bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public Health Policies and Global COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Komaroff M , Belhouchet A A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Was the world prepared to face the pandemic with a standard strategy?

Objectives
To evaluate the association between public health interventions against the COVID-19 outbreak and the outcome.

Methods
The observational study included data on incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases (outcome) and public health non-pharmaceutical interventions (exposure) from five countries: France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and the USA, December 31, 2019 through April 12, 2020. The public health measures were grouped into five categories: lockdown, movement restrictions, public health measures, social (including social distancing) and economic measures, and use of facial mask. The multiple linear regressions were utilized to test the hypothesis that implementation of some public health measures was associated with the change in the incident number of COVID-19 cases, 2-sided, α = 0.05.

Results
The incidence of COVID-19 would be significantly greater without lockdown (1.89 times, p-value &lt;.0001), public health and economic measures (25.17, p-value &lt;.0001), and using masks (11.93, p-value=0.002), assuming that all other public health policies are the same. The effectiveness increases with earlier time of implementation. Among considered countries, South Korea was the most efficacious, where all measures were statistically significantly efficacious (p-value &lt;0.05).

Conclusions
The findings demonstrate an association between public health measures and the outcome. The experience from South Korea should be studied further as the most effective non-pharmacological approach to fight the disease. This paper is the first step to develop the standardized approach utilizing the public health interventions to be applied effectively to the globe population.

Key messages
the most effective measures to control the COVID-19, and future outbreaks. The effect of particular measure varied by country and time of implementation.
Associations of ultra-processed food and its consumption patterns with incident type 2 diabetes
Authors: Duan M , Vinke P C , Navis G J , Corpeleijn E , Dekker L H 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
To study the associations of the consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) and its underlying habitual consumption patterns with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a large population-based cohort.

Methods
In 70 421 participants (35-70 years, 58.6% women) from the Lifelines cohort study, dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to derive UPF consumption patterns. UPF was related to incident diabetes with adjustments for confounders, including overall diet quality.

Results
During a median follow-up of 41 months, the intake of UPF was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes (1128 cases, OR for a 10% increment in UPF intake 1.33 [95% CI 1.26, 1.41]), and remained significant after adjustment for confounders. PCA revealed four habitual UPF consumption patterns. A pattern high in cold savory snacks (OR 1.16 [95% CI 1.09, 1.22]) and a pattern high in warm savory snacks (OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.08, 1.21]) were associated with an increased diabetes risk; a pattern high in traditional Dutch cuisine was not associated with diabetes risk (OR 1.05 [95% CI 0.97, 1.14]); while a pattern high in sweet snacks and pastries was inversely associated with diabetes risk (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.76, 0.89]). There was a clear inverse association between diabetes risk at baseline and the sweet snacks and pastries pattern (β = -0.104 [95% CI -0.113, -0.094]).

Conclusions
A higher consumption of UPF was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes. For consumption patterns, this association was most pronounced for the patterns that were high in savory snacks. Our findings emphasize that in addition to promoting the consumption of healthy food products, discouraging the consumption of UPF, specifically savory snacks, should be considered as part of future diabetes prevention strategies.

Key messages
Ultra-processed foods intake was associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Consumption patterns of ultra-processed foods should be the focus for future policies.
Digital epidemiology supported by GIS as a way for effective communication of the epidemic situation
Authors: Smida J , Loosova J , Prattingerova J , Zabka V , Vrbik D , Harman J , Vaclavikova L , Sembera J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
There is no central information system supporting epidemiological surveillance in the case of the Czech Republic. For efficient management of epidemiological data, it is advisable to use a Geographic Information System (GIS), in which data can be managed based on their geographical component. The advantages of GIS are not only all tools for managing an ordinary database but also functions typical for geographic data. Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic) with the support of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic guarantees the design and building of an information system with GIS features designed for the solution of epidemics within the chosen region of the Czech Republic (Regional Hygiene Station of the Liberec Region). The concept of the information system is based on the requirement to use Open Source tools without the need for future license fees. A substantial part of the system is programmed (R language). Data input will be provided by forms and questionnaires (pre-prepared, editable). The database will be based on demographic data along with multiple time and geographical data (useful for the construction of epidemiological curves and data representation in maps).
Data input is possible via any platform (desktop, smartphones, mobile GIS for fieldwork). The output console is designed to work with data organized in maps. After the necessary anonymization and aggregation of data, some of the data is designed to be made available to the general public. Emphasis is placed on the communication role of the information system in providing information from and to the public.
The research team is multidisciplinary (epidemiologists, geographers, programmers, sociologists). The development of the information system has been started in 2019 on the example of alimentary diseases. A part of it has been used since March 2020 for monitoring COVID-19 within the Liberec Region. Full completion and commissioning are set for 2021.

