bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of mindfulness-based intervention to improve bracing compliance for AIS patients
Authors: Li X , Leung C H Y , Gao T , Chung V C H , FWP Yu , Wong S Y S , Lam T P , Cheng J C Y , Yip B H K 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Despite good bracing compliance is crucial to prevent curve progression among braced AIS patients, only few interventions were suggested to improve bracing compliance. This study examined the effect of MBI on bracing compliance for AIS patients.

Methods
116 eligible AIS patients were randomized and 86 participants were enrolled in intervention. Patients in the MBI group joint weekly sessions, which is an adapted version of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, for 8 weeks. Control group consisted of an 8-week PE intervention that is recommended according to the SOSORT 2011 guideline. The primary outcome is the 6-month post-intervention bracing compliance. The secondary outcomes include quality of life and psychosocial measurements. Primary analysis was ANCOVA with treatment as covariate. Trend analysis was conducted using Linear Mixed effect model.

Results
At the end of intervention, intention-to-treat analysis improved bracing compliance by1.24h/day and 0.08h/day for MBI and PE respectively. MBI group presented an increase in emotional regulation than baseline (ERQ-CCA) (1.92, p = 0.01), especially in Cognitive reappraisal sub-scale (1.00, p = 0.05). Bracing Specific Quality of Life (SRS-22) reduced significantly in both groups, but MBI group decreased less (MBI: -3.08, p = 0.00, PE -4.47, p = 0.00). Effect at six months for compliance progressed negatively but favoured MBI group (MBI: -1.16, p = 0.13, PE: -1.84, p = 0.06) although there was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.78). The Perception of stress (PSS) decreased significantly in PE group (-3,53, p = 0.01) rather than MBI (1.53, p = 0.22), however the between-group difference isn't significant (p = 0.62).

Conclusions
It is alarming that patients in both interventions group progressed with poorer compliance and worsen QoL. These progressions were less severe in the MBI group than in the PE group, but the differences did not reach statistical significant.

Key messages
Both groups decreased in compliance and QoL but MBI group reduced less. MBI wasn't more effective in improving participants’ compliance and other measurements.
Birth defects in the Brazilian side of the triple border: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Nampo F K , Souza S , Pestana C R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Major birth defects are characterized by its severity and are a public health challenge since it chronically affects the population. Foz do Iguassu is located in Brazili's largest international border and presents a birth defect rate 50% greater than the country's average.

Methods
Identifying factors associated to birth defects is important to guide preventive actions toward modifiable risk factors and target the most susceptible population. In this cross-sectional study we measured the prevalence of major birth defects and associated maternal sociodemographic factors in Foz do Iguassu. Data were collected from a governmental registry and included all births that occurred in the city between 2012 to 2017. The variables measured were maternal education, maternal race, country of residence, maternal parity and onset of prenatal care. Data were analyzed through logistic regression models to verify the maternal sociodemographic factors associated with major birth defects.

Results
26,214 births were analyzed; among the 305 birth defects registered, 140 (46%) corresponded to a major birth defect. Cleft lip and/or palate and gastroschisis were the most prevalent major birth defect (9.5/10,000 live births and 6.83/10,000 live births, respectively). Maternal education up to 7 years was the only variable associated with the major birth defects (ORadj=1.58; CI = 1.07-2.33; p = 0.02). Maternal age was associated with gastroschisis (mean: 21.5 years; p = 0.002) and Down syndrome (mean: 33.5 years; p = 0.007).

Conclusions
In this area, cleft lip and/or palate and gastroschisis are the most common major birth defects, and maternal education is weakly associated with major birth defects.

Key messages
The epidemiology of major birth defects in this area differs from Brazil’s. Future research should focus on inherent risk factors for congenital defects and exposure to teratogens.
Health literacy as a predictor of road traffic injury prevention
Authors: Miskulin M , Simic I , Bilic-Kirin V , Mujkic A , Berlancic T , Miskulin I 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Road traffic injuries impose a substantial health burden among children. Health literacy is one of the most important determinants of non-communicable disease prevention. Parent health literacy is connected with their knowledge and behaviors regarding children road traffic injuries (CRTI) prevention. The aim of this study was to explore health literacy, knowledge and behaviors of mothers' in Croatia regarding CRTI prevention.

Methods
This population based cross-sectional questionnaire study was done during 2019 in convenient sample of mothers of school aged children. Sociodemographic data and data about knowledge and behaviors of mothers regarding CRTI prevention were collected by the use of specially designed questionnaire. Croatian version of the Newest Vital Sign screening test (NVS-HR) was used for heath literacy determination.

