bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of flagellates in sandfly guts by microscopic observation
Authors: Mansour C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The identification of natural Leishmania infection, observing the location of flagellates in the gut and development stages of promastigotes, helps to incriminate a certain species as vector and to assess the infection risk in host populations, thus contributing with leishmaniasis surveillance.

Objectives
To document with photos, videos and description of the dissection process of sandfly females for observation in their digestive tract of Leishmania infections of Leishmania and Viannia subgenera (suprapillary and peripillary distribution, respectively), to produce a manual to assist in leishmaniasis surveillance actions.

Methods
For the documentation of suprapillary infection, Lutzomyia longipalpis females fed on hamsters infected with Leishmania (L.) infantum and for peripillary infection, Pintomyia fischeri and Nyssomyia neivai fed on hamsters infected with L (V.) braziliensis were used. The dissection of the females was performed at intervals of 12 hours after infectious repast, until completing 120 hours, to observe the different phases of the parasite's evolutionary cycle in the gut.

Results
A manual was produced with description and photos of the entire process, from field sandfly collection, transportation, laboratory maintenance and dissection, as well as the complete cycle of the parasite's evolution inside the vector. Videos were also produce.

Conclusions
This project sought to contribute with the leishmaniasis surveillance as regards the sandfly natural infection investigation by Leishmania to assess the transmission risk of parasites. Although the identification of the Leishmania species depends on molecular techniques, this initial screening may reduce its costs.

Key messages
This study enabled the elaboration of a support manual for technicians from the Entomology laboratory networks. This study enabled with information to identify infected sandflies and thus colaborate with the leishmaniasis epidemiological surveillance programs.
Tuberculosis in a township in southern Bahia: epidemiological and operational indicators
Authors: GAS Jesus , Silva M R , Miranda M L , Reis I M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Tuberculosis is an important public health problem of global magnitude. Although it has had diagnostic and therapeutic support for decades, its control requires attention in several points from the health system. In this context, epidemiological and operational indicators allow evaluating the effectiveness of the Tuberculosis Control Program. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted with a quantitative approach, referring to the period from 2014 to 2018, in the township of Ilhéus, using secondary data from the Information System of Notifiable Diseases of the State Secretariate of Bahia (SINAN/SESAB). During the analyzed period, 678 cases of tuberculosis were identified in the information system, with an average annual incidence coefficient of 71.32 cases/100,000 inhabitants and a mortality coefficient with an average of 4.45 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. The test rate of these HIV patients was 56.64%. Regarding the directly observed treatment (DOT), the annual average was 10.19% cases that underwent this follow-up, with a reduction of 28.57% of cases in 2014 followed up with DOT for only 8.11% of cases in 2018. Regarding the closure situation, in 2018 there was a higher proportion of individuals who presented cure (77.61%), lower proportion of treatment abandonment (18.30%), as well as a lower number of cases with closure due to death (2.99%). Thus, it is perceived that tuberculosis in the township of Ilhéus presents values far from what is recommended and remains an important public health problem. In view of this scenario, highlights the importance of decentralization of the service, with its management guided by the evaluation of indicators and the consolidation of primary health care.

Key messages
This study is relevant because it allows the assessment of the tuberculosis profile. The analysis of the indicators makes it possible to adopt appropriate prevention and control strategies.
Syphilis: A Cohort Study on prevalence, among recently HIV diagnosed in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Gomes J O , Teixeira S S S , Müller P R , Luiz O C , Nogueira R S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction
The Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a Public Health problem concern Worldwide. They not only have a direct, but also an indirect impact on sexual Health in afflicted person's life, as they facilitate the sexual transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 6,3 million new Syphilis infections out of 376 million STIs (95% CI: 5,5-7,1 million). The worldwide prevalence of Syphilis is 0,5% (95% IC: 0,4-0,6). WHO is also concerned about Brazilian syphilis rates infection, since its sexual transmission increased from 59,1 cases in 2017, to 75,8 cases out of 100.000 persons, in 2018.

Objectives
Demographic analysis, incidence and prevalence rates of syphilis among recently HIV diagnosed Adults in a Center of São Paulo, Brazil

Patients and Methods
A Cohort Study in a population of 576 persons recently HIV diagnosed from September/2013 to July/2019. The rates were obtained by performing a nontreponemal test: Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL)

Results
Epidemiological analysis from 576 persons: 53,3% were Caucasian, 80% were Men who have sex with Men (MSM), 49% had more them 3 occasional partners, the average age was 30 y.o. and the median age was 28 y.o.18 - 65). Prevalence of Syphilis: 16,3%. Incidence rate: 9,6 persons/year.

