long-sleeved clothes and long pants (p <  0.05) during pesticide spraying were associated with lower cumulative exposure after adjusted for age and gender.

Conclusions
These findings indicate an inadequate knowledge of using pesticides properly. Thus, we recommend comprehensive training on pesticide usage and encourage proper PPE to reduce the exposure level.
Unilateral premature osteoarthritis of the hip with excessive anteversion of the femoral neck developing in the early second decade: two surgical cases
Authors: Nishimura Takahiro , Watanabe Hideaki , Taki Naoya , Onuma Saki , Kikkawa Ichiro 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip rarely develops in the early second decade. As the incidence of this disease is low, no treatment method has been established. We report two patients with unilateral OA in their early teens in whom the anteversion angle of the femoral neck on the affected side was greater than that on the unaffected side.

Case presentation
Case 1 was an 11-year-old girl with left coxalgia and limited range of motion. There was no history of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Plain X-rays revealed the disappearance of the Y cartilage, joint space narrowing of the left hip, and acetabular/femoral head osteosclerosis. In CT images, the anteversion angle of the femoral neck (lt/rt) was 45/35 degrees. As osteoarthritis was severe, proximal femoral flexional derotational varus osteotomy (PFFDVO) and triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) were performed.
Case 2 was a 13-year-old girl with left coxalgia and limited range of motion. There was no history of FAI or DDH. Plain X-ray revealed irregularity of the left anterolateral femoral head, and a subcartilaginous cyst. In CT images, the anteversion angle of the femoral neck (lt/rt) was 30/20 degrees. As osteoarthritis was severe, PFFDVO was performed. In addition, we resected bone spurs on the femoral head because flexion was limited owing to the presence of osteophytes. In both patients, coxalgia and claudication/gait disorder resolved postoperatively, and joint space narrowing and osteosclerosis improved. However, in Case 1, there was a 3-cm difference in the leg length, and in Case 2, range-of-motion limits remained.

Conclusions
We present the findings in two patients with unilateral OA in their early second decade in whom the femoral anteversion angle on the affected side was greater than that on the unaffected side. PFFDVO + TPO was performed in Case 1, and PFFDVO + bone spur resection on the femoral head was performed in Case 2. Coxalgia resolved, and plain X-ray demonstrated improvements in OA; however, a difference in the leg length and range-of-motion limits remained.