Results
There were 814 mothers' median age 36.0 (interquartile range 32.0. - 39.0). According to NVS-HR there were 17.7%, 26.5% and 55.8% of mothers with low, intermediate and adequate health literacy level, respectively. The higher levels of health literacy were connected with younger age of mothers (37 years old or less) (P = 0.027); urban area of settlement (P &lt; 0.001); living with a partner (P = 0.018); higher educational level of mothers (P &lt; 0.001) and with better self-perceived economic status (P = 0.009). The study revealed poor positive correlation between mothers' health literacy and their knowledge regarding CRTI prevention (rho=0.170; P &lt; 0.001). The study further showed that there was no correlation between mothers' health literacy and their behavior regarding CRTI prevention (rho=0.072; P = 0.041). Finally, the study revealed poor positive correlation between mothers' knowledge and behavior regarding CRTI prevention (rho=0.193; P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
The level of health literacy affects mothers' knowledge about CRTI prevention. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying reasons for established association.

Key messages
Low parent health literacy is one of the predictors of poor parent knowledge about children road traffic injuries prevention. It is necessary to identify and to address low parent health literacy in preventive strategies directed towards children road traffic injury prevention.
Effect of stop smoking during the first trimester on Low birth weight: A MCBR Study
Authors: Kharkova O , Odland J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Tobacco smoking is a public health problem. Even though this habit is less common among women than men in Russia, it appears to be on the increase among women aged ≥15 years. Smoking during pregnancy leads to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Compared to the number of studies on maternal smoking and birth weight, the influence of stop smoking on low birth weight is not well documented. The aim of the study was to assess an effect of quitting smoking during the first trimester on low birth weight.

Methods
The study is based on the Murmansk County Birth registry. Women who delivered a singleton pregnancy after 37 weeks of gestation were comprised to the study (N = 44,486). Smoking information was assessed at the first antenatal visit during pregnancy and self-reported and. Low birth weight was defined in according to the World Health Organization as Mean value minus 2 standard deviations for girls and boys separately. Using logistic regressions, we adjusted for maternal age, residence, ethnicity, education, marital status, alcohol abuse, year of delivery, body mass index, pregnancy diabetes, gestational age, and excessive weight gain.

Results
The prevalence of low birth weight was 1.1%. This adverse birth outcome was more prevalent in women who smoked during pregnancy (2.5%) in compared to those who stopped do it during pregnancy (0.8%) or did not smoke before and during pregnancy (0.9%) (p &lt; 0.001). Compared to non-smokers, quitting smoking during the first trimester had no significant impact on the low birth weight, even after adjustment for confounders (ORcrude = 0.97 with 95%CI 0.64-1.47 and ORadj = 0.89 with 95%CI 0.58-1.36).

Conclusions
We observed that women who stop smoking during the first trimester are at no greater risk of having a term baby with low birth weight. Our findings underline a continued need for actions against smoking during pregnancy.

Key messages
Women who stop smoking during the first trimester are at no greater risk of having a term baby with low birth weight. Our findings underline a continued need for actions against smoking during pregnancy.
Narrative Case study: The most essential determinants to child and maternal health in Sierra Leone
Authors: Sheriff V , Barzyk G A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, suffering from some of the worst maternal and child health outcomes. In 2013, it had a maternal mortality ratio of 1165/10000 live births and an under-five mortality of 156/1000 live births. The country has introduced a number of policies and interventions to tackle maternal and child health issues but still retains one of the highest global mortality rates. The purpose of this study is to determine the most essential determinants to infant, child and maternal health and recommend some interventions and policy changes to improve their health outcomes.

Methods
A small review of relevant policies and papers and analysis of relevant maternal and child health data and statistics was conducted to inform questions for Key Informant Interviews. Interviews were then conducted with relevant stakeholders to child and maternal health from UN Organisations, international NGOs and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS).

Results
Analysis of transcribed Interview data with NVIVO showed that the most essential determinants were the lack of effective coordination between the MoHS and partners due to the emergency mindset, systematic problems with the attitude of the healthcare workforce especially towards women and socio-cultural restriction on women restricting their ability to make choices about their own health and lives

Conclusions
The study found that there was a focus on policies and interventions targeted at improving clinical determinants and health statistics while consideration of socio-cultural context were negligible. An inclusion of interventions focused on women's empowerment and increasing their voices will help to tackle some of these most essential determinants.

