bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A six-years point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections in an Italian hospital
Authors: Gentili A , La Milia D I , Vallone D , Di Pumpo M , Vangi G , Berloco F , Cambieri A , Damiani G , Laurenti P , Ricciardi W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are among the most serious public health problems in Europe representing the most frequent adverse event during care delivery. Despite their limitations, point prevalence surveys of HAIs are often preferred to prospective surveillance, since they provide a feasible estimate when resources are limited.
The aim of this study was to analyze the results of a six-years point prevalence survey of HAIs in a teaching acute care hospital in Italy and to investigate the main risk factors of HAIs in the acute-care hospital. A point prevalence survey to detect HAIs was carried out in Gemelli Hospital during the last 6 years, from 2013 to 2018. Inpatients of any age in Gemelli Hospital were eligible for inclusion. Patients in outpatient areas were excluded. HAIs were identified according to diagnosis guideline from ECDC in 2011. Statistically significant differences were tested through t-test and Chi-square test. Multi-variate analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of regressor factors for predict HAI’s prevalence. The statistical significance level was set at p &lt; 0.05. The point prevalence ranged from 3,16% in 2017 to 6,64% in 2013. Pneumonia and surgical site infections (SSI) were the most frequent HAIs during the 6 years, with a rate of 27,31% and 26,20% respectively of all HAIs. The multiple logistic regression showed that length of stay at the moment of detection, urinary catheter, CVC and antibiotic therapy are useful to meaningfully predict HAI prevalence, with a regression coefficient (adjusted R2) of 0.2780.
Thanks to proper hospital policies, the point prevalence of HAIs does not seem to increase through the years, even though it is still too early to draw any conclusions. Pneumonia and SSI represented each one more than a quarter of all the HAIs, as reported also in literature. There is a strong association between length of stay at the moment of detection and HAIs but it is hard to understand which one is the cause of the other.

Key messages
Point prevalence from 2013 to 2018 seems to be stable. An accurate incidence survey is needed in order to identify the main risk factors of HAI and to realize more specific hospital programmes. Length of stay at the moment of detection is useful to meaningfully predict HAIs prevalence although the cause-and-effect relationship is still not clear.
Alcohol-related attendances in French emergency departments in 2017
Authors: Fouillet A , Palle C , Charpentier S , Caserio-Schönemann C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
France is one of the leading countries in terms of daily alcohol consumption per inhabitant. Alcohol is a major concern for emergency department (ED) since it accounts for a large part of their resources and increases behavior problems resulting in violence against staff. Individual information of French ED attendances registered in OSCOUR network are daily collected by Santé publique France, the French Public Health Agency. This study aims at describing alcohol-related ED attendances (ARA) in 2017 in France.

Methods
The OSCOUR network included 677 ED in 2017 recording 92% of national attendances. ARA were identified through the main and associated medical diagnoses coded by physicians using ICD10. The study considered acute alcohol intoxication, dependence syndrome/withdrawal state, other mental disorders and intoxications due to alcohol, chronic complications and intentional self-poisoning by alcohol. The number of ARA was analyzed by age group, gender and region.

Results
1.4% of total attendances were associated to alcohol consumption (202,184 attendances) in 2017. 68% of ARA were due to acute alcohol intoxication and 14% for dependence syndrome/withdrawal state. The highest proportions of ARA were observed for people aged 40-59 yo and 18-24 yo, particularly for women. Regions of North and West metropolitan France and La Réunion Island had the highest proportion of ARA among the total number of attendances.

Conclusions
The part of ARA in France is consistent with figures provided in international studies using similar data. This proportion is similar with proportion of major public health issues like influenza, that represented 1% of the total ED attendances from November 2016 to February 2017 and reached 1.8% in January (month of the epidemic peak). Consequences of alcohol use represent a heavy burden for ED and the health system in France. This is all the more true as ARA are underestimated due to the low coding rate of associated medical diagnosis in ED.

Key messages
1.4% of total French ED attendances were associated to alcohol consumption in 2017. This proportion is close to the proportion of influenza attendances in ED.
Who does use ENDS in Russia? Results from Russian tobacco control policy evaluation survey EPOCHA-RF
Authors: Gambaryan M H , Kalinina A M , Popovich M V , Starovoytov M L , Drapkina O M , Boytsov S A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) become popular in Russia. Still little is known about use of these products.

Aim
To assess patterns of active and passive exposure to ENDS in Russian population.

Methods
Data from Russian tobacco control policy evaluation survey (2017-2018) are analysed, conducted on the basis of multistage territorial random sample of 11625 respondents: 6569 smokers, 2377 former smokers and 2679 never smokers 18years and older in 10 Russian Federal subjects.