Key messages
Geographic Information System is an effective database, analytical and communication tool for epidemilogy. The information system must enable communication with experts and the general public.
Each reading is a seed – prescribing books and links at the School of Patients DF
Authors: Cubas-Rolim E , Yung F R , Gripp M R , Oliveira C L A , Marques L A , Fagundes M C , Souza B V , Ribeiro L , Tostes-Faria E , Santana F 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Issue
The fragile reading habit is a common feature in Brazil, having wide negative impacts in Health and Education areas. Itapoã-DF presents important social vulnerabilities with challenges about the reading habit. Stimulating individual reading from early childhood to elderly, associated with positive reinforcement during doctor appointments, is a way to provide health education.

Description of the problem
In October of 2016, the “Prescreva um Livro” (prescribe a book) project began from childcare doctor appointments, by encouraging children with books and the borrowing of material, in addition to positive reinforcement in consultations. In 2019, book references for adults were incorporated into the chapters of the School of Patients DF - especially for prenatal care and chronic conditions such as hypertension. It highlights the potencial of primary care as point of encouragement for reading and community support, reading coordinator.

Results
The Reading stimulus brought, since 2016, a change in the relationship of young people with the service, making it a space of curiosity and fun instead of “fear of needles”. The importance of primary care in constructive stimuli to reading is reinforced even more considering the difficulties of education in Brazil.

Lessons
Initially focused on children and adolescents, the practice was incorporated into the health education strategy of the School of Patients, grouping prevalent comorbidities and printed guidelines delivered at each consultation. The participating children reported the stories they had read at subsequent visits. This feedback reinforces the influence that the primary care environment can have in several areas of the user's life, including reading

Key messages
Waiting rooms and home visits are opportunities to exchange information also of a literary nature. The stimulus to reading is vital for the full exercise of citizenship, and health services can be a reference for reading.
Positive Choices: Addressing the evidence-practice gap in alcohol and other drug prevention
Authors: Nepal S , Stapinski L , Newton N , Grummitt L , Lawler S , Guckel T , Lynch S , Chapman C , Teesson M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Issue
Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use during adolescence puts young people at risk of juvenile offending, poor educational outcomes, school dropout, and mental health issues. Since parents and school teachers are the primary source of contact for adolescents, it is important that they are equipped with accurate and up-to-date response strategies. There are a number of effective drug prevention strategies, however, they are not widely implemented.

Description of the practice
To address this evidence-practice gap, the Positive Choices initiative was launched in 2015. Positive Choices supports implementation of evidence-based and prevention strategies through provision of training and a centralised information and resources portal for young people, their parents and teachers. The portal contains information factsheets and webinars and was developed in consultation with AOD experts and target users. Drug education resources and curriculum programs meeting pre-specified criteria for relevance, quality and evidence-base are listed in the resources database.

Results
Positive Choices has been accessed by one-million Australian and international users. The most popular resources are videos, factsheets, webinars. In 2019, 71% parents and 65% teachers said that they would continue using the website. Half (54%) of school staff were not currently implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, of these 89% intended to shift to evidence-based practice after using Positive Choices. The majority of the users have said they would recommend the website to their colleagues and friends.

Lessons
Positive Choices is effective in changing users' intentions to implement evidence-based strategies. Drug education programs need to engage parents and teachers if they are to be effective.