Conclusions
considering that the STIs including syphilis, facilitate HIV transmission and also other STIs, we need to perform a stricter ISTs surveillance in the sexually active population, mainly in MSM to reduce all the STIs including HIV.

Key messages
Demographic analysis, incidence and prevalence rates of syphilis among recently HIV diagnosed Adults in a Center of São Paulo, Brazil. The Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a Public Health problem concern Worldwide.
Physical activity among parents during pregnancy and 8 months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy
Authors: Sjögren Forss K , Stjernberg L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
As there is incontrovertible evidence of the essential prerequisite of regular physical activity it is also important to understand how different life change events may impact individual's participation in physical activity. Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood have been found to be life change events associated with decreased physical activity among women however, the examination of changes of physical activity in the male parent during this major life change event has been largely neglected in scientific literature and a significant research gap can be found. In the light of this, this longitudinal study aimed to follow changing physical activity patterns among women and med during pregnancy and eight months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy.

Methods
The study involved 123 women and 112 men (partners of the women) from the municipality of Karlskrona, Sweden. We measured the self-reported amount of physical activity performed outdoors and indoors before pregnancy (calculated from one month before pregnancy), throughout the entire pregnancy, and eight months postpartum.

Results
We found similar trends among both women and men in decreasing frequency of physical activity during pregnancy and eight months postpartum as compared to pre-pregnancy, however, overall physical activity levels did not change.

Conclusions
Our findings contribute new knowledge about changes in men's physical activity patterns from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy and postpartum and is an important contribution in research, as the area is very limited. As couples seem to change activity patterns similarly, it is important to promote family-based physical activity initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum.

Key messages
Couples seem to change physical activity patterns similarly during pregnancy and postpartum. as compared to pre-pregnancy. It is important to promote family-based physical activity initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum.
Study of induced abortion based on the Georgian Birth Registry
Authors: Kandelaki D , Kereselidze M , Skhvitaridze N , Lobjanidze T 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Among the countries of the WHO European region, Georgia has the highest numbers of abortion and comprise 420 per 1 000 live births. According the national law and regulation it is necessary to have a mandatory waiting period for five days before the induced abortion. In this study, we aim to assess the usability of different methods and evaluate the effectiveness of mandatory waiting period of induced abortions.
We provided retrospective study of secondary data based on cases, extracted from the Georgian Birth Registry. The main variables used for the descriptive statistics were: demographic information of selected cases, parity, gestational age, mode of abortion, real length of mandatory waiting period from registration till the induced abortion.
In 2018, was registered 13 612 cases of induced abortion before gestation week 12. Of these, most cases were observed in two age groups: 27.6% was performed among women aged 25-29 and 27.5% among women aged 30-34. From total reported induced abortion cases, 5.4% were provided by dilatation and curettage (from these, 12.6% occurred before 6 weeks gestation), 41.4% was performed by aspiration (from these, 6% occurred at 10-11 weeks of gestation), and 53.2% provided using medical drug-induction (from these, 1.2% occurred at 10-11 weeks of gestation). Of all cases, 14.5% were primiparous women. In 29.3% of cases there were not observed obligatory waiting period before the abortion. 68% of total cases changed the geographical location for the performing induced abortion.
According our results, the application of methods of induced abortion is not fully in line with the international recommendations. Additionally, there is violation of national law for keeping mandatory waiting period before induced abortion. The mandatory waiting period before the induced abortion is less effective in Georgia. Moreover, the share of induced abortions performed during the first pregnancy is high.