Results
38.8% of the respondents were familiar with ENDS, with the highest proportion in the youngest age group (18-24): 53.8%(p&lt;.0001). 9.3%had tried ENDS, among 18-24 years old - those were 23.5%(p&lt;.0001). The amount was significantly higher among recent quitters (in last 3years)-17.2%, and current smokers-13% compared with former (quitters for more than 3years) and never smokers. Of those 26.4% used ENDS regularly-with highest proportion among 18-24years old (29.1%), and current smokers (27.1%). This comprises 2.5% of respondents as regular ENDS users, and 6.8%-among the youngest group. Half of the smokers had tried to quit by means of ENDS, of those 69% failed to quit smoking, and 79% could neither give up smoking nor ENDS. However, only 18% ENDS users agreed that e-cigarettes cause addiction, and 37% even denied the fact. Those were mostly the youngest respondents (45%). Vaping was not allowed at homes of 67.4%respondents, at workplaces-of 65.6%. 14% of respondents had witnessed vaping at workplaces, 55.8% in public places, 20.3% cafes, restaurants and bars. 51.4% had been exposed to secondhand aerosols of ENDS and 73.2%-among 18-24years olds. 37%found exposure to the aerosols annoying, with significant differences between never/former smokers (58% and 50.3%) and recent quitters and current smokers (39.3% and 29.2%).

Conclusions
Young people are mostly exposed to ENDS in Russia. Strong legislation should be considered to regulate ENDS and protect people from their exposure.

Key messages
Electronic cigarettes are mostly prevalent among the youngest age groups, current smokers and recent quitters in Russia. ENDS do not help smokers to quit: vast majority of smokers who used ENDS for this purpose failed to give up both smoking and electronic cigarettes.
Challenges in a population-based registry of cardiovascular disease in Shiga, Japan
Authors: Fujii T , Arima H , Yamamoto T , Sawayama Y , Takashima N , Kita Y , Tanaka S , Miyamatsu N , Miura K , Nozaki K 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Stroke and cardiovascular disease are one of the leading causes of death and disability in Japan. In order to investigate current burden, we conduct a population-based registry of cardiovascular disease in Shiga Prefecture, Japan since 2012. We will demonstrate challenges in conduct of the registry study.

Methods
In 2012, we established the Shiga Stroke Registry (SSR), a multicenter population-based registry study designed to build a complete information system for the management of stroke in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The registry uses local monitoring, combined with remote data collection and quality control systems, to create an integrated surveillance system among a network of all acute care hospitals with neurology/neurosurgery facilities and smaller hospitals with rehabilitation facilities in the region. In 2019, study name has changed to Shiga Stroke and Heart Attack Registry (SSHR) and additional registration of coronary heart disease and aortic disease have started. Each case is reviewed and adjudicated by 2 or more specialists.

Results
In the financial year of 2018 (from April to March), a total of 4809 stroke cases were identified. From December 2018 to April 2019, a total of 515 coronary heart and aortic diseases were identified. A total 10 nurses work full-time for the registry and it takes average of 1 hour to collect information for each patient. Challenges in conduct of the cardiovascular registry involve regulatory and ethical approval, funding, associations with local hospitals, non-standardized hospital diagnosis, staff training for comprehensive data collection including pathophysiology, examination and treatment, and quality control of data collection.

Conclusions
SSHR is a population-based registry of wide range of stroke and cardiovascular disease in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. In order to keep quality of the data, we put a lot of efforts on staff training and quality control.

Key messages
Population-based registry of wide range of stroke and cardiovascular disease in Shiga, Japan. In order to keep quality of the data, we put a lot of efforts on staff training and quality control.
A claims-based algorithm to identify cancers in a French retired self-employed craftspeople cohort
Authors: Goulard H , Homère J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
In France, possible long-term effects of past occupational exposure to carcinogen in the French retired self-employed craftspeople (RSEC) was studied in the ESPrI cohort. For health surveillance, a passive epidemiologic follow-up was set up, using algorithms based on medico-administrative databases developed to identify retiree with incident cancers.

Methods
A total of 15,030 RSEC were invited between 2005 and 2009 to fill the questionnaire about social and demographic characteristics, occupational history, frequency of activities involving potential exposure to asbestos fibers. For health surveillance, health-related French administrative databases were used. Since 2009, healthcare data from 7,544 ESPrI retirees had been annually extracted from the national health insurance cross-fund information system (Sniiram), include the French hospital discharge database system (PMSI) and the registered Long-Term Diseases database (LTD). The objective was to track incident cancers (ICD-10) and their date of diagnosis using algorithm based on 1) hospital stay with principal, related or associated diagnosis; 2) historic of the registered LTD which was available for each retiree.