Key messages
Positive Choices has increased users’ awareness of evidence-based prevention strategies. Positive Choices has increased users’ intentions to implement evidence-based prevention strategies.
Multidisciplinary community approach to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in a neighborhood in Rome
Authors: D'Ambrosio F , Tamburrano A , Galletti C , Mazza E , Gambioli S , Galasso V , Mingarelli A , Rubei F , Gambioli C , Laurenti P 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of death and morbidity worldwide. To reduce the risk of occurrence it is necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle and consider health as a collective benefit. This study aims to evaluate how the implementation of preventive interventions and health promotion could reduce the impact of CVDs on the involved population.
This prospective study started 1 year ago and will last 18 months (July 2020). Participants have been recruited in General Practice clinic in Torresina neighbourhood in Rome. The intervention was a full year of multidisciplinary meetings scheduled with general practitioners, community nurses, dedicated professionals (nutritionist, physiotherapist, psychologist) and outdoor events with a coach to promote group physical activity, assisted by the use of social networks. Anthropometric data, blood chemistry tests and information about lifestyle, nutritional habits and physical activity were collected at time 0 and every 2-month follow-up and, additionally, the individual cardiovascular risk score (CVRS) was calculated. After 12 and up to 18 months, instead, the self-management ability of a correct lifestyle will be evaluated on the basis of the measured outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t test with Jamovi software.
The sample size was 62 patients, 50% male with an average age of 54.6 years (±7.8). During the analyzed period there was a reduction in the percentage of smokers from 30.6% at baseline to 22.6% after 12 months. The baseline CVRS was 4.9% (±6.3). At 12 months the CVRS significantly decreased to 3.8% (±4.0) (p &lt; 0.01). Total cholesterol level was 211.1 mg/dl (±32.8) at baseline, with a significant reduction at 12 months (202.5 ± 37.8) (p = 0.01). The results are preliminary.
Multidisciplinary interventions resulted in a significant reduction of CVRS and cholesterol levels during the study period. Further studies are necessary to evaluate our approach.

Key messages
Cardiovascular Diseases are the main causes of deaths among the population, so primary prevention through tailored educational interventions is fundamental. A multidisciplinary approach has proven to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and the level of cholesterol.
New competences to manage Urban Health: Health City Manager core curriculum
Authors: Capolongo S , Rebecchi A , Napier D , Ricciardi G , Signorelli C , Serra F , Dotta F , Pella R , Lenzi A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Health as a common good is a prior essential objective to be pursued by an alliance including citizens and local administrations. Role of cities in health promotion is emphasized by urbanization, entailing 70% of the global population living in urban areas. Cities are therefore perfect laboratories within which to act: studying and monitoring dimensions that determine the level of quality of life in cities, improving their sustainability and capacity for growth, is fundamental for a new governance model able of managing this complexity. Under the premises, the Health City Manager (HCM) has been launched, a professional gaining skills in PH management, sociology of communities, urban design and control in reducing health inequalities. A course lasting 80 hours gives then the opportunity to put into practice, at municipal level, knowledge, competences and abilities achieved. In the background, both the former EU Commissioner for Health and the Committee of the Regions warmly supported the establishment of HCMs, who would coordinate a process ensuring alignment of policies on a macro and micro scale. During G7 in 2017, Ministry for Health and Presidency of Italian Municipalities signed the Urban Health Rome Declaration, underlining the need for a stronger synergy facilitated by HCMs. In 2019, Ministry of Youth and Sport approved and financed the project. On the basis of a core curriculum, validated by a group of experts, the course is starting in 2020 for the first 120 HCMs. Innovation lies in the holistic approach, a multidisciplinary project managing method overcoming silos logic. Customization of public policies and participatory process make the figure ideal to be applied in all countries. Sustainability is ensured by a relatively high return on investment. Main impact relates to improvement of the quality of life through a full involvement and accountability of local administrations; contrast of climate change identifying strategies of urban resilience.

Key messages
Improvement of the quality of life through a full involvement and accountability of local administrations. Contrast of climate change identifying strategies of urban resilience.
Poor oral health and incidence of disability: results from studies of older people in the UK and USA
Authors: Kotronia E , Wannamethee S G , Papacosta O A , Whincup P H , Lennon L T , Visser M , Weyant R J , Ramsay S E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
To examine the association between oral health markers and disability 4 years later in two population-based studies of older people in the UK and USA.

Methods
Analyses were conducted in the British Regional Heart Study (BRHS) comprising older men (n = 2147) and the Health, Aging and Body Composition (HABC) Study comprising American older men and women (n = 3075). Data from a 4-year follow up period were used. Oral health measures included tooth loss, periodontal disease, dry mouth, and self-rated oral health. Mobility limitations and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were markers of disability. Logistic regression was performed and analyses were adjusted for confounders (age, socioeconomic position, lifestyle factors, and chronic diseases).

