bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new gaming platform to improve cognitive performance and promote healthy behavior: a pilot study
Authors: Baccolini V , Isonne C , Migliara G , Salerno C , Marzuillo C , De Vito C , Villari P , Romano F 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Brain training games can sharpen the mind and potentially prevent cognitive diseases, that are particularly relevant to the population ageing. The EU funded project ACDC, Adult Cognitive Decline Conscientiousness, developed an online training tool to train cognitive functions and promote healthy behaviors in the adult population.

Methods
An online platform, consisting of 16 games with different levels, was built. Three main brain domains were targeted: memory, visuospatial and verbal skill. After the completion of each game level, healthy lifestyle tips were presented to the users. Participants were actively recruited from the project partners; inclusion criteria were adult age (40-70 years) without cognitive diseases. An adapted version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to assess cognitive performance at the start and after two hours of active gaming. The paired t-test was used to compare the scores before and after the training. A satisfaction questionnaire was administered at the end of the training session.

Results
Fifty-six participants from three European countries (Austria, Spain and Italy) took part in the pilot phase (median age: 57, IQR: 47-66). Most of them were university graduates (38%) or had a high school diploma (41%), employed full-time (46%) and females (82%). Significant improvements were registered in the verbal domain, where the mean score increased from 4.18 to 4.83 (p = 0.047), and in the memory area, where the mean score grew from 4.80 to 6.60 (p &lt; 0.001). The visuospatial mean score improved from 4.55 to 5.16 (p = 0.0518). Most users (84%) were greatly satisfied with the platform and reported a high level of appreciation for the interactive gaming approach.

Conclusions
Despite the small sample size, the pilot phase detected some improvements in cognitive performance and a good appreciation of the training tool. Given these encouraging findings, the study will now be extended to more participants.

Key messages
The newly developed platform represented a promising tool to train cognitive functions. The proposed interactive gaming approach was greatly appreciated by the users.
Prevalence of depression among three cohorts of medical students
Authors: Georgieva E , Vatansever M , Velkova A , Hristov N , Pesheva P , Simeonova I , Dimitrova D , Pravchanska M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Medical education is often related to serious distress for students, that affects negatively their mental well-being. Depression, poor academic performance, increased alcohol consumption, suicidal thoughts, are some of the detrimental effects of diminished mental health. Studies on depression in medical students reveal a higher prevalence (1.4-73.5%) than in the general population. This study aimed to assess and compare depression prevalence and severity in three cohorts of medical students in Bulgaria and Turkey.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 257 Bulgarian and 288 foreign medical students from Medical University-Sofia, Bulgaria, and with 270 Turkish medical students from Ankara in the winter semester of 2019-2020 academic year. We used the Beck depression inventory (BDI) as valid and reliable instrument to assess depression. The students were categorised according to BDI scores in three groups: with mild depression (10- 18 points); moderate depression (19-29); severe depression (30- 63). Data were analysed with program product Python 3 (v3.6.9) with Pandas v0.25.3 and Scipy v1.4.1.

Results
Depressive symptoms reported 71.5% of Turkish students, 47.1% of Bulgarian and 48.7% of foreign medical students. The depression frequency among Turkish and Bulgarian medical students was significantly different (chi2 = 35.31; p = 0,001). Mean BDI scores were similar for Bulgarian medical students (11.0) and foreign medical students, studying in Bulgaria (11.6). Turkish medical students scored highest on BDI (15.3). Severe depression was detected in 5.6% of foreign, 4.3% of Bulgarian and 6.3% of Turkish students.

Conclusions
Depression prevalence was high in all studied medical students cohorts, with Turkish cohort affected most, probably because of cultural and curriculum differences.

Key messages
Support of student’s mental health should be an integral part of the educational policies of all Medical Universities worldwide. Depression among medical students has to be prevented by comprehensive approach.
PALOMA Centre of Expertise for refugee mental health – from research to action
Authors: Somersalo L , Mäki-Opas J , Castaneda A E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Issue
Previous migrant population studies have shown that immigrants experience higher level of psychological load than the overall population. This is especially prevalent in those with refugee background. The PALOMA project (Developing National Mental Health Policies for Refugees) was launched in 2016 to tackle this wellbeing cap. One outcome of the project was a PALOMA handbook, which includes recommendations as well as methods and tools for decision-makers, supervisors and professionals for promoting refugees' mental health and preventing, identifying and treating the problems. During the PALOMA project, the need for national coordination, establishing regional Centre of Expertises and support on refugees mental health work was recognized.