Key messages
Health promotion educational activities should be concerned on providing proper information about negative aspects of induced abortion and promote other ways of contraception. Medical personnel should have continues education to be well aware about application of different methodologies of induced abortion.
Safe driving is cool – Project on young driver road traffic injury prevention, Croatia, 2018-2019
Authors: Bocina I , Hasukic J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Road traffic injury (RTI) is the leading cause of preventable death among youth in Split-Dalmatia County (SDC), Croatia, particularly males. The most of those who died in road traffic crashes in SDC are young novice drivers (18-24 years). The alcohol was key factor in young driver fatal crashes, often in combination with the drug abuse, driving inexperience, distractions and speeding.
Adolescents lack sufficient knowledge about RTI prevention and reducing hazards. They are occupied with technical details and compliance with traffic rules and don't pay attention to importance of reducing their own risky behaviour. Our goal was to provide a better understanding of factors affecting driving safety among adolescents. The main outcome measure was rating of alcohol and/or drug abuse as main risk, understanding that injuries are preventable as well as RTI.
The pilot project was realized in SDC during 2018-2019 through collaboration between Public Health Institute, Police Department and two high schools. The project included 122 students with an average age of 18.5 year. Initial survey results showed that students tended to take unnecessary risk in road traffic, furthermore 77.0% used cell phones, 62.3% earphones, and only 27.0% helmet while riding bike or motorcycle. Even 39.2% was driving intoxicated or was driven by intoxicated driver once (19.6%) or more times (19.6%). After conducting project, feedback survey results showed that students demonstrated better recognizing of hazards. They accepted injuries (94.3 vs 80.3%) and RTI (99.1 vs 72.9%) as preventable and understood the importance of traffic rules obey (92.6 vs 63.9%). Students understood the danger of intoxicated driving (74.6 vs 56.6%).
Promoting safe-driver behaviour and providing new educational opportunity can encourage responsible driving behaviours among adolescents. Strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration is a key of success in achieving the reduction of mortality and morbidity among young drivers.

Key messages
Adolescent adapted method developed by joint effort is vital in promoting safe driving practice. Projects aiming to minimize risks in young drivers contribute to saving lives, they deserve to grow up.
Pregnancy and childbirth in Mozambique: men as decision makers and women as caretakers?
Authors: Galle A , Cossa H , Osman N , Roelens K , Griffin S , Degomme O 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Increasing male involvement during pregnancy is considered an important, but often overlooked intervention for improving maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the attitudes and beliefs of health policymakers, health care providers and local communities regarding men's involvement in maternal health in southern Mozambique.

Methods
Ten key informant interviews with stakeholders were carried out to assess their attitudes and perspectives regarding male involvement in maternal health, followed by 10 days of semi structured observations in health care centers. Subsequently 16 focus group discussions were conducted in the community and at provider level, followed by three in depth couple interviews. Analysis was done by applying a socio-ecological systems theory in thematic analysis.

Results
Results show a lack of strategy at policy level to stimulate male involvement in maternal health. Invitation cards for men are used as an isolated intervention in health facilities but these have not lead to the expected success. Providers have a rather passive attitude towards male involvement initiatives and women accompanied by a husband are often put in a submissive position. In the community however, male attendance at ANC is considered important and men are willing to take a more participating role. Main barriers are the association of male attendance at ANC with being HIV infected and strong social norms and gender roles. On the one hand men are seen as caretakers of the family by providing money and making the decisions. On the other hand, men supporting their wife by showing interest in their health or sharing household tasks are seen as weak or as a manifestation of HIV seropositivity.

Conclusions
A clear strategy at policy level and a multi-level approach is needed. Gender-equitable relationships between men and women should be encouraged in all maternal health interventions and health programs should step away from linking male involvement to HIV prevention.

Key messages
Linking the promotion of gender equality to male involvement is the key for success. Step away from linking HIV prevention to male involvement in maternal health.
Fears for the future among Finnish adolescents in 2019
Authors: Lindfors P , Lahti L , Kinnunen J , Rimpelä A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Adolescents' images of the future emerge from knowledge built on experiences of the past and present and their age-related developmental tasks. Images of the future direct adolescents' decision-making, choices, and behavior. The images of the future can act as a mirror of our times, reflecting the political values and ethos of society. The aim of this study was to examine the fears for the future among Finnish adolescents in the era of climate change.

Methods
Data from a nationwide survey on the health and health behavior of 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-year-olds (n = 3520, the response rate 37 %) in 2019 in Finland. An open-ended question on fears for the future was employed as a final question on the survey. The data was analyzed first by inductive content analysis and then by statistical methods. Altogether 7829 fears were reported. These were constructed into 12 main categories.

Results
Fears for the social relationships and loneliness were the most common (35 %). Fears related to death (33 %), physical health and wellbeing (25 %), life management and success (19 %) and working life (17 %) were next common. Only 9 % of the adolescents reported climate and the environment related fears. In age group comparisons, 12-14-year-olds reported more global and social fears, while 16-18-year-olds reported more personal fears, such as study, working life and relationships. The most common fears among boys and girls were similar in all age groups.

