bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 surveillance robot: rapid innovation for public health pandemic management
Authors: Arnott JM , Sneyd N , Cross C , Russell M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 surveillance added a significant workload to the eight HSE-Departments of Public Health in Ireland. HSE-HPSC rapidly developed a fit-for-purpose robot to navigate the national infectious disease reporting system (CIDR) to automate three manual processes; laboratory records, notifications and contact-tracing data; which takes a surveillance scientist 26 minutes per case on average.

Methods
HSE-HPSC managed and delivered a multidisciplinary project team to develop the rapid solution. The robot was designed to operate the CIDR system using an agreed set of rules, developed through business process analyses of the ‘first wave', stakeholder engagement and technical collaboration. Development began in April 2020, and went live in August 2020 after phases of testing, piloting, and hyper-care.

Results
Successful integration: The robot aligned COVID-19 surveillance data across three national HSE information systems. Degree of automation: The robot processed greater than 80% of cases just like a human. The remaining 20% are flagged by the robot for data quality checks by the regional public health teams. Time-saving: The robot operates quicker than a human, 3.3minutes per case compared to 26minutes. Therefore for every 100 cases, the robot saves 38hours per day. Out-of-hours capacity: Robots currently operate for 22hours per day, resulting in overtime cost-savings for the HSE. Surge capacity: The automation was expanded to 42 robots for ‘third-wave' surge capacity. Sustainable change in surveillance system: Robots can be expanded for surveillance of other notifiable diseases.

Conclusions
The robot:
delivered a fit-for-purpose pandemic resource relieved the underfunded public health system of the administrative burden of COVID-19 surveillance delivered timely data for epidemiological reporting by the HSE-HPSC to the National Public Health Emergency Team.

Key messages
Through rapid collaboration, the robot successfully delivered a fit-for-purpose public health resource that aligned COVID-19 data across HSE information systems and achieved time/cost savings. The robot strengthened the public health surveillance response in Ireland.
Individual level lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic – A Finnish population-based study
Authors: Jääskeläinen T , Sääksjärvi K , Pietilä A , Ristiluoma N , Lundqvist A , Koponen P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic containment measures may affect lifestyle. We aimed to examine the changes in key lifestyle factors based on the data from same individuals before (2017) and during (2020) the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
The study is based on the FinHealth 2017 Study representing the Finnish adult population, and its follow-up questionnaire conducted in autumn 2020. A total of 4814 individuals aged 25 and older at baseline answered the same questions on lifestyle in both years. Regular leisure-time physical activity (LPA), daily use of vegetables and/or fruits, experience of adequate sleep, daily use of nicotine products and high-risk use of alcohol, were dichotomized (yes/no) for the analysis. Weighted prevalence (no/favorable/unfavorable change) for three age groups (25-49, 50-69, 70+ years) was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression, sampling design and non-response acknowledged.

Results
In general, the prevalence of total changes observed varied 6 − 27% between lifestyle factors. The changes were both unfavorable and favorable for health. About 14% (95% CI 11,17) and 12% (95% CI 9,16) of older women and men, respectively, had LPA in 2017 but not in 2020. Corresponding prevalence for favorable change in LPA were smaller, 6% (95% CI 4,8) in older women and 7% (95% CI 4,9) in men. In older women, the results concerning daily use of vegetables and fruits were parallel. In contrast, in older women the changes observed in the experience of adequate sleep were mainly favorable. In all age groups, high-risk use of alcohol slightly decreased especially in men but the changes in use of nicotine products were minor.

Conclusions
The results highlight unfavorable changes in LPA and vegetable consumption especially in older women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the unfavorable changes may be explained by aging, but the pandemic containment measures may have accelerated them indicating the need for health promotion actions among the elderly.

Key messages
The lifestyle changes observed during COVID-19 pandemic were complex, varying by sex and age groups and being both favorable and unfavorable for health. Special attention should be given to promotion of physical activity in the elderly during and after the pandemic.
Climate and health adaptation: evidence needs for policy (Stakeholder mapping in Europe)
Authors: de'Donato F , Kovats S , Otto I , Turner G , Hoeben A , Hajat S , Aunan K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
In recent years, both the EU Commission and the Belmont Forum have funded projects focusing on health and climate change with the aim of expanding research and evidence and improving intersectoral cooperation. The EU-funded ENBEL project is developing tools to streamline climate and health research to support policies and strategies and improve response and resilience.