Results
Among 7 544 ESPrI retirees, matching through medical records, 256 different incident cancers from asbestos-related localizations were identified between 2011 and 2017, 243 in men and 13 in women - a total number of 105 lung cancers, 122 colorectal cancers and 29 others cancers (mesothelioma, larynx, ovarian, oesophagus, pleura cancers).

Conclusions
A passive follow-up by using French national health administrative databases in order to evaluate the potential health effect of occupational asbestos exposure offered the advantage of reducing the risk of attrition and decreasing the total cohort cost. In 2019, a study was set up with then French cancer registries to evaluate algorithm’s performance.

Key messages
A claims-based algorithm developed by the French public health Agency to identify incident cancers. Epidemiological follow-up of ESPrI cohort provides indicators on the health of retired self-employed craftspeople.
Modeling the impact of changes in tobacco use on individual disease risks
Authors: Djurdjevic S , Baker G 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Philip Morris International has developed a Population Health Impact Model (PHIM) to estimate the effects of marketing Reduced-Risk Products on population health. The PHIM creates a disease-specific risk profile for each individual based on their age and smoking history.
To create a risk profile, the PHIM calculates, at each year of age, the excess relative risk (ERR=relative risk [RR]-1) by multiplying an individual’s equivalent dose (ED) by the ERR for smoking vs. never smoking. ED is defined as 0 at birth and stays at 0 while the individual is a non-smoker. Once tobacco use starts, the individual’s ED rises toward the relative exposure (RE) corresponding to the product used. Following quitting or change of product, ED moves toward the new value of RE. The model uses estimates of age- and disease-specific current smoking RRs and ERR half-lives following cessation, derived from meta-analyses of published data.
Estimates of the half-life of excess risk are also used when estimating rise in ERR following initiation or change in ERR following a change in product use. We apply the method to data for the four main smoking-related diseases; lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
For a given disease and age group, the PHIM can derive estimates of the average ERR for each individual in the population studied. Given an overall estimate of absolute population risk, the PHIM can then also be used to derive estimates of absolute risk for each individual.

Key messages
Health impact modeling can be used to understand the individual and population impacts of introducing reduced risk tobacco products. Footnote: *Reduced-Risk Products are products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products vs continued smoking.
Cancer incidence trend in northern tunisia: 1994-2009
Authors: Dhaouadi S , Cherif A , Osman M , Hsairi M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Cancer is a major public health problem in Tunisia. The objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiological pattern of cancer for all and main cancer sites in Northern Tunisia during the period 2007-2009 and to analyze it’s incidence trend between 1994 and 2009.

Methods
Cancer registry of Northern Tunisia was the source of data for the identification of patients for this study. This registry notify, since 1994, all cases of malignant tumor in people living in the District of Tunis, Nabeul, Zaghouan, Bizerte (North East) Beja, Jendouba, Kef and Siliana (North West). Cases were codified using the third version of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology. Demographic data were provided by the National Statistical Institute. Incidence trend analysis was achieved by using JoinPoint Software.

Results
During the period 2007-2009, the age-standardised incidence rate of all sites combined was 149.2/100 000 person-years and 112.3/100 000 person-years respectively among males and females. The sex ratio was 1.26. The mean age at diagnosis was 58.28±16.77 years. The most common sites for males were: lung, bladder, prostate and colorectal; while for females, they were breast, colorectal, thyroid and cervix uteri. Local stage at diagnosis was observed in 37.7% of cases. The highest incidence rates were observed in the District of Tunis and in the governorates of North East. The trend incidence cancer of all sites combined during the period from 1994 to 2009 was significantly risen except for stomach cancer among males and cervix uteri among females with annual percent changes of -2.5% and of -4.1% respectively.

Conclusions
Despite the existence of a national cancer strategy in Tunisia, many barriers affect the implementation of interventions; while the trend cancer incidence continues to rise particularly in males. Strengthening prevention strategy of this scourge is strongly recommended.

Key messages
Cancer is a major public health in world and in Tunisia. Prevention must be applied to reduce the incidence of cancer.
Research for road safety by multidisciplinary approach in Benin: From ’ReMPARt’ Unit experience
Authors: Glele Ahanhanzo Y , Kpozehouen A , Sambieni E , Hounkpe Dos Santos B , Daddah D , Aïna A , Poncelet M , Ouendo E M , Levêque A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Issue/Problem
Road crashes are the primary cause of death within the 15-29-year-old age group. In Benin, there is no policy of road safety. The establishment of effective policies requires objective data that can guide decision-making. Research institutions are poorly integrated in this process. To fill the gap in scientific evidence and to participate in the decision-making, the Department of Epidemiology and Bio-Statistics of Regional Institute of Public Health, along with partners, set up a unit research dedicated to road safety, the UR ReMPARt.