Results
To fulfill this need, the PALOMA2 project (National support system for refugee mental health work and the knowhow dissemination) started in February 2019. The PALOMA2-project establishes a Centre of Expertise for mental health work among refugees. The project personnel includes five regional experts, that each know the specific strengths and challenges of their region, and an expert from the 3rd sector, that ensures that the target group's and the 3rd sector's voice is heard throughout the project. Each of these six experts also pilot two tools from the PALOMA handbook.

Lessons
As a result of the PALOMA work, the mental health and mental health work with the refugees will be improved. The PALOMA Centre of Expertise will be a place of consultation, influencing, education, networking, developing and work guidance, and it will help all professionals that work in the field.

Key messages
The PALOMA Centre of Expertise is involved in developing different services in ways that improve refugee’s mental health and equal access for the developed services. The PALOMA Centre of Expertise will be a permanent part of the Finnish social and health care structure.
Sports participation for mental health promotion among socially vulnerable youth: a study protocol
Authors: Haavanlammi M , Appelqvist-Schmidlechner K , Kekkonen M , Ruiz-Ariza A , Fröjd S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The benefits of participation in organized sports on mental well-being of young people are well-known. However, there is lacking evidence on the relationship between participation in organized sports and positive mental health among socially vulnerable young people. Also, little is known about the mechanisms of sports-based programmes that may promote positive mental health among socially vulnerable young people.
The aim of this PhD study is to investigate the association between participation in organized sports and positive mental health among socially vulnerable children (7-12 years) and adolescents (13-15 years) using multiple methods and several databases.
I will present the study protocol of a PhD study focusing on use of sports participation as a tool for mental health promotion. Article 1 will be a systematic literature review and the data will be gathered from multiple databases. Article 2 is based on the School Health Promotion Study carried out in 2017 (ages 14-15; n = 73 680). Article 3 is based on Icehearts longitudinal study (n = 46 children participating Icehearts programme and n = 180 controls) and article 4 is based on observations (n = 5 Icehearts teams including 50 children and 5 coaches) and interviews (25 Iceheartś children and their 50 parents).
Preliminary findings of the systematic literature review indicate that there is a lack of evidence how to promote mental well-being through sports participation among socially vulnerable young people.
The study will provide valuable knowledge which can be utilized to prevent mental health problems and to promote positive mental health. This knowledge can be used both in municipal and political decision-making, and in developing targeted, sport-based interventions for socially vulnerable children and adolescents in order to reduce health inequalities.

Key messages
Observational data on interventions including perspectives of children is rare but crucial to develop effective programmes for promoting positive mental health among socially vulnerable youth. Knowledge obtained from this study can be used to develop targeted, sport-based interventions for socially vulnerable children and adolescents in order to reduce health inequalities.
Well-being of families of people with psychosocial disabilites in context of deinstitutionalization
Authors: Austys D , Bendikaitė S , Arlauskas R , Jakubauskienė M , Stukas R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
A large part of disabled people have psychosocial disabilities. Importance of their inclusion is stated in many strategic documents. However, this group of people still faces many barriers in societies. Currently, deinstitutionalization is carried out in Lithuania. Well-being of people with psychosocial disabilities and their family members is affected by this process. Thus, we aimed to assess changes in well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities during deinstitutionalization in Lithuania.

Methods
Data was collected during two stages of deinstitutionalization, in 2016 and 2019. Family members living with people with psychosocial disabilities answered anonymously to questions of Lithuanian psychological well-being scale. Respectively, 334 and 391 adults participated (13.8% of males and 86.2% of females each time). T scores and levels of well-being were calculated and compared according to socio-demographics of respondents and stage of deinstitutionalization.

Results
Generally, distribution of the participants did not differ by level of overall well-being between the stages of deinstitutionalization (p-value more than 0.05). Differently, place of residence, younger age, higher income and employment were associated with higher well-being. In the second phase, rural, younger, employed and full-time employed respondents had higher estimates of overall well-being (p-value less than 0.05). Also, younger and employed population had higher satisfaction with physical health, income, employment and life in Lithuania (p-value less than 0.05). In most counties of Lithuania, overall well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities was in line with the average level.

Conclusions
Although distribution of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities by level of overall well-being had not changed from 2016 to 2019, an increase in well-being among rural, younger, employed and those with higher income was observed.

Key messages
Generally, overal well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities had not changed during the process of deinstitutionalization in Lithuania from 2016 to 2019. Living in rural areas, younger age, higher income and employment were associated with an increase in well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities.
Cognition, loneliness and social isolation: A cross-national, longitudinal exploration
Authors: Hannemann T-V , Bristle J , Wagner M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
One of the challenges to ageing individuals and health care systems is the decline in cognitive function with increasing age. The present study investigates in which way loneliness and social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in an aged population in Europe. Furthermore, it investigates how these relationships vary across different cultural and social settings.

