bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of technology for public health surveillance reporting: opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt from Kenya
Authors: Njeru Ian , Kareko David , Kisangau Ngina , Langat Daniel , Liku Nzisa , Owiso George , Dolan Samantha , Rabinowitz Peter , Macharia Daniel , Ekechi Chinyere , Widdowson Marc-Alain 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Infectious diseases remain one of the greatest threats to public health globally. Effective public health surveillance systems are therefore needed to provide timely and accurate information for early detection and response. In 2016, Kenya transitioned its surveillance system from a standalone web-based surveillance system to the more sustainable and integrated District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). As part of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) initiatives in Kenya, training on use of the new system was conducted among surveillance officers. We evaluated the surveillance indicators during the transition period in order to assess the impact of this training on surveillance metrics and identify challenges affecting reporting rates. Methods: From February to May 2017, we analysed surveillance data for 13 intervention and 13 comparison counties. An intervention county was defined as one that had received refresher training on DHIS2 while a comparison county was one that had not received training. We evaluated the impact of the training by analysing completeness and timeliness of reporting 15 weeks before and 12 weeks after the training. A chi-square test of independence was used to compare the reporting rates between the two groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the training participants to assess the challenges affecting surveillance reporting. Results: The completeness of reporting increased significantly after the training by 17 percentage points (from 45% to 62%) for the intervention group compared to 3 percentage points (49% to 52%) for the comparison group. Timeliness of reporting increased significantly by 21 percentage points (from 30% to 51%) for the intervention group compared to 7 percentage points (from 31% to 38%) for the comparison group. Major challenges identified for the low reporting rates included lack of budget support from government, lack of airtime for reporting, health workers strike, health facilities not sending surveillance data, use of wrong denominator to calculate reporting rates and surveillance officers being given other competing tasks. Conclusions: Training plays an important role in improving public health surveillance reporting. However, to improve surveillance reporting rates to the desired national targets, other challenges affecting reporting must be identified and addressed accordingly.
Active and latent tuberculosis in refugees and asylum seekers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Proenca Raquel , Souza Fernanda Mattos , Bastos Mayara Lisboa , Caetano Rosangela , Braga Jose Ueleres , Faerstein Eduardo , Trajman Anete 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2018, there were 70.8 million refugees, asylum seekers and persons displaced by wars and conflicts worldwide. Many of these individuals face a high risk for tuberculosis in their country of origin, which may be accentuated by adverse conditions endured during their journey. We summarised the prevalence of active and latent tuberculosis infection in refugees and asylum seekers through a systematic literature review and meta-analyses by country of origin and host continent. Methods: Articles published in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and LILACS from January 2000 to August 2017 were searched for, without language restriction. Two independent authors performed the study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Random effect models were used to estimate average measures of active and latent tuberculosis prevalence. Sub-group meta-analyses were performed according to country of origin and host continent.Results: Sixty-seven out of 767 identified articles were included, of which 16 entered the meta-analyses. Average prevalence of active and latent tuberculosis was 1331 per 100 thousand inhabitants [95% confidence interval (CI) = 542-2384] and 37% (95% CI = 23-52%), respectively, both with high level of heterogeneity (variation in estimative attributable to heterogeneity [I2] = 98.2% and 99.8%). Prevalence varied more according to countries of origin than host continent. Ninety-one per cent of studies reported routine screening of recently arrived immigrants in the host country; two-thirds confirmed tuberculosis bacteriologically. Many studies failed to provide relevant information.Conclusion: Tuberculosis is a major health problem among refugees and asylum seekers and should be given special attention in any host continent. To protect this vulnerable population, ensuring access to healthcare for early detection for prevention and treatment of the disease is essential.
Comparing national dementia plans and strategies in Europe – Is there a focus of care for people with dementia from a migration background?