Key messages
Sierra Leone has the policy environment, political will, and technical expertise to continue making improvements to their high maternal and child mortality problem. An emergency mindset approach, and interventions targeted only at reducing clinical determinants of maternal mortality are missing out on addressing wider socio-cultural issues to improving health.
Misuse and addiction to mobile phone in a sample of first-grade secondary school students of Palermo
Authors: Pizzo S , Costantino C , Giliberti D , Calò I , Vella C , Conforto A , Sannasardo C , Gambino R , Casuccio A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Nowadays, smartphone overuse affects massively teenagers and young adults. From 2014 to 2018 in Italy, for the 11-17 years age group, there has been an increase from 79.9% to 85.8% of daily mobile phone users. This project aims to investigate usage prevalence and misuse/addiction of mobile phones in a representative sample of first-grade secondary school students of the Province of Palermo, Italy, carrying out educational interventions to promote a proper and conscious use of smartphone.

Materials and Methods
An anonymous, standardized and previously validated pre-intervention questionnaire consisting of 39 items on general socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes and habits regarding smartphone usage, was administered online to 10-15 years old students of the Palermo's Province. Moreover, two additional sets of 11 and 15 items contributed to calculate a Misuse and an Addiction Score, respectively. After administration, educational interventions aimed at promoting the correct and conscious use of the smartphone, were carried out.

Results
A total of 1600 students belonging to 16 schools, responded to the questionnaire. 93% of the sample had a personal smartphone and 84% had a personal profile on at least one social network. About 15% of the sample experienced cyber bullying episodes and 30% accessed to adult content online (38% of parents didn't set parental control on the devices). Overall, 78.3% of the sample showed a moderate to severe misuse and 38.3% a moderate to severe addiction to mobile phones.

Conclusions
The uncontrolled and unconscious use of smartphones among adolescents exposes to different health risks including psycho-social and cognitive-relational problems. Results obtained demonstrate high levels of misuse and addiction to mobile devices in a representative sample of students in a developed Country, suggesting the need to implement educational interventions and the development of guidelines to encourage a responsible use of smartphones.

Key messages
The present study highlights an uncontrolled and unconscious use of mobile phones among 11-15 years old aged students in Southern Italy. The implementation of educational intervention at school and the development of guidelines regulating smartphone usage among adolescents, should represent a future global health priority.
To document Pneumonia case management practices in selected communities of Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood H , Kiani H R , Sheraz S Y , Nair H , Worth A , Campbell H , Sheikh A , Hazir T 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction
The cornerstone of ARI control programs is standardized case management. According to this strategy thousands of healthcare providers have been trained in Pakistan. Given unchanged mortality statistics, there is a concern that these pieces of training have not been able to deliver the outcome.

Purpose of Study
To document current under-five pneumonia case management practices at the community level, first level care facility (FLCF) and specialist level across Pakistan.

Methodology
32 structured; disguised observations were done using an observation tool based on standard WHO pneumonia case management guidelines from each of four administrative units and the federal capital of Pakistan across the LHW level, FLCF and tertiary level. Thus, a total of 160 observations were made.

Results
At the community level, 100% LHW's did not ask for danger signs & did not expose the chest, 98% misdiagnosed pneumonia and100% prescribed antibiotics to irrespective of diagnosis. At FLCF 0.6% inquired about danger signs, 98% did not expose the chest, 80% did not use WHO classification for diagnosing pneumonia and 100% prescribed antibiotics irrespective of diagnosis. At GP's and specialist level in the private sector, 28 % inquired about at least one danger sign, 82% exposed chest, 58% did not use WHO classification for diagnosis, and 17% wrongly prescribed antibiotics. Whereas in public sector, 7% inquired about at least one danger sign, 78% exposed chest, 64% did not use WHO classification for diagnosis and 28% wrongly prescribed antibiotics.

Acknowledgment of Funding
This research was commissioned by the National Institute of Health Research using Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of NHS, the National Institute of Health Research, or the development of Health.

Key messages
Standard pneumonia case management guidelines are not been followed at any level of healthcare systems in Pakistan. Pneumonia case management strategies need to be revised to manage the disease.
Are women satisfied with their experience with breast cancer screening? Systematic review of the literature
Authors: Pagliarin Federica , Pylkkanen Liisa , Salakari Minna , Deandrea Silvia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The evaluation of participant experience is an essential part of monitoring the quality of breast cancer screening services. Satisfaction of services can lead to good adherence and hence affect health outcomes.