Methods
Within ENBEL a stakeholder analysis is being carried out for Europe to identify key decision makers involved in climate change and health adaptation, understand interlinkages and identify areas for action to promote collaboration and uptake. Semi-structured interviews with key institutions and stakeholders at different levels (International, European, national and local) will help identify key evidence needs and research gaps and findings will be used to define knowledge tools and policy briefs to enhance adaptation. Furthermore, current policies on adaptation in Europe and how health issues are addressed, especially taking into account the Next Generation EU (NGEU) funding in support of COVID-19 recovery as well as Green Deal and Climate Action, will be reviewed to ensure ENBEL products fit the EU policy agenda.

Conclusions
ENBEL offers an opportunity to produce targeted research syntheses for decision makers as well an ensuring health becomes a key aspect in climate change policy decision making. The ENBEL project will engage with key decision makers involved in climate change and health adaptation across Europe, providing knowledge, understanding interlinkages and identifying areas for action to promote climate policies that enhance health benefits.
Adversity in Infancy and Childhood Cognitive Development: Evidence from four developing countries
Authors: Manalew WS , Lee J , O’Connell B , Quinn M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The effects of early life experiences on adult outcomes manifest through the childhood years. Since adult outcomes take many years to appear, and less amenable for policy, investigating the relationship between early life experiences on childhood outcomes is more relevant for policy. This study, by examining the association between adverse experiences in early infancy (AEI) on childhood cognitive development, provides early actionable evidence on how early environment of children can be manipulated to make a tangible difference in their cognitive development during childhood to achieve better outcomes later in life.

Methods
A total of 8,000 children followed over three rounds from age 1 to 8 years (2002 to 2009), as part of the Young Lives study in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam were included. Childhood cognition was measured with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) administered in round 2 and round 3, at average ages of 5 (PPVT-5) and 8 (PPVT-8), respectively. The primary independent variable was adverse experience in infancy (AEI) score, constructed using measures on child's weight, exposure to adverse household, economic, and environmental shocks as reported by a parent or a care giver in round 1 (age 1). The AEI scores were classified as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or &gt; =5, with smaller numbers representing less severe adversities. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model was used to estimate the association between the AEI at age 1, PPVT-5, and PPVT-8, controlling for key demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Results
Both PPVT-5 and PPVT-8 were significantly lower for children who were exposed to adverse experiences at age 1. As the AEI score (range: 0-5) rose from 0 to 1, 2, 3, 4 and &gt; =5, the PPVT-5 score decreased by 0.6, 1.3, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.5 points, and PPVT-8 decreased by 0.9, 0.8, 5.4, 5.6, and 9.3 points.

Conclusions
Early life adversities negatively impact cognitive development as soon as in early and mid-childhood.

Key messages
Adversities in early infancy may determine childhood development. Since adulthood outcomes are directly related to childhood development, addressing early adversities before they get worse may help to successfully manage a society’s future.
Digital Health and the Climate Change: Introductory key concepts and Research Topics
Authors: Lapao V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Starting with telemedicine movement 50 years ago, digital health has been changing slowly the healthcare paradigm since. Now with COVID-19 Epidemics has raise the bar and pushed for digital health across the healthcare services. Likewise, public Health should be more engaged on studying future impacts of climate change on health care and look for the opportunities that digital health can bring. At the same time, European Public Health should propose new models for healthy living in the line with sustainable circular economy. Digital health is about health service delivery but it is much more about patients' behaviour and participation in the healthcare process. Digitalization is enabling a change in the role of patients in the healthcare value chain, moreover considering the new European strategy of Health Data Space combined with the European Green Deal. We will present a set of European and American case studies already showing the positive impact of digital health in mitigating climate crises factors, by reducing transportation and materials costs and improving health professionals efficiency, among others. An overview of the recent trends will be discussed and links to public health will be addressed. A special attention will be drawn to a digital public health framework to tackle the climate change future's public health threats.
Oral health promotion and labour market prospects among socially disadvantaged, unemployed citizens
Authors: Sigsgaard AM , Bolvig I , Øzhayat EB 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Poor oral health do not only affect individuals' general health and quality of life but can also have a devastating impact on employability. Few studies indicate that poor teeth may constitute a barrier for labour market success in unemployed citizens. This study examines if an oral health promotion (OHP) intervention has an effect on economic self-support (ESS) and proximity to the labour market (PLM) among socially disadvantaged and unemployed citizens.

