bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do food skills protect from food insecurity? A study among asylum seekers living in Norway
Authors: Terragni L , Arnold C , Henjum S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Food insecurity has a high prevalence among asylum seekers living in Western countries. Previous studies suggest that food skills can protect against food insecurity. This study investigates the impact of food skills on food security and dietary diversity among refugees living in Norwegian reception centers.

Methods
The study has a cross-sectional research design. Eight asylum reception centers where selected and 205 asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) were recruited through convenience sampling among the largest asylum seeking groups. We measured food skills by adopting questions from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2013 Rapid Response on Food Skills. Food skills were divided into cooking skills (ability to prepare meals) and shopping skills (ability to plan meals and budgeting). Food security was measured with the 10-item version of the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Scale. Dietary data was collected via a 24-hour recall, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dietary diversity score was calculated to assess dietary quality. Data were analyzed with bivariate logistic analysis.

Results
Cooking skills and shopping skills contribute differently to food security and dietary diversity. Higher cooking skills were associated with higher dietary diversity but not with food security. Shopping skills were not associated with either food security or dietary diversity. Women had better cooking skills then men, but there were no gender differences in shopping skills. Married asylum seekers had better shopping skills than those who were not married.

Conclusions
Cooking skills have an impact on dietary diversity, initiatives promoting cooking skills should be encouraged. Further research is needed on what kind of purchasing skills can be useful for asylum seekers coping. Despite high food skills the level of food insecurity remained high. Initiatives addressing the multiple causes of food insecurity are needed.

Key messages
Food skills alone do not protect from food insecurity. Cooking skills are easier to transfer in a new food environment than shopping skills.
The effect of intermittent fasting on cancer prevention: a systematic review
Authors: Giannakou K , Papakonstantinou C , Chrysostomou S , Lamnisos D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Cancer consists of a large group of diseases and is considered one of the key health problems in developed countries as it negatively affects patients' life expectancy and quality of life. At the forefront of research is the prevention of cancer through diet. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of intermittent fasting on cancer prevention.

Methods
A systematic review was performed in PubMed and EMBASE from inception to December 2019 to identify relevant preclinical studies examining the above association. The search strategy included a combination of search and MESH terms related to intermittent fasting and cancer. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were set for the selection of articles. Two researchers systematically screened articles and data were extracted from shortlisted articles. Qualitative data was synthesised thematically, and a narrative synthesis was produced.

Results
307 reports were assessed, but only 6 preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies concluded that intermittent fasting had a positive effect in the appearance of tumours, either by slowing down the cancer incidence through the reduction of the number of lesions and inflammation of the tissues, or by reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

Conclusions
Intermittent fasting with calorie restriction appeared to have an anticancer effect in animal experiments. However, due to the limitations of the studies included, future well-designed randomized clinical trials should examine the effect of intermittent fasting over longer periods of time, parallel forms of cancer and different patient populations.

Key messages
Animal experiments indicate a possible preventive effect of intermittent fasting on certain types of cancers. Due to the methodological shortcomings and heterogeneity across the studies included, more clinical experiments are strongly needed.
First report of HEV-3 subtypes e and f in the wild boar population in Abruzzo region, Italy
Authors: Scattolini S , D'Angelantonio D , Di Lollo V , Olivieri S , Marcacci M , Mangone I , Lorusso A , Pomilio F , Migliorati G , Aprea G 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen and wild boars are recognised as reservoirs. HEV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide and it is usually transmitted by faecal-oral route. EU reported more than 21.000 human cases over the last 10 years (1). At the present, HEV comprises 8 genotypes and several subtypes. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV-3 and HEV-4) are zoonotic. This is the first report of HEV-3 subtype e and f in the wild boar population in Abruzzo region.

Methods
During the hunting season 2018-2019, liver samples from wild boars were analysed using Real Time RT-PCR for the detection of HEV RNA. Among these, positive sample were subjected to Whole Genome Sequencing for genotyping. After the quality check, reads were mapped using the nearest identified ref. sequence (KU176129) and the resulting HEV RNA sequences have been analysed using HEV net (open source software).

Results
Overall, 40 samples were tested positive for the detection of HEV RNA. Among these, 19 samples, with a Ct value ≤ 38, were selected for phylogenetic analysis. All RNA viral samples belonged to HEV-3. In particular, 2 RNA viral samples belonged to subtype e and 1 to subtype f. The others, instead, belonged to HEV-3 subtype c.

