bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introducing field digital data collection systems into seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaigns: opportunities for robust evidence development and national e-health strategies
Authors: Balla Kanda , Malm Kezia , Njie Ousman , Hounto Ogouyemi Aurore , Uhomoibhi Perpetua , Poku-Awuku Abena , Tchouatieu André-Marie , Aikpon Rock , Bah Alieu , Kolley Olimatou , Ogbulafor Nnenna , Oppong Samuel , Adomako Kofi , Houndjo William , Jah Huja , Banerji Jaya , Nikau Jamilu , Affoukou Cyriaque , Egwu Elijah , Houtohossou Camille , Van Hulle Suzanne 
Published: March 2022

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is a World Health Organization-recommended intervention to protect children under the age of 5 in Africa’s Sahel region. While SMC remains highly effective in decreasing malaria cases, implementing countries face several challenges regarding collecting quality data; monitoring coverage and compliance and overcoming delays in campaigns due to late payment to field distributors.To address these challenges, the National Malaria Control Programmes of Benin, The Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria introduced digital data collection (DDC) tools to support their SMC campaigns. To facilitate cross-country learning, this paper investigates the impact of using DDCs in SMC campaigns by comparing country responses.Country experience suggests that in comparison to paper-based data collection systems, using DDC tools help to overcome data quality and operational challenges; cloud-based features also made data more accessible. Thus, scaling up DDC tools and linking them with routine national health management systems could help generate robust evidence for malaria policy development and programming. Of note, evidence from Benin showed that using digital tools reduced the time to pay staff and volunteers by 5 weeks. In Benin’s experience, DDC also offered cost benefits (1.5 times cheaper) versus the use of paper-based tools.The authors note that no application offers greater benefits than the other—countries will select a technology that best suits their needs. Several applications are currently being used and newer ones are also being developed. Another option is to develop in-house applications that can be adjusted to local health programmes.Cost-effectiveness studies to inform on whether DDCs offer cost advantages would be beneficial. More studies on DDC are needed from SMC-implementing countries to identify additional benefits and drawbacks of digital applications. These will similarly help national malaria policy and programming efforts.
Prevalence and associated factors of diabetes mellitus among individuals aged 18 years and above in Xiaoshan District, China, 2018: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yurong , Jiang Yuanyuan , Lin Junying , Wang Dongfei , Wang Chunli , Wang Fenjuan 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveWith the rapid development of the Chinese economy, Xiaoshan District, Zhejiang Province has experienced urbanisation, population ageing and significant lifestyle changes, so diabetes mellitus (DM) has attracted more attention. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of DM and its risk factors among individuals aged 18 years and above in the district.Study design and methodsA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Xiaoshan, China from 1 March to 31 August 2018. A multistage sampling method was used. Sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics were collected using a combination of centralised surveys and household surveys. Anthropometric parameters were measured with standardised techniques and calibrated equipment. Venous blood samples were obtained after at least 8 hours of fasting to determine the level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and blood lipids. A standard 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was also given if 6.1 mmol/L≤FBG<7.0 mmol/L. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associated factors of DM.ResultsThe overall prevalence of DM was 12.47%, and the proportion of previously undiagnosed DM (UDM) was 48.66%. The prevalence of pre-diabetes was 10.92%. Age, family history of DM (FHDM), obesity, abdominal obesity, systolic blood pressure (SBP), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly associated with DM.ConclusionsThis study found a high prevalence of DM and pre-diabetes, especially a high prevalence of UDM among adults. The associated risk factors identified for DM were age, FHDM, obesity, abdominal obesity, SBP, TG and HDL-C.
Patient and practitioner perspectives on the design of a simulated affective touch device to reduce procedural anxiety associated with radiotherapy: a qualitative study
Authors: Hall Hugo , Dhuga Yasmin , Yan Zheng Caroline , Clunie Gemma , Joyce Elizabeth , McNair Helen , McGregor Alison H 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to elicit the views of relevant stakeholders on the design of a device using simulated affective touch to reduce procedural anxiety surrounding radiotherapy and imaging.DesignThis qualitative study collected data from focus groups which were then analysed using inductive thematic analysis in line with Braun and Clarke’s methods.Participants and settingTwenty patients and carers were recruited, as well as 10 healthcare practitioners involved in either delivering radiotherapy or imaging procedures.ResultsPatients, carers and healthcare practitioners agreed on some aspects of the device design, such as ensuring the device is warm and flexible in where it can be used on the body. However, patient and healthcare practitioner cohorts had at times differing viewpoints. For example, healthcare practitioners provided professional perspectives and required easy cleaning of the device. Meanwhile patients focused on anxiety-relieving factors, such as the tactile sensation of the device being either a vibration or pulsation. There was no consensus on who should control the device.ConclusionsThe desired features of a simulated affective touch device have been investigated. Different priorities of patients and their carers and healthcare practitioners were evident. Any design must incorporate such features as to appease both groups. Areas where no consensus was reached could be further explored, alongside including further patient and public involvement in the form of a project advisory group.