Authors: Schmachtenberg Tim , Monsees Jessica , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Berg Neeltje van den , Stentzel Ulrike , Thyrian Jochen René 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background People with migration background and dementia are a vulnerable group. Providing care for this group is a public health challenge in Europe. An increasing number of countries are issuing national dementia plans, but a systematic overview of national dementia plans of European countries focusing on care for people with migration background is lacking. This study aims to illustrate how European countries identify the dementia-related needs of people with migration background and whether there are specific healthcare services for them at the national level. Methods A qualitative analysis of national dementia plans of the EU and EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries was carried out. Using the discourse analysis model according to Rainer Keller (2011), documents were systematically screened for their relation to migration via keyword and context analysis. The content of the migration-related sections was analyzed using the methods of paraphrasing, memos, comments, and open coding. Results Twenty-three of the 35 EU and ETFA countries have a national dementia plan, ten of these documents refer to migration and one country (Austria) has a national dementia plan with a chapter on migration. Eight national dementia plans identify that people with migration background and dementia have special needs, and actions to care for this group are planned in nine countries. However, only Norway, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands refer to available healthcare services for people with migration background. Overall, the topic of migration plays a subordinate role in the national dementia plans of European countries.Conclusions The current lack of migrant-specific healthcare services in almost all European countries may lead to denying the right to appropriate care to a growing population. The topic of migration must be given greater attention in national dementia plans. European countries should develop strategies with specific services that address the needs of people with migration background. To improve comparability at the European level, a common definition of migration is needed. Further studies should include country-specific problems related to dementia and migration.
Functional analyses of miRNA-146b-5p during myogenic proliferation and differentiation in chicken myoblasts
Authors: Lee Jeong Hyo , Kim Seo Woo , Han Ji Seon , Shin Seung Pyo , Lee Sang In , Park Tae Sub 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In the poultry and livestock industries, precise genetic information is crucial for improving economic traits. Thus, functional genomic studies help to generate faster, healthier, and more efficient animal production. Chicken myoblast cells, which are required for muscle development and regeneration, are particularly important because chicken growth is closely related to muscle mass. Results: In this study, we induced expression of microRNA-146b-5p mediated by the piggyBac transposon system in primary chicken myoblast (pCM) cells. Subsequently, we analyzed and compared the proliferation and differentiation capacity and also examined the expression of related genes in regular pCM (rpCM) cells and pCM cells overexpressing miRNA-146b-5p (pCM-146b OE cells). pCM-146b OE cells showed increased proliferation and upregulated gene expression related to cell proliferation. In addition, next-generation sequencing analyses were performed to compare global gene expression patterns between rpCM cells and pCM-146b OE cells. We found that the higher proliferation in pCM-146b OE cells was the result of upregulation of gene sets related to the cell cycle. Moreover, miRNA-146b-5p overexpression had inhibitory effects on myotube differentiation in pCM cells. Conclusions: Collectively these results demonstrate that miR-146b-5p is closely related to the proliferation and differentiation of chicken myogenic cells as a modulator of post-transcription.
Examining correlations between opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada, 2007 - 2016
Authors: Jones Wayne , Kurdyak Paul , Fischer Benedikt 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: High levels of opioid-related mortality, as well as morbidity, contribute to the excessive opioid-related disease burden in North America, induced by high availability of opioids. While correlations between opioid dispensing levels and mortality outcomes are well-established, fewer evidence exists on correlations with morbidity (e.g., hospitalizations).Methods: We examined possible overtime correlations between medical opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada, by province, 2007 – 2016. For dispensing, we examined annual volumes of medical opioid dispensing from a representative, stratified sample of retail pharmacies across Canada. Raw dispensing information for ‘strong opioids’ was converted into Defined Daily Doses per 1,000 population per day (DDD/1,000/day). Opioid-related hospitalization rates referred to opioid poisoning-related admissions by province, for fiscal years 2007-08 to 2016-17, drawn from the national Hospital Morbidity Database. We assessed possible correlations between opioid dispensing and hospitalizations by province using the Pearson product moment correlation; correlation values (r) and confidence intervals were reported.Results: Significant correlations for overtime correlations between population-levels of opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations were observed for three provinces: Quebec (r=0.87, CI: 0.49–0.97; p=0.002); New Brunswick (r=0.85;CI: 0.43–0.97; p=0.004) and Nova Scotia (r=0.78; CI:0.25–0.95; p=0.012), with Saskatchewan (r=0.073; CI:-0.07–0.91;p=0.073) featuring borderline significance.Conclusions: The correlations observed further contribute to evidence on opioid dispensing levels as a systemic driver of population-level harms. Notably, correlations were not identified principally in provinces with reported high contribution levels (>50%) of illicit opioids to mortality, which are not captured by dispensing data and so may have distorted potential effects due to contamination.