Conclusions
Up to now, only HEV-3 subtype c has been reported among wild boars in Abruzzo, an Italian region officially recognized as an HEV hot spot because of the high number of human cases and for the strong sero-prevalence among blood donors. In this study, we report for the first time the presence of HEV-3 subtypes e and f in the wild boar population of this area. Since HEV-3 subtypes e and f are commonly associated to human disease from consumption of raw/undercooked pork meats, these findings suggest the potential risk also associated with the consumption of wild boar meat. Nevertheless, this speculation needs further investigations.
1.EFSA (2017). Public health risks associated with HEV as a food-borne pathogen. E. Jou., 15(7)

Key messages
First report of the presence of HEV-3 subtypes e and f among wild boar population in Abruzzo region. Potential risk for human health of HEV transmission associated with raw/undercooked wild boar meat consumption.
Zoonotic bacteria in the food chain: antimicrobial resistance and associated factors in Portugal
Authors: Costa M , Cara d'Anjo A , Cardo M , Leite A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health and animal food-production plays a crucial role in AMR spread. We thus aimed to characterize AMR profiles and associated factors in zoonotic bacterial isolates in Portugal.
Data from the Portuguese AMR surveillance program on animal populations and derived food, 2014-2018, was used. AMR frequency was described in E coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella isolates from poultry and pigs, according to antibiotic and samples tested. For Salmonella, AMR associated factors were studied: animal populations (broilers, laying hens, pigs) and derived meat, sampling stage (farm, slaughterhouse, processing plant), sample type (environmental, carcase, food), sampler (HACCP, industry, official, official and industry), sample context (control and eradication programmes, monitoring), year (2014-2018) and season. Logistic regression was applied to estimate crude (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The final model was obtained using a backward stepwise method.
We assessed 2157 E Coli, 561 Campylobacter and 826 Salmonella isolates. AMR rates were higher to cefepime (91-98%) in E coli in all sample types; cefotaxime (100%) in E coli in broiler's meat; nalidixic acid (79-96%) in E coli and Campylobacter in poultry and derived meat; ciprofloxacin (50-98%) in all bacteria isolates from poultry and derived meat. For Salmonella, AMR was more likely in pig's meat (OR 3.66; 95%CI:1.19-2.82), slaughterhouses (OR 10.18; 95%CI:4.69-26.70), carcases (OR 5.90;95%CI:3.74-9.69). The final model indicated a lesser chance of AMR in laying hens (aOR .21; 95%CI:.11-.37), industry sampling (aOR .25; 95%CI:.07-.73), 2018 (aOR .24; 95%CI:.13-.42), and a higher chance in summer (aOR 2.39; 95%CI:1.34-4.28).
The findings support the need for control measures on the use of key antibiotics in veterinary medicine. AMR occurrence in Portugal seems to be related to summer, although less in laying hens and in 2018.

Key messages
AMR in bacterial isolates suggests the need for integrated actions to mitigate and control the use of 3rd and 4rd generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and quinolones in animal production. AMR occurrence in Portugal seems to be further related to summer conditions, while comparing to other seasons.
Evaluation of the presence of Aflatoxin-M1 in milk samples sold in the region of Campinas-SP
Authors: de Souza Zocante A C , de Souza S J , de Souza Rodrigues V F , Caminada M L , Palaria Joaquim L O 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Milk and its derivatives are fundamental foods in the human diet. However, milk is highly susceptible to microbial contamination, among which is Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), presenting a risk to public health. Aflatoxin M1 is the main hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 present in the milk of animals that have ingested feed contaminated with B1. These toxins have carcinogenic and genotoxic potential and similar toxicities. According to Resolution RDC 07/2011, published by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the level of tolerance for AFM1 is 0.5 µg / Kg in Brazil. The present study aimed to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively Aflatoxin M1 in raw milk samples, being 2 samples of bovine milk and one sample of goat milk.
The raw, bovine and goat milk samples were purchased from local stores and were kept at approximately 5 ºC for 8 hours and subsequently frozen at 6 ºC for conservation purposes. The tests were carried out at the premises of Hexis Científica, Av. Antonieta Piva Barranqueiros, 385 - Distrito Industial - Jundiaí-SP, which provided training and use of the laboratory. The Scientific Charm Kits, Test SLAFMQ-EZ-20K were used. It is a quantitative test that uses ROSA immunoreceptors (Rapid Assay Step One) lateral flow technology. The milk sample interacts with colored spheres and the intensity of the color in the test area and is read as ppt (parts per trillion) by the reader.
According to the analyzes, all the samples studied presented Aflatoxin M1, with a concentration of 2,507 ppb; 2,410 ppb; 2,627 ppb, respectively for bovine and caprine milk samples, which characterizes a concentration five times above the allowed by the current legislation, according to RDC 07/2011, published by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).