Prevalence and associated factors of frailty among Southern Chinese Han patients on haemodialysis: a multicentre, observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Gong Wenyu , Yao Lirong , Zhong Xiaoshi , Qin Danping , Huang Chunrong , Yin Lianghong , Liu Fanna 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesFrailty has been extensively studied in the general population. However, there is little information on frailty among patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) in China. This study analysed the prevalence and associated factors of frailty among Southern Chinese Han patients on HD.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.SettingThree HD centres in Southern China.ParticipantsThree hundred patients who underwent regular HD between June 2019 and October 2019.Main outcomes and measuresFrailty was assessed using the Tilburg indicator of frailty (TFI) questionnaire, and the psychological status of the respondents was evaluated by the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS).ResultsSeventy-five per cent of participants were in the frailty group, and the TFI score of HD patients was 6.89±2.87, with 8.15±2.06 in the frailty group and 2.87±1.31 in the non-frailty group. Frailty patients had higher SDS and SAS scores, and were more likely to suffer depression and anxiety than non-frailty patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis excluding depression and anxiety showed that age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (excluding end-stage renal disease), a nuclear family (compared with living alone), and albumin were independently associated with frailty (all p<0.05). In the model including depression and anxiety, age, diabetes mellitus, living as a couple (compared with living alone), a nuclear family (compared with living alone), an extended family (compared with living alone), low phosphorus, depression and anxiety were associated with frailty by multivariate logistic regression analysis (all p<0.05).ConclusionsApproximately three-quarters of patients with HD in Southern China are frail, often accompanied with depression and anxiety. Age, diabetes mellitus, family structure, phosphorus, depression and anxiety were associated with frailty.
Cost of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in India: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Barathe Priyanka Chandrakant , Haridas Herosh T , Soni Priya , Kudiya Krithi Kariya , Krishnan Jisha B , Dhyani Vijay Shree , Rajendran Ambigai , Sirur Andria J N , Pundir Prachi 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionBreast cancer is the foremost cause for mortality among women. The non-communicable disease imposes significant economic expenses to communities. Its economic impact includes both direct and indirect healthcare costs. This scoping review will map key concepts underpinning the current direct and indirect expenses of breast cancer in India.Methods and analysisThis scoping review will follow ‘Arksey and O'Malley’s’ approach and updated methodological guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The Cochrane library, Econ Papers, Embase, ProQuest central, PubMed and SCOPUS will be searched for peer-reviewed scientific journal publications from the year 2000 to 2021. Reference lists of included articles and preprint repositories will be searched for additional and unpublished literature. Independent screening (title, abstract and full text) and data extraction will be carried out against the defined inclusion criteria. The results will be narratively summarised and charted under the conceptual areas of this scoping review. The research gaps and scope for future research on the topic will be identified. Findings will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews.Ethics and disseminationEthics clearance will not be obligatory because this scoping review will only involve publicly available data. The review’s findings will be disseminated through social media and a presentation in a national or international conference related to economics and healthcare. The findings will be published in a scientific journal that is peer-reviewed.
PAnTher Cub: procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy for febrile neutropenia in children and young people with cancer - a single-arm pilot study
Authors: Morgan Jessica Elizabeth , Phillips Bob 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundFebrile neutropenia (FN) is a common complication of cancer treatment in children and young people, and many episodes are over-treated. Procalcitonin, may be an appropriate tool to guide the stopping of antibiotics in those at low risk of serious bacterial infection. Supportive care trials in this population have proven to be difficult to undertake. This single-arm pilot study aimed to evaluate whether a study using a procalcitonin-guided stopping-rule for antibiotics in paediatric FN is possible.MethodsDaily procalcitonin levels were performed during episodes of FN and clear guidance given for antibiotic discontinuation. Episode data and quantitative feasibility data were collected alongside interviews with professionals and ethnographic observations. Analysis was descriptive.ResultsOf 32 patients and families approached, 28 patients consented, and 13 had febrile neutropenia. In total, 16 episodes were included in the study. All relevant FN episodes had data captured, with adequate data collection. There were no significant safety events. In 4/8 (50%) of episodes without clear microbiologically documented or clinical infection, antibiotics were reduced in duration or in spectrum. Interviews with professionals revealed the importance of the research, the value of key individuals in the study team, particular challenges of this protocol and suggestions for study improvements.ConclusionsStudies to evaluate procalcitonin-guided approaches to stopping antibiotics in paediatric FN are possible.