Motivations and expectations driving community participation in entomological research projects: Target Malaria as a case study in Bana, Western Burkina Faso
Authors: Barry Nourou , Toé Patrice , Pare/Toe Lea , Lezaun Javier , Drabo Mouhamed , Dabiré Roch , Diabate Abdoulaye 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Most field entomology research projects require active participation by local community members. Since 2012, Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium, has been working with residents in the village of Bana, in Western Burkina Faso, in various studies involving mosquito collections, releases and recaptures. The long-term goal of this work is to develop innovative solutions to combat malaria in Africa with the help of mosquito modification technologies. Since the start of the project, Bana residents have played an important role in research activities, yet the motivations and expectations that drive their participation remain under-investigated. This study examines the factors that motivate some members of the local community to contribute to the implementation of Target Malaria’s activities, and, more broadly, explores the reasons that animate citizen participation in entomological research work in malaria-endemic regions. Methods A qualitative approach was used to survey the factors motivating members of the local community to assist in the implementation of Target Malaria’s entomological research activities in Bana. Eighty-five individual in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by three focus groups, one with youths who had participated in mosquito collections, and two with adult men and women from the village. All data collected were fully transcribed, processed, and subjected to thematic content analysis. Results Data showed that the willingness of local community members to participate in entomological research activities was informed by a wide range of motivational factors. Although interviewees expressed their motivations under different semantic registers, the data showed a degree of consistency around five categories of motivation: (a) enhance domestic protection from mosquitoes and malaria, (b) contribute to a future world free of the disease, (c) acquire knowledge and skills, (d) earn financial compensation, and (e) gain social prestige for the village.Conclusion These varying motivations reflect a set of differing personal and collective perceptions about the participation process, combining short and long-term, individual and collective motivations. Beyond the specific circumstances of this case, our study highlights the complex reasons that drive collective participation in entomological research and vector control activities. Detailed knowledge of community expectations should underpin any effort to mobilize local participation in field research activities.
Non-communicable diseases are key to further narrow gender gap in life expectancy in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Hanyi , Zhou Yi , Sun Lianghong , Chen Yichen , Qu Xiaobin , Chen Hua , Rajbhandari-Thapa Janani , Xiao Shaotan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background To address change in gender gap of life expectancy (GGLE) in Shanghai from 1973 to 2018, and to identify the major causes of death and age groups associated with the change overtime.Methods Retrospective demographic analysis with application of Joinpoint regression to evaluate the temporal trend in GGLE. Causes of death were coded in accordance with International Classification of Diseases and mapped with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) cause list. Life table technique and decomposition method was used to express changes in GGLE.Results Trend of GGLE in Shanghai experienced two phases ie., a decrease from 8.4 to 4.2 years in the descent phase (1973-1999) and a fluctuation between 4.0 and 4.9 years in the plateau phase (1999-2018). The reduced age-specific mortality rates tended to concentrate to a narrower age range, from age 0-9 and above 30 years in the descent phase to age above 55 years in the plateau phase. Gastroesophageal and liver cancer, communicable, chronic respiratory and digestive diseases were once the major contributors to narrow GGLE in the descent phase. While importance should be attached to a widening effect on GGLE by lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, other neoplasms like colorectal and pancreatic cancer and diabetes in recent plateau phase.Conclusions Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have made GGLE enter a plateau phase from a descent phase in Shanghai China. Public efforts to reduce excess mortalities for male NCDs, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes in particular and health policies focused on the middle-aged and elderly population might further narrow GGLE and ensure improvement in health and health equity in Shanghai China.