Key messages
According to studies, most of the negative results obtained on the incidence of aflatoxin M1 can be attributed to the low sensitivity of the analytical methods employed. The presence of Aflatoxins M1, represents a public health issue, since milk is among the products most consumed by man and, constituting the basis of infant feeding.
Long-term effectiveness of smoking cessation courses for Turkish-speaking migrants in Switzerland
Authors: Paz Castro R , Salis Gross C , Haug S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Migrant populations usually report higher smoking rates. Among those migrant populations, Turkish- and Kurdish-speaking migrants are often overrepresented. Providing equal access to health services is one of major challenges of our time. The need for adapted smoking-cessation treatments for Turkish-speaking populations to achieve equity in health led, in 2006, to the development and implementation of the Tiryaki-Kukla smoking-cessation program in Switzerland. Since 2006, 5'305 Turkish-speaking migrants in Switzerland were reached with tobacco-related information and the offer of tailored treatment. In short, the treatment was grounded in behavioral therapy and was adapted from the weekly group-counseling sessions applied by the Cancer League Zurich. The adaptation focused on language, cultural and health literacy issues. The aims of the study were to evaluate one-year quit rates for smoking-cessation courses held from 2006 to 2018 and investigate whether certain characteristics predict long-term abstinence.

Methods
Evaluation of the program included a pre/post questionnaire (session 1/ 3 months after the quit day) and a follow-up telephone call twelve months after the quit day. To elucidate factors associated with long-term abstinence, Cox regression analysis and Weighted Generalized Equation Models were used.

Results
Of the 478 who participated in smoking-cessation courses, 45.4% declared themselves non-smokers at one-year follow-up. Characteristics associated with long-term abstinence were length of the course (eight vs. six sessions), adherence to the course, use of pharmacotherapy or NRT products, and baseline level of dependence.

Conclusions
Our findings are consistent with existing evidence supporting culturally-adapted smoking cessation interventions to reduce health inequity in migrant populations. However, achieving harm reduction in smokers with higher dependence scores remains challenging.

Key messages
A culturally-adapted smoking cessation course showed effective to reduce health inequity. One challenge remains: Achieving harm reduction in migrants with higher dependence scores.
Health inequalities within professional health education at the University of Malta
Authors: Copperstone C , Bonello M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Addressing health inequalities is a crucial public health issue. It is thus imperative that health professionals are equipped with explicit competences to recognise and address health inequalities.

Methods
This is a multi-phase mixed-methods study exploring health inequalities and training within professional health curricula at the University of Malta. Phase One consists of a scoping study which explores whether and how health inequalities feature within the health professions' undergraduate curricula. This involved a systematic search of undergraduate health professional curricula, including competency profiles in each programme of study, using information available in the public domain. Academic year reviewed was 2019-2020. To ensure harmonisation, the two independent reviewers used the following search strategy: a) using a keyword descriptive approach (MeSH terms divided into two levels: direct, level one, and more general keywords, level two) and b) a more subjective approach to assess wider topic elements.

Results
Preliminary results emanating from mapping of 19 different programmes of study will be presented. A wide range of occurrences, from zero occurrences in some programmes to a maximum of one occurrence for level one and 12 for level two keywords in other programmes, was observed.

Conclusions
There is a wide disparity between the awareness of and training of inequalities across different professional training programmes. This provides the groundwork for Phase Two of this research during which public health stakeholders' attitudes and perceptions on health professional training and current practices will be explored. Findings from this study will provide the evidence and the impetus for possible interdisciplinary modules and/or continuous professional development programmes in health inequalities.

Key messages
The need for developing short courses/reviewing health curricula to incorporate health inequalities is encouraged. Public health professionals have a responsibility to address health inequalities in their professional practice.
A review of the World Health Organization’s discourses of equity
Authors: Amri M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Given the heightened rhetorical prominence the World Health Organization has afforded to equity in the past half-century, it is important to better understand how equity has been referred to and its conceptual underpinning, which may have broader global implications. Therefore, this study conducted a scoping review and focused on peer-reviewed literature by scanning Ovid MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, and supplementing by hand-search. Articles were included if they met inclusion criteria - chiefly the explicit discussion of the WHO's concept of health equity, for example in terms of conceptualization and/or definitions. Articles which mentioned health equity in the context of WHO's programs, policies, and so on, but did not discuss its conceptualization or definition were excluded. Results demonstrate the WHO has held - and continues to hold - ambiguous, inadequate, and contradictory views of equity that are rooted in different theories of social justice. Moving forward, the WHO should revaluate its conceptualization of equity and normative position, and align its work with Amartya Sen's Capabilities Approach, as it best encapsulates the broader views of the organization. Further empirical research is needed to assess the WHO interpretations and approaches to equity.