Implementation of prognostic machine learning algorithms in paediatric chronic respiratory conditions: a scoping review
Authors: Filipow Nicole , Main Eleanor , Sebire Neil J , Booth John , Taylor Andrew M , Davies Gwyneth , Stanojevic Sanja 
Published: March 2022

Machine learning (ML) holds great potential for predicting clinical outcomes in heterogeneous chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) affecting children, where timely individualised treatments offer opportunities for health optimisation. This paper identifies rate-limiting steps in ML prediction model development that impair clinical translation and discusses regulatory, clinical and ethical considerations for ML implementation. A scoping review of ML prediction models in paediatric CRDs was undertaken using the PRISMA extension scoping review guidelines. From 1209 results, 25 articles published between 2013 and 2021 were evaluated for features of a good clinical prediction model using the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines.Most of the studies were in asthma (80%), with few in cystic fibrosis (12%), bronchiolitis (4%) and childhood wheeze (4%). There were inconsistencies in model reporting and studies were limited by a lack of validation, and absence of equations or code for replication. Clinician involvement during ML model development is essential and diversity, equity and inclusion should be assessed at each step of the ML pipeline to ensure algorithms do not promote or amplify health disparities among marginalised groups. As ML prediction studies become more frequent, it is important that models are rigorously developed using published guidelines and take account of regulatory frameworks which depend on model complexity, patient safety, accountability and liability.
Serum folate deficiency and the risks of dementia and all-cause mortality: a national study of old age
Authors: Rotstein Anat , Kodesh Arad , Goldberg Yair , Reichenberg Abraham , Levine Stephen Z 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe association between serum folate deficiency and the risk of dementia in old age is unclear, perhaps owing to small sample sizes, the competing risk of mortality or reverse causation.ObjectiveTo examine the associations between serum folate deficiency and the risks of incident dementia and all-cause mortality in a large national sample of older adults.MethodsA prospective cohort aged 60–75 years (n=27 188) without pre-existing dementia for at least 10 years, was tested for serum concentrations of folate and followed up for dementia or all-cause mortality. Serum folate deficiency was classified as present (<4.4 ng/mL), otherwise absent. HRs and 95% CIs from competing risks Cox models were fitted to quantify the associations between serum folate deficiency and the risks of dementia and all-cause mortality. To examine reverse causation, the analysis was stratified by duration of follow-up.FindingsThe presence compared with the absence of serum folate deficiency was associated with higher risks of dementia (HR=1.68; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.13; p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR=2.98; 95% CI 2.52 to 3.52; p<0.001). Evidence for reverse causation were moderate for dementia and mild for all-cause mortality.ConclusionsSerum concentrations of folate may function as a biomarker used to identify those at risk of dementia and mortality; however, reverse causation is likely. Further research is needed to examine the role of serum folate deficiency in dementia aetiology.Clinical implicationsSerum folate deficiency in older adults requires monitoring and treatment for preventative measures and/or as part of implemented therapeutic strategies.