Methods
From April to June 2018, we enrolled 273 recipients of cash benefits in a randomised controlled trial. Participants were allocated to either control (n = 159) or intervention (n = 114), which consisted of information and individual help to attend a dentist and apply for dental care subsidy. Ten participants were excluded, leaving 263 participants (intervention n = 110, control n = 153) for analyses. A national register was used to assess ESS and PLM within 1.5 years post intervention. Information on health and socio-demographics were obtained from a questionnaire and national registers. Logistic- and multiple linear regression models were performed.

Results
Overall, higher frequencies of ESS and PLM was found in the intervention group, although no significant results were seen for ESS alone. Adjusted models revealed significantly higher odds (odds ratio (OR)=1.852, 95% CI 1.084 to 3.166) in the intervention group of achieving PLM after 12 months. After 18 months, the intervention group had on average obtained 5 more weeks (95% CI 0.015 to 9.994) with PLM.

Conclusions
Overall, the OHP intervention had a positive effect on labour market prospects in the intervention group, especially within the first year of the study. Our findings highlight the potential of oral treatment in social rehabilitation and for reducing inequality. This is relevant for decision-makers, who should consider oral health promotion among socially disadvantaged citizens when allocating resources and providing services.

Key messages
Receiving information and individual help to attend dental care increased the odds of enhancing labour market prospects among socially disadvantaged unemployed persons. The effect of the OHP intervention was greatest within the first year of the study and facilitated better labour market prospects sooner in the intervention group compared to the control group.
COVID-19 prevention and control measures in workplace settings: a rapid review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ingram C , Downey V , Roe M , Chen Y , Cléirigh Büttner F , Buggy C , Perrotta C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Workplaces are high-risk environments for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and subsequent community transmission. Identifying, understanding, and implementing effective workplace SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is critical to protect workers, their families, and communities. A rapid review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize evidence assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 IPC measures implemented in global workplace settings through April 2021. Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that quantitatively assessed the effectiveness of workplace COVID-19 IPC measures. Included studies comprised varying empirical designs and occupational settings. Measures of interest included surveillance measures, outbreak investigations, personal protective equipment (PPE), changes in work arrangements, and worker education. Sixty-three studies from international healthcare, nursing home, meatpacking, manufacturing, and office settings were included, accounting for ∼280,000 employees. Meta-analyses showed that comprehensive measures (0.2% positivity; 95%CI 0-0.4%) were associated with lower post-intervention employee COVID-19 positivity estimates than single measures like asymptomatic PCR testing (1.7%; 95%CI 0.9-2.9%) and universal masking (24%; 95%CI 3.4-55.5%). Modelling studies showed that combinations of (i) timely and widespread contact tracing and case isolation, (ii) facilitating smaller worker cohorts, and (iii) effective use of PPE can reduce workplace transmission. Comprehensive COVID-19 IPC measures incorporating swift contact tracing and case isolation, PPE, and facility zoning, can effectively prevent workplace outbreaks. Masking alone should not be considered as sufficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in workplace environments at high risk of virus transmission.

Key messages
Comprehensive contact tracing, syndromic surveillance, regular testing, PPE, and zoning measures can prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace. Masking alone should not be considered as sufficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in workplace environments at high risk of virus transmission.
Development of Comorbidities in Type 2 Diabetes: Morbidity Expansion or Dynamic Equilibrium?
Authors: Safieddine B , Sperlich S , Epping J , Lange K , Geyer S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Different hypotheses have been proposed about the future development of morbidity associated with the temporal improvement in life expectancy. However, many studies have focused on general morbidity while testing these hypotheses. In type 2 diabetes (T2D), one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, research points towards an increasing prevalence over time with a simultaneous increase in life expectancy among this population. While morbidity compression in T2D can thus be ruled out, it remains unclear whether morbidity expansion or dynamic equilibrium applies, which could be the case with a decrease in personal disease burden despite increasing prevalence. Against this background, this study aims to examine how the prevalence of T2D-related comorbidities is developing over time.

Methods
Using claims data of a large statutory insurance provider in the state of Lower-Saxony, Germany, the period prevalence of nine T2D-related comorbidities was examined for the time periods 2005-2007, 2010-2012, and 2015-2017 in 240241, 295868, and 308134 individuals with T2D, respectively. The temporal development of comorbidities was examined by logistic regression analysis. The change in the number of comorbidities over time was examined by ordered logistic regression. Analyses were stratified by gender and three age groups.