Conclusions
The most common fears among Finnish adolescents are related to personal life and less to global issues. Against our hypothesis, climate and environmental related fears were not among the top fears, even these topics are figured prominently in media and other research has also reported high proportions of climate change related fears among adolescents. The inconsistencies might be explained by the differences in the research methodologies: whether open-ended questions or structured questions are used.

Key messages
Most common fears for the future are related to personal issues like relationships, health and work. Fears for climate change were not among the most common ones when open-ended questions were used.
The impact of physical activity on children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from Varna, Bulgaria
Authors: Marinov D , Dimitrova T , Najdenova D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most common chronic conditions in teenagers. There is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that AIS is associated with low body mass, but the link between the condition and the nutritional status of the adolescents has not been well researched. This ongoing study aims to access the relationship between AIS and all the aspects of the nutritional status in-depth, including factors such as physical activity (PA).

Methods
Data is collected from 101 participants with AIS from Varna, Bulgaria using anthropometric measurements, clinical examination to determine the severity of the spinal curvature and questionnaires including a standardized questionnaire for PA of adolescents - PAQ-A. Participants were categorized into 3 groups of AIS severity according to Cobb Angle: mild (10°-19°), moderate (20°-39°) and severe (&gt;40°).

Results
Out of 101 participants, 81 had mild, 15 had moderate and 5 had severe scoliotic curvatures. None of the participants reported reduced PA due to impaired or restricted physical functions related to AIS. Only 40% of all subjects with AIS had PAQ-A score over 2.75, which corresponds to the international recommendations of &gt; 60 mins of daily moderate-vigorous PA. There was a strong negative correlation between PAQ-A score and AIS severity (Spearman's Correlation Coefficient = - .433, p &lt; 0.001). The mean PAQ-A score was 2.73 in mild curvatures compared to 1.98 in moderate and severe ones. Subjects with AIS were 4.8 times more likely to have mild severity if they met the PA recommendations (OR = 4,815 (95%CI, 1.268-18.279)). Those are preliminary results and data will be further compared to a control group.

Conclusions
The level of daily PA might have an impact on the severity of AIS. PA recommendations could be given to patients with AIS as a way of secondary prophylaxis against this chronic idiopathic disorder.

Key messages
This ongoing study is the first to investigate in-depth the association of all the aspects of nutritional status including PA with the incidence and severity of AIS. PA shows a significant negative correlation with AIS severity. PA recommendations might be a useful addition to the secondary prophylaxis of AIS.
Acceptability of assisted reproductive technologies in Hong Kong, a very low fertility Asian city
Authors: Kim J H , Wong S Y S , Chan R , Chan R Y , Sumerlin T S , Chan L Y 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Although advances in medical technologies now allow greater reproductive options, the social acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has not been examined in East Asian countries which currently have the lowest fertility rates in the world and highly prohibitive regulations.

Methods
A cross-sectional telephone surveys interviewed 990 among Hong Kong Chinese adults (&gt;18 years of age) in 2015 who were asked about their knowledge and attitudes towards various ART and their inclination to use ART. A focus group was conducted (n = 30) on physicians to examine the perceived barriers and benefits of integrating ART as routine offerings.

Results
Although nearly all adults (&gt;92.0%) were familiar with ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization, sperm banking, and gestational surrogacy, attitudes supporting the use of these services and the inclination to use these services varied widely by socio-demographic attributes. Nearly one-third (31.5%) of women said that they would consider cryopreservation of their oocytes or embryos if they could afford it and 21.9% would encourage their female family members to do so. Although respondents considered sperm donation and embryo preservation to be well-accepted practices, support for these services was noticeably lower than in Western countries for unmarried individuals and homosexuals. Also, the vast majority of respondents were much more disinclined to use anonymous donor gametes than in Western countries. Among medical practitioners, the primary barriers to routine offering of these services to their clients was the perceived lack of cultural acceptance of these types of services.

Conclusions
Public support of assisted reproductive services for genetic offspring is well-accepted for heterosexual couples. Main Messages: Asian countries with sub-replacement fertility levels may consider integrating ART into their mainstream health services and updating their regulatory frameworks.

Key messages
Public support for assisted reproductive technologies is high for married couples only in Hong Kong. Given the sub-replacement fertility levels, cities in East Asia should consider updating regulatory frameworks to allow expansion of ART services.