Key messages
The WHO has held — and continues to hold — ambiguous, inadequate, and contradictory views of equity that are rooted in different theories of social justice. The WHO should revaluate its conceptualization of equity and normative position, and align its work with Amartya Sen’s Capabilities Approach.
The causal effects of transition into poverty on mental health in the UK working-age population
Authors: Thomson R M , Pearce A , Leyland A , Katikireddi S V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Addressing the impact of poverty through income and welfare policies is likely important for public mental health; however, few studies assess potential effect size using causally-informed methodologies. To provide meaningful information for policymakers, we aimed to estimate the average treatment effect of transitioning into poverty on mental health.

Methods
We used data for working-age adults (aged 25-64) from nine waves of the nationally representative UK Household Longitudinal Survey (2009-2019, n = 39,553 obs=155,963). Exposure was transition into poverty (household equiv. income &lt;60% median). Outcome was score ≥4 on General Health Questionnaire-12, indicating likely common mental disorder (CMD). To minimise the influence of reverse causation and time-varying confounders we used a marginal structural modelling (MSM) approach to create inverse probability of treatment weights. We performed secondary analysis stratifying by sex, and calculated population attributable fractions for each model.

Results
Good balance of confounders was achieved between exposure groups. Experiencing new poverty was associated with increased odds of CMD (adjusted OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.24-1.42, p &lt; 0.001) with a 4.8% (3.6-6.0) absolute difference in prevalence: 24.0% vs 19.2%. There was a difference in relative effect by sex, with OR 1.40 (1.25-1.56, p &lt; 0.001) for men vs OR 1.28 (1.18-1.38, p &lt; 0.001) for women. However, there was no marked difference in absolute effect by sex: 4.9% (3.1-6.8) for men vs 4.5% (3.0-6.1) for women. For all analyses traditional logistic regression using the same confounders underestimated the effect in comparison with MSM.

Conclusions
Moving below the poverty line increased odds of CMD by 32.7% after accounting for confounding and reverse causality, with a greater relative impact on men. Our causal estimates suggest transition into poverty currently accounts for 10.7% of the burden of CMD in the UK working-age population - 8.9% for women and 13.1% for men.

Key messages
Reductions in household income worsen mental health, and traditional analytical approaches may be underestimating this causal relationship. Applying causal methodologies to observational data can provide exposure-outcome estimates less susceptible to common biases, which may be of more use to policymakers.
Smokers’ perception of cigarette packaging in France before and after the plain packaging
Authors: Pasquereau A , Andler R , Guignard R , Richard J B , Nguyen-Thanh V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The new mandatory packaging for tobacco products (plain pack with larger graphic health warnings) was implemented in France on January 1st 2017. This study examines the impact of this new packaging on smokers' perceptions of their pack by comparing perceptions before (2016) and after (2017) the implementation.

Methods
Data come from the Santé publique France Health Barometer, a national telephone survey with random sampling. In the 2016 and 2017 editions, respectively 15,216 and 25,319 adults were asked about their tobacco consumption. Two questions were asked to smokers, identical in 2016 and 2017, on the appreciation of the appearance of the package and on the embarrassment to take out the package because of its appearance.

Results
- The share of smokers stating they do enjoy the look of their pack was divided by 3 between 2016 (53%) and 2017 (16%). Smokers stating that they are embarrassed of taking out their pack in plain sight because of its look were twice as numerous in 2017 (12%) as in 2016 (6%).A reduce appeal of cigarette pack was observed among the youths (18-25 yo) and they are now as few as their elders to enjoy the look of their pack.

Conclusions
The introduction of plain packaging has certainly had an impact on smokers' perceptions and, within a strong tobacco control context, probably contributed to denormalize smoking in France.

Key messages
Since the introduction of plain packaging, appeal of cigarette pack decreased and smokers are more often embarrassed of taking out their pack in plain sight because of its look. Our study suggests that the introduction of plain packaging has had an impact on smokers’ perceptions of their cigarette pack.