Description of the method
UR ReMPARt, based on multidisciplinarity and intersectoriality, is the first initiative of its kind in the African sub-region. Its mission is to contribute to political decision-making on the subject of road safety via research development and on a template of sustainability of interventions. The intervention strategies are: training, research development, and knowledge transfer.

Results
Created in May 2017, this research unit is organized around academic and professional competences from different countries. Assessment after two years shows four continuous training sessions on different themes, the development of doctoral research projects, and activities of expertise. Three Ph.D. thesis and five masters students in epidemiology are also in training to reinforce the unit. The partnership contains dedicated consortiums for the mobilization of resources in favour of the research and training for road safety.

Lessons
Intersectoriality and multidisciplinarity are requisite to guide the relevance of the research and provide the adequate answers on the matter of road safety. The research and the targeted transfer of results remain key foundations to direct decision-making. The reproducibility of this initiative must take in consideration those principles and constitute an opportunity of sharing of experience and networking in favour of the joint cause that is road safety.

Key messages
Research in road safety cannot be one way vision. Building political decisions around conclusive data is henceforth an obligation to integrate in our practices.
The role of preimplantational diagnostics in comtemporary reproductive medicine - a survey
Authors: Semerdjieva M , Angelchovska A , Bakova D 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Preimplantational diagnostics is a relatively new technique for diagnosing genetic and other abnormalities in different stages of fetal development. It provokes serious research interest and objections due to its probable consequences - the possibilities for selective abortion based on a selective approach to people depending on their hereditary peculiarities. In this connection, we conducted the present survey on society’s attitude towards some aspects of preimplantation diagnostics.

Methods
114 subjects (21 men and 93 women), aged between 18 and 60 years (mean 28.44±1.16), participated in an anonymous survey.

Results
69.3% of respondents expressed their strong support for the application of preimplantational diagnostics. We report a dependance of approval on respondents’ educational degree – participants with a secondary education approve in the smallest degree of preimplantational diagnostics p=0.004 (χ2=15.40). When comparing the results by respondents’ age, it is worth noting that those older than 41 years approve in a greater degree of preimplantational diagnostics p=0.001 (χ2=28.03) – most commonly these are people with a Master’s degree. It is more common for men to think that preimplantational diagnostics should be used for determining physical traits (colour of the eyes, hair etc.) and sex p=0.05 (χ2=5.73). As an explanation to their positive answer some respondents give the existence of sex-related genetic diseases. Therefore, even when the smallest doubt is present the so-called sexing should be conducted.

Conclusions
The participants in the survey approve of the use of preimplantational diagnostics in strictly observed rules and conditions. With the present laws in force there are numerous unresolved aspects and issues. More than half of the participants (66.7%) think that contemporary reproductive technology (incl. preimplantational diagnostics) could influence positively the attempt to overcome the demographic crisis in Bulgaria.

Key messages
Preimplantational diagnostics is a relatively new technique for diagnosing genetic and other abnormalities in different stages of fetal development. We conducted the present survey on society’s attitude towards some aspects of preimplantation diagnostics.
Reality of trans-identity in Benin and social reactions: Analysis based on a national survey in 2017
Authors: Hessou S , Glele Ahanhanzo Y , Kpozehouen A , Yadouleton T , Sodoloufo O , Capo-Chichi V , Dossoh B , Gnanhoui-David B , Nelson M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Transgender individuals are a key population recognized transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with higher risks of infection. Adoption of risky behaviours would be strategies of coping to face psychological disorders related to the social consequences of gender transition. To address their specific health needs in Benin, this study describes transgenderism and social reactions.

Methods
Through a cross sectional design, subjects were recruited by respondent-driven sampling from networks selected in the whole of the country in 2017. Subjects included were above 15 years old who identify themselves as transgender. Data was collected via questionnaires with variables related to the individual management of gender affirmation, social reactions, and risky behaviours.

Results
A total of 326 transgender individuals were identified with a majority of subjects being originally of the male gender (89.57%). The average age was 24.13±4.88 with a strong representation of schoolchildren and students (36.50%). In 64.72% of the cases, the family was informed of the trans-identity. The overall attitude of the family was of acceptance/support in 7 cases out of 10. Stigmatization and discrimination are reported by 50% of the subjects and 59.02% have been subjected to at least one assault. Among these, half had no appeal initiative and the main reason would be the absence/non-knowledge of legal remedy. Sexual multi-partnership which is the most common risky behaviour occurred in 81.54% of the cases.

Conclusions
Transgender people exist and constitute a population with specific needs in Benin. The services dedicated to this target must integrate the prevention of STIs/HIV but also legal, social and psychological support.

Key messages
Transgenderism in Benin mainly concerns young male subjects. Prevention programs should also be focused on social and psychological aspects to manage the identity transition that constitute a key step of shifting into risky behaviours.