Methods
We performed a systematic review to assess how satisfied women were with organized breast cancer screening programs. A literature search in Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO from 1965 to October 2019 was performed. Articles reporting a quantitative measure of satisfaction collected via questionnaires in programs using mammography as a screening test were selected. We narratively synthesized the data and used tabulated summaries.

Results
Out of 4310 individual citations, 3099 abstracts were reviewed by two independent researchers, and 126 articles were selected for full-text reading. Finally, 48 studies, published between 1990 and 2018, were included in analysis, reporting 54 surveys in the context of an organized screening program, 37 on satisfaction with screening mammography, 14 on satisfaction with further assessments and 3 with counseling. Most studies reported a high level of satisfaction for both mammography and further assessments. Despite commonly reported temporary pain, discomfort and anxiety, the willingness to be re-screened was very high. Effective information transfer, the staff's interpersonal skills and quick delivery of results correlated with high satisfaction. Only 7 out of 54 surveys used recognized satisfaction instruments or their modifications.

Conclusions
In general, satisfaction with breast cancer screening is high, but its evaluation is mainly performed using non-validated instruments. Emphasis should be put on effective communication, the staff´s interpersonal skills and quick delivery of results.
Soil structure, nutrient status and water holding capacity shape Uruguayan grassland prokaryotic communities
Authors: Garaycochea Silvia , Romero Héctor , Beyhaut Elena , Neal Andrew L , Altier Nora 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
Soil microbial communities play critical roles in maintaining natural ecosystems such as the Campos biome grasslands of southern South America. These grasslands are characterized by a high diversity of soils, low available phosphorus (P) and limited water holding capacity. This work aimed to describe prokaryotic communities associated with different soil types and to examine the relationship among these soil communities, the parent material and the soil nutrient status. Five Uruguayan soils with different parent material and nutrient status, under natural grasslands, were compared. The structure and diversity of prokaryotic communities were characterized by sequencing 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes,Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes and Chloroflexi were the predominant phyla. Ordination based on several distance measures was able to discriminate clearly between communities associated with different soil types. Edge-PCA phylogeny-sensitive ordination and differential relative abundance analyses identified Archaea and the bacterial phyla Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia as those with significant differences among soil types. Canonical analysis of principal coordinates identified porosity, clay content, available P, soil organic carbon and water holding capacity as the main variables contributing to determine the characteristic prokaryotic communities of each soil type.
Teachers’ professional identities in the context of school-based sexuality education in Uganda—a qualitative study
Authors: de Haas Billie , Hutter Inge 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSchool-based sexuality education makes teachers important gatekeepers of students’ access to information about sexual and reproductive health and rights. The school setting has the potential to reach large numbers of students. However, teachers’ professional identities may go beyond, differ from or even conflict with the qualities required of sexuality educators. To gain a better understanding of the role of professional identity in the delivery of school-based sexuality education, this study used cultural schema theory to study teachers’ professional identities, and how these motivate them to provide sexuality education. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 sexuality education teachers at secondary schools in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Sexuality education lessons were observed to validate the findings from the interviews. Results identified five cultural schemas of professional identity: (i) upholder of ethics and regulations; (ii) authority figure; (iii) counsellor and guide; (iv) role model; and (v) guardian. The study concludes that teachers’ cultural schemas of professional identity motivate them to adhere to moral discourses of abstinence and sexual innocence. To support teachers in taking more comprehensive approaches to sexuality education, it is important that they receive adequate teacher training and support from the Ugandan government, the school administration and the wider community.
Public procurement in Big Science: politics or technology? The case of CERN
Authors: Bastianin Andrea , Del Bo Chiara F 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPublic procurement from Big Science Centers (BSCs) yields a variety of spillover effects that can ultimately have growth enhancing consequences for their Member States (MS). We study the determinants of procurement for the biggest research infrastructure ever built: the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. A unique database of firms that have registered to become industrial partners of the LHC program allows us to estimate the determinants for potential suppliers of receiving an order from CERN. We compare the relative weight of firms’ technological features and CERN’s procurement rules aimed at securing a juste retour for its MS. Although in accordance to CERN’s procurement rules our results highlight the role of both technological factors and political constraints, we also show the existence of a premium toward Swiss and French firms. We document that the constraints related with the achievement of a juste retour affect—directly or indirectly—the procurement policy of many European BSCs and international bodies whose budget is financed by the public funds of their MS. Therefore, our results have policy implications that go beyond our empirical application.