Methods
The study employs panel data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Data from respondents aged 50+ from 16 European countries were collected from 2011-2017 at up to four points in time. Loneliness was operationalized as the perception of feeling lonely, while social isolation was operationalized by a summary index of social network size and social interaction. The cognitive function measures included tests of verbal fluency, as well as immediate and delayed recall. A linear panel fixed-effects modelling approach was used, while controlling for potential time-variant confounders from the areas of demographics, mental and physical health and survey methodological characteristics.

Results
Preliminary results show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with cognitive decline, while the extent varied by the measure of cognitive functioning measured. Loneliness, social isolation and cognition descriptively all show substantial cross-national variation.

Conclusions
The study illustrates the impact of loneliness and social isolation on cognitive functioning across a number of European countries. Cognitive functioning is an important determinant to successful ageing, preventing its decline promotes self-sufficient, independent living in the elderly and good quality end-of-life. This can support the development of implementable and accessible prevention for at risk individuals.

Key messages
Investigating the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the cognitive functioning can help tailor easily accessible prevention measures of cognitive decline in the elderly. The study allows for the assessment of cross-cultural differences and need for targeted measures across a number of European countries.
Adolescent mental health: analysis using YP-CORE test in School health services in Croatia
Authors: Jureša V , Posavec M , Latković Prugovečki S , Musil V , Majer M , Vidović Petričević T 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Issue
Adolescent mental health problems are a leading health problem in this population and remain unrecognized for a long time. The aim of this study was to examine the mental health problems with YP-CORE test as a part of regular school health periodic examination of first-year secondary school students (ages 15-16).

Description of Problem
Study included 392 first-year Zagreb secondary school students (74.5% girls) academic year 2019/2020. Data were collected by YP-CORE test ten questions about feeling over the last week. The students provided informed consent, and testing was done during regular periodic examinations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results
At risk of mental health problems were 7.5% of girls (22/292) and 2.0% of boys. Nine girls (3.1%) had a low overall score, ≤ 19 points, which would mean little risk but had a positive answer to the question 'I've thought of hurting myself'. Ten girls (3.3%) had a score of ≥ 20, which meant an increased risk and a particularly positive answer was the 'I've thought of hurting myself' question. Three girls (1%) had a score of ≥ 20, which meant an increased risk with no additional risk of auto-aggression. The results in the boys are completely different. Two students, 2% (2/100) had a total score of ≥ 17, which meant an increased risk and a particularly positive answer was the 'I've thought of hurting myself' question. All recognized risk students are immediately involved in the counseling of the School and University Medicine Counseling Services provided by every secondary school in Croatia.

Lessons
The results of the study showed that mental health problems have 6.1% secondary school students with gender differences, girls 7.5%, boys 2%. School health service developed a protocol for students at increased risk. The first step is school medicine specialist interview with the student, then with the parents and the student, and second step including school staff and other professionals.

Key messages
Early identification of mental health problems, timely intervention and continuous monitoring of mental health among secondary school students in Croatia. Counseling service for students should be available within the school health service, implementing preventative measures and working closely with other services and professionals.
Local policy for managing the risk of the proliferation and spread of Legionella in the Girona area
Authors: Vilà I , Esparraguera C , Arjona L , Castro P , Redondo M , Soms D , Macau A , del Acebo X 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Issue
The towns in the Girona area are mostly small (70% have fewer than 1.500 inhabitants) and employ few public health technicians. Difficulties exist in municipal facilities when it comes to carrying out self-assessment tests and fulfilling regulatory requirements.

Description
In 2009, Dipsalut designed a programme to offer support to local councils in the management and control of the sanitation of municipal facilities at risk of transmitting Legionella.

Main Objectives
To improve the control of the health risk, to ensure the technical capacitation of personnel and to achieve territorial equity in health protection. The programme methodology comprised: a service provision programme with structured actions, a network of public health stakeholders and an information system shared between the stakeholders. The programme includes the structural description of the facilities, the study of the risk factors for the proliferation and spread of Legionella, the drawing up of control plans based on the HACCP system, analyses to determine and quantify Legionella, preventive cleaning and disinfection, on-site advice for workers, and training courses.

Results
Regarding the improvement in the control of the health risk: - In 2019, 905 facilities were controlled in 105 towns. In the last 8 years, the refurbishment of 239 facilities has been carried out, involving a total investment of 2,075.857€.Reduction in the concentration of Legionella where more exhaustive sampling is carried out.
Regarding the technical capacitation of personnel: 2.012 people on courses and 10.121 people in visits on-site.