Results
Over the three time periods, age-adjusted predicted probabilities for more severe cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) decreased in men and women with T2D while those for less severe CVDs and other vascular diseases such as retinopathy, polyneuropathy any nephropathy increased significantly in all subgroups. Among all subgroups, the predicted probability of having more comorbidities over time also increased significantly.

Conclusions
Despite differences in the way CVDs are developing, the results are in favour of the morbidity expansion hypothesis for this population. Further research is needed to examine the reasons behind the observed trends.

Key messages
The developement of comorbidities in individuals with type 2 diabetes points towards morbidity expansion among this population. Future studies should examine whether the change is socioeconomic status, medication use and lifestyle risk factors are contributing to these trends.
Distress symptoms in older adults: results from the Survey for Health and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Shahaj O , Ksinan A , Bobak M , Pikhart H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The enforced isolation that followed the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks led to widespread concern regarding its unintended consequences on the mental well-being of older adults. The onset and severity of the outbreak, as well as the restrictive measures varied widely across countries. We aim to identify both individual and contextual factors that may have affected the presence and worsening of distress symptoms among older adults in 27 European countries. 52,310 non-institutionalised participants were asked about feeling depressed, anxious, lonely, and having trouble sleeping in the 4 weeks preceding the interview. The answers were combined into a count variable measuring distress. Answers regarding worsening of these symptoms during the outbreak were treated as binary variables. Multilevel zero-inflated negative binomial and binary logistic regressions were used to analyse the outcomes. Increasing age is not associated with higher rates of distress (p = 0.12) and compared to those aged &lt;60, those aged 71-80 and 80+ are 33% and 46% less likely to report feeling more depressed than before the pandemic (p &lt; 0.001). Female gender, living alone, poor physical health, low education and reduced social contact were all linked to higher rates of distress (p &lt; 0.001). Living in a country with stronger restrictions is linked to higher distress p &lt; 0.031 while higher Covid-19 deaths/million are associated with worsening of all four symptoms [OR: depressed 1.14(1.01-1.29); nervous 1.15(1.03-1.28); sleep troubles 1.19(1.08-1.32) and loneliness 1.14 (1.02 - 1.28)] Individual factors associated with the presence and worsening of depressive symptoms during the pandemic are similar to the ones reported in the literature before the pandemic. These groups may require additional support and mental health services. The stringency of restrictions and Covid-19 death toll adversely affected mental health, but older adults seem to be more resilient than their younger peers.

Key messages
The negative impact of the outbreak has been stronger on socially disadvantaged older adults. Strong restrictions to contain the outbreaks may lead to increase in distress symptoms in older adults but older adults are more resilient than their younger peers.
The PHIRI Rapid Exchange Forum
Authors: Habl C , Röhrling I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic demanded a quick exchange of those persons and institutions who were aiding the national governments in the crisis response. Thus, devoted members of the Joint Action on Health Information already in April ‘20 started to meet regularly online to foster cross-country exchange. In these meetings partners could approach each other for questions and shared views in a trusted environment on an ad-hoc basis. This initiative became an integral part of PHIRI, allowing a quick exchange of data, indicators, good practices and experiences in the COVID-19 crisis response in a structured and efficient way.

Methods
The bi-weekly 1h online meetings, in a moderated, structured format, have 2 parts: 1 pre-agreed topic (chosen via a survey ex-ante to each meeting) and ad-hoc questions. Answers (backed up by evidence like national reports, guidelines, etc.) are compiled and shared via a devoted platform immediately after the meeting. Every 6 weeks there is a special edition where experts present relevant findings and recent activities in the field. Attendees are project partners, national experts (advisors to ministers and heads of agency), representatives of expert networks (e.g. Healthy Cloud), EU services (ECDC, JRC) and stakeholders (e.g. ELIXIR).

Results
12 meetings took place between Nov ‘20 and April ‘21 with ±25-30 attendees. Topics covered followed a needs assessment in Europe and not surprisingly were in line with public debates at the time: November meetings concentrated around testing options whereas in early ‘21 vaccination strategies of countries were in the focus. A widely recognised outcome was a survey on the (temporary) cancellation of the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine among most EU countries.

Conclusions
The Rapid Exchange Forum offers a structured and highly appreciated platform for regular quick exchange of fellow countries, policy advisors, Commission services and researchers in the joint efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.