Identifying bereaved grievers with greatest medical or social service needs in Japan
Authors: Becker Carl , Taniyama Yozo , Kondo-Arita Megumi , Sasaki Noriko , Yamada Shinya , Yamamoto Kayoko 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveSevere grief adversely affects the health of bereaved families, potentially burdening medical and community health services. Interventions for effective community health maintenance must identify the people likely to face severe effects of bereavement. The present study identified characteristics of mourners who experience severe grief within a year of bereavement to confirm whether this grief increased their reliance on Japanese medical and social services.DesignWe conducted a nationwide postal survey of Japanese bereaved within the previous year, to compare those reporting daily or overwhelming ‘heavy’ grief to those with less heavy grief, in terms of demographic and socioeconomic details, daily work and non-work activity, frequency of medical and social service use.Setting/participantsIn 2019, with the support of the Ministry of Education and the All Japan Funeral Co-Operation, we distributed approximately 5500 questionnaires to Japanese who had presided at funerals within the past year for anonymous return. By January of 2020, we received 1078 complete voluntary responses from bereaved Japanese.ResultsHalf of the ‘heavy grief’ group (n=143) reported adverse effects on health and daily life, including needs for pharmacological, medical or welfare support. Losses of husbands or children were particularly connected to severe grief; ‘unexpected’ death from cancer caused the greatest shock. Employment (even part-time) buffered against severe grief; grief was greater for the unemployed and substantially worse for those who lost significant income at the same time as they lost loved ones.ConclusionThese findings suggest that prior counselling should reduce the shock of bereavement and economic loss, which increases subsequent medical dependence. Medical professionals and community health workers can use the above factors to target in advance the family members in greatest danger of heavy grief, to intervene lest grief adversely affect their physical and psychological health after bereavement.
State and city laws governing the use of child restraint systems in rideshare vehicles and taxicabs: requirements and responsibility
Authors: McCourt Alexander Duncan , Hellinger Andrew , Shin Mi Ran , Shields Wendy , McDonald Eileen M , Michael Jeffrey , Ehsani Johnathon P 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesTo identify, describe and critique state and local policies related to child passenger safety in for-hire motor vehicles including ridesharing and taxis.MethodsWe used standard legal research methods to collect policies governing the use of child restraint systems (CRS) in rideshare and taxi vehicles for all 50 states and the 50 largest cities in the USA. We abstracted the collected policies to determine whether the policy applies to specific vehicles, requires specific safety restraints in those vehicles, lists specific requirements for use of those safety restraints, seeks to enhance compliance and punishes noncompliance.ResultsAll 50 states have policies that require the use of CRS for children under a certain age, weight or height. Seven states exempt rideshare vehicles and 28 states exempt taxis from their CRS requirements. Twelve cities have relevant policies with eight requiring CRS in rideshare vehicles, but not taxis, and two cities requiring CRS use in both rideshare vehicles and taxis.ConclusionMost states require CRS use in rideshare vehicles, but not as many require CRS use in taxis. Though states describe penalties for drivers who fail to comply with CRS requirements, these penalties do not actually facilitate the use of CRS in rideshare or taxis. Furthermore, there is ambiguity in the laws about who is responsible for the provision and installation of the restraints. To prevent serious or fatal injuries in children, policy-makers should adopt policies that require, incentivise and facilitate the use of CRS in rideshare vehicles and taxis.
Comparing population-level mental health of UK workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study using Understanding Society
Authors: Kromydas Theocharis , Green Michael , Craig Peter , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Leyland Alastair H , Niedzwiedz Claire L , Pearce Anna , Thomson Rachel M , Demou Evangelia 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected workers’ mental health. We investigated changes in UK workers’ mental health by industry, socioeconomic class and occupation and differential effects by UK country of residence, gender and age.MethodsWe used representative Understanding Society data from 6474 adults (41 207 observations) in paid employment who participated in pre-pandemic (2017–2020) and at least one COVID-19 survey. The outcome was General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) caseness (score: ≥4). Exposures were industry, socioeconomic class and occupation and are examined separately. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate relative (OR) and absolute (%) increases in distress before and during pandemic. Differential effects were investigated for UK countries of residence (non-England/England), gender (male/female) and age (younger/older) using three-way interaction effects.ResultsGHQ-12 caseness increased in relative terms most for ‘professional, scientific and technical’ (OR: 3.15, 95% CI 2.17 to 4.59) industry in the pandemic versus pre-pandemic period. Absolute risk increased most in ‘hospitality’ (+11.4%). For socioeconomic class, ‘small employers/self-employed’ were most affected in relative and absolute terms (OR: 3.24, 95% CI 2.28 to 4.63; +10.3%). Across occupations, ‘sales and customer service’ (OR: 3.01, 95% CI 1.61 to 5.62; +10.7%) had the greatest increase. Analysis with three-way interactions showed considerable gender differences, while for UK country of residence and age results are mixed.ConclusionsGHQ-12 caseness increases during the pandemic were concentrated among ‘professional and technical’ and ‘hospitality’ industries and ‘small employers/self-employed’ and ‘sales and customers service’ workers. Female workers often exhibited greater differences in risk by industry and occupation. Policies supporting these industries and groups are needed.