Lessons
Realising the importance of ensuring the co-responsibility of facility managers. Adapting actions to be carried out in facilities according to risk: the greater the risk, the greater the effort.

Key messages
The application of an area-wide programme improves facility risk management. Ensuring technical capacitation, incorporating improvements based on common experiences and optimising resources.
Trends in selected socio-economic determinants of depression in Italy, 2013 through 2017
Authors: Acuti Martellucci C , Montagna V , Acquaviva G , Masiero A , Biardi L , Ciotti M , Lombardi M , Mariotti A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
In Italy, in 2015 suicide rate was 6.5/100,000 inhabitants, while in 2017 depressive disorders were estimated to represent 2.3% of total DALYs. The indicator for monitoring mental health is the suicide rate, but surveys such as the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) of 2015 have identified several predictors of depression. We aim to assess trends in factors associated to depression in Italy, from 2013 to 2017.

Methods
Data from the Aspects of Daily Living survey (AVQ) carried out by the Italian Statistics Institute, from years 2013 to 2017, were used in this analysis. Investigated factors were those identified as predictors of depression in Italy according to the EHIS 2015: (1) education until middle high school and (2) high school, (3) poor social support (single-person households without friends, neighbours, or relatives to count on), (4) unemployment, (5) chronic disease, (6) moderate limitations of daily activity due to poor health, and (7) severe limitations. We calculated the prevalence of these factors, and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), by sex and year.

Results
The prevalence of poor social support rose, differing significantly in men between 1.5% (95% CI 1.3% - 1.8%) in 2013 and 2.1% (95% CI 1.9% - 2.3%) in 2017. Unemployment decreased in men, from 12.7% (95% CI 12.0% - 13.4%) to 10.4% (95% CI 10.0% - 10.8%), whereas chronic diseases and moderate limitations grew significantly in both sexes, at respectively 24.6% (95% CI 24.0% - 25.2%) and 16.1% (95% CI 15.6% - 16.6%) for men, and 29.0% (95% CI 28.4% - 29.6%) and 19.4% (95% CI 18.9% - 19.9%) for women in 2017.

Conclusions
The growing proportions, in Italy, of people with poor social support, chronic diseases, and moderate limitations of daily activities, suggest that health care programming at the national level should prepare for a rising burden of mental disease in these groups, and take into account measures to promote well-being.

Key messages
Among factors associated with depression, poor social support, chronic diseases, and moderate physical limitations due to disease showed a growing trend in Italy from 2013 to 2017. The Italian yearly AVQ survey investigates predictors of mental disease, particularly depression, and could provide early data for effective health care programming and mental health promotion.
Perfluoroalkyl substances and blood pressure in exposed young population in the Veneto Region, Italy
Authors: Canova C , Jare Zeddi M , Barbieri G , Gion M , Daprà F , Russo F , Fletcher T , Pitter G 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Residents in a large area of the Veneto Region (North-Eastern Italy) were exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) via drinking water. Studies on the association between PFASs and blood pressure (BP) levels are limited and results are inconsistent. Using cross-sectional data from the Regional health surveillance program, we aimed to quantify the associations between PFAS serum concentrations and blood pressure and hypertension prevalence.

Methods
The study included 16,224 individuals aged 20-39 years. Pregnant women (n = 327), participants with self-reported diagnosis or under treatment (n = 296) or with missing information on the selected covariates (n = 114) were excluded, leaving 15,487 subjects. Hypertension (HYP) was defined as any self-reported diagnosis, use of antihypertensive drugs, or raised systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP)≥140, DBP ≥90 mmHg). Serum PFASs were measured by HPLC-MS. Generalized additive models were used to investigate the relation between each PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)) ln transformed and by decile, and SBP, DBP, HYP, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results
Both SBP and DBP increased significantly with an increase in the ln-transformed serum PFASs concentration in a monotonic way. The predicted increase in SBP and DBP were 1.62 (95% CI = 0.69, 2.55), 1.64 mmHg (95% CI = 0.96, 2.31) from lowest to highest decile of PFOA. The associations were stronger for SBP in men and DBP in women. One unit increase in each ln-PFAS was positively associated with an increased odds of HYP in men: PFOA OR = 1.07 (1.01-1.14), PFOS OR = 1.18 (1.05-1.32), PFHxS OR = 1.11 (1.03-1.19), PFNA OR = 1.19 (1.01-1.41).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that exposure to PFAS is associated with increased blood pressure and thus may contribute as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Key messages
Serum PFASs were associated with raised systolic blood pressure in men and diastolic blood pressure in women in a large highly exposed young adult population. Serum PFASs were associated with raised prevalence of hypertension in men.