Clostridioides difficile ribotype distribution in a large teaching hospital in Serbia
Authors: Korać Miloš , Rupnik Maja , Nikolić Nataša , Jovanović Milica , Tošić Tanja , Malinić Jovan , Mitrović Nikola , Marković Marko , Vujović Ankica , Peruničić Sanja , Bojović Ksenija , Djordjević Vladimir , Barać Aleksandra , Milošević Ivana 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The global epidemic of nosocomial diarrhea caused by Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile started in 2000, with high mortality rates and emergence of a new hypervirulent strain NAP1/BI/027. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of ribotype 027 and other C. difficile ribotypes in a Serbian University Hospital, compare the temporal variability of ribotypes three years apart, as well as to compare clinical, demographic and laboratory characteristics and disease outcome among patients infected with 027 and non-027 ribotype. This was a prospective observational cohort study addressing four-month intervals during 2014/2015 and 2017/2018. Results: Ribotyping was performed in 64 non-duplicate C. difficile strains. Ribotype 027 was the most prevalent, and was detected in 53 (82.8%) patients (43/45 and 10/19 patients in 2014-2015 and 2017/2018, respectively). Other detected ribotypes were 001/072 in 4 (6,3%), 002 in 4 (6,3%), 014/020 in 2 (3,1%) and 176 in 1 (1,5%) patient. The percentage of the patients infected with ribotype 027 significantly decreased during the three-year period, from 95.6% to 52.6% (p<0.001). Ribotype 027 infection was associated with fluoroquinolone treatment more frequently than infection with other ribotypes [33 (62.3%) vs. 2 (18.2%), p= 0.010)]. A severe C. difficile infection was diagnosed more often in patients with the detected ribotype 027 compared to those infected with non-027 ribotypes (p=0.006). No significant difference in the mortality and recurrence rates was found between the patients infected with ribotype 027 and those infected with other ribotypes [10/53 (18.8%) vs. 2/11 (18.2%), p=0.708, and 10/35 (28.6%) vs. 0/2 (0%), p=1.000, respectively].Conclusion: C. difficile ribotype 027 was the most prevalent ribotype among patients in a large Serbian hospital, but there is a clear decreasing trend.
Regional heterogeneities of health literacy in China: a population-based study
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Tian Yongquan , Xiao Shuiyuan , Gong Zhicheng , Qian Long 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Few studies have described the geographic variation in health literacy in China. This study aimed to investigate the regional heterogeneities in health literacy levels in the Chinese population, in order to formulate targeted health literacy promotion strategies in different economic and cultural contexts.Methods: Multi-stage stratification, clustering, and random sampling methods were used to select 70 study sites from 25 provinces or municipalities in China in 2017. Health literacy was measured using the National Resident Health Literacy Monitoring Questionnaire. MapInfo software was used to map the geographic distribution. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for the factors associated with the health literacy level in the total and regional samples.Results: A total of 3,482 participants were included in the study, including 1,792 (51.5%) males and 1,690 (48.5%) females. Notable geographic variation was observed in the health literacy level. The proportion of respondents with adequate health literacy was 22.3% overall, 33.0% in the eastern region, 23.1% in the central region, and 17.6% in the western region. The proportion of adequate health literacy in the different provinces or municipalities ranged from 10.5%(Xinjiang) to 47.0%(Beijing). Being a female (odds ratio [OR]=1.360, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.153-1.605), having a higher education level (OR=1.860, 95% CI: 1.671-2.070), having a better economic status (OR=1.353, 95% CI: 1.220-1.502), having a better self-rated health status (OR=1.263, 95% CI: 1.081-1.476), and having more community health education (OR=1.192, 95% CI: 1.034-1.374) were independently associated with adequate health literacy.Conclusions: The health literacy level of Chinese people is still low, and there are heterogeneities among different regions, between urban and rural areas, and among different social groups. The methods used to improve the health literacy levels of people in different regions should be adapted to local conditions. In the central and eastern regions, low-income people are the focus of health literacy improvement efforts. Special emphasis should be placed on the degree of health knowledge publicity and the accessibility of health knowledge and skills in the central and western regions.
SYBA: Bayesian estimation of synthetic accessibility of organic compounds
Authors: Voršilák Milan , Kolář Michal , Čmelo Ivan , Svozil Daniel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
SYBA (SYnthetic Bayesian Accessibility) is a fragment-based method for the rapid classification of organic compounds as easy- (ES) or hard-to-synthesize (HS). It is based on a Bernoulli naïve Bayes classifier that is used to assign SYBA score contributions to individual fragments based on their frequencies in the database of ES and HS molecules. SYBA was trained on ES molecules available in the ZINC15 database and on HS molecules generated by the Nonpher methodology. SYBA was compared with a random forest, that was utilized as a baseline method, as well as with other two methods for synthetic accessibility assessment: SAScore and SCScore. When used with their suggested thresholds, SYBA improves over random forest classification, albeit marginally, and outperforms SAScore and SCScore. However, upon the optimization of SAScore threshold (that changes from 6.0 to ~4.5), SAScore yields similar results as SYBA. Because SYBA is based merely on fragment contributions, it can be used for the analysis of the contribution of individual molecular parts to compound synthetic accessibility. SYBA is publicly available at https://github.com/lich-uct/syba under the GNU General Public License.