Results
Over a 4-year follow-up, 15% of subjects in the BRHS and 19% in the HABC Study developed mobility limitations. In both studies, 12% of participants developed ADL problems. In the BRHS, tooth loss (complete and partial), periodontal disease, dry mouth and accumulation of oral health problems were associated with an increased risk of developing mobility limitations after adjustment for confounders (partial tooth loss, OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.18-2.94, ≥3 dry mouth symptoms, OR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.25-3.09). Similar results were observed for the risk of developing ADL problems. In the HABC Study, complete tooth loss and accumulation of oral health problems were associated with greater risk of incident mobility limitations (OR = 1.77, 95%CI 1.13-2.76; OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.37, respectively). Moreover, self-rated oral health was associated with increased risk of ADL problems, after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions
Poor oral health was associated with increased risk of developing disability in community-dwelling older people. Screening tools of oral health may be helpful in identifying oral health problems, improving oral health status and promoting health and good quality of life.

Key messages
Poor oral health is associated with a higher risk of developing disability in later life. This highlights the importance of oral health on maintaining independence in older people.
Is psychiatric hospitalization an opportunity to deal with oral health issues in France?
Authors: Couatarmanach A , Sherlaw W , Harpet C , Bertaud V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
People with severe mental health diseases appear to suffer from poor oral health compared with the general population. Specific strategies, including prevention tools and improved access to oral care, should be implemented to tackle this issue. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not psychiatric hospitalization may constitute a favorable environment to develop such strategies.

Methods
Data were collected from an ethnographic study conducted over 3 months in two different wards in a French psychiatric hospital: an admissions unit for acute cases and a unit for long-term hospitalization. In addition, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with different professionals (psychiatrist, general practitioners, nurses and auxiliaries).

Results
Most professionals described their goal as making patients more autonomous in order to go back to the community. Oral health issues were acknowledged by the professionals and increased oral health literacy was perceived as a part of this autonomy improvement objective. However, especially in the admission unit, shortened length of hospitalization in the deinstitutionalization context was seen as a major barrier to both implementation of oral health education programs and oral care treatments (related to the on-site dental clinic waiting list). In the long-term unit, direct assistance for oral hygiene and oral treatments request was perceived as potentially contrary to patients' intimacy and autonomy. In addition, professionals from both units pointed out the lack of oral health practices formalization and the weakness of the relationships with the dental team.

Conclusions
Oral health issue in psychiatry seemed to be well identified by the professionals, but its management remains challenging. Systemic (deinstitutionalization), ethical (intimacy and autonomy) and organizational aspects have to be considered in the implementation of oral health improvement strategies in psychiatric hospitals.

Key messages
Ethnographic study in a French psychiatric hospital identified systemic, ethical and organizational barriers to oral health care for in-patients. Oral care needs in psychiatric hospitals are acknowledged by the professionals but strategies to satisfy these needs are still to be implemented.
Primary care organizational model mix and avoidable hospitalization: an ecological study in Portugal
Authors: Pinto A , Santos J V , Lobo M , Viana J , Souza J , Ramalho A , Pereira A , Freitas A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
In Portugal, there are different organizational models in primary health care (PHC), mainly regarding the payment scheme. USF-B is the only type with financial incentives to the professional (pay-for-performance). Our goal was to assess the relationship between groups of primary healthcare centres (ACES) with higher proportion of patients within USF-B model and the rate of avoidable hospitalizations, as proxy of primary care quality.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study considering the 55 ACES from mainland Portugal, in 2017. We used data from public hospitalizations to calculate the prevention quality indicator (avoidable hospitalizations) adjusted for age and sex, using direct standardization. The main independent variable was the proportion of patients in one ACES registered in the USF-B model. Unemployment rate, proportion of patients with family doctor and presence of Local Health Unit (different organization model) within ACES were also considered. The association was assessed by means of a linear regression model.

Results
Age-sex adjusted PQI value varied between 490 and 1715 hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants across ACES. We observed a significant effect of the proportion of patients within USF-B in the crude PQI rate (p = 0.001). However, using the age-sex adjusted PQI, there was not a statistical significant association (p = 0.504). This last model was also adjusted for confounding variables and the association remains non-significant (p = 0.865).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that, when adjusting for age and sex, there is no evidence that ACES with more patients enrolled in a pay-for-performance model is associated with higher quality of PHC (using avoidable hospitalizations as proxy). Further studies addressing individual data should be performed.
This work was financed by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 - POCI, and by Portuguese funds through FCT in the framework of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030766 “1st.IndiQare”.

Key messages
Adjusting PQI to sex and age seems to influence its value more than the type of organizational model of primary health care. Groups of primary healthcare centres with more units under the pay-for-performance scheme was not associated with different rate of avoidable hospitalizations.