bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections in the 2019/2020 season in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Capitani E , Montomoli E , Camarri A , Capecchi PL , Nante N , Mannini I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Influenza is a major public health burden. In Italy there were 7.6 million symptomatic case of influenza in the 2019/2020 influenza season. In Italy, the influenza season lasts from October to April of the following year. We analysed influenza A and B viruses from hospitalized patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) to carry out epidemiological and virological surveillance.

Methods
68 oropharyngeal swabs were taken from the patients with SARI at Le Scotte University Hospital in Siena and they were given a questionnaire to record their underlying disease and vaccination status. Total RNA was extracted from the swabs by means of the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini kit and RT-PCR was carried out. After, biodirectional DNA sequencing reactions were performed. All statistical analyses were performed by means of GraphPad Prism 6 software.

Results
The median age of subject was 82 years and 52.9% were female. The subjects showed fever (89.7%), fatigue (77%), headache (47%), cough (75%), sore throat (70.5%), breathlessness (63.2%).We found that 20.5% of 68 subject were positive (13% for A H3N2 and 7% for A H1N1). Out of the 68 subject, 25% received seasonal influenza vaccination (91.6% trivalent vaccine and 8.4% quadrivalent vaccine). The most common underlying disease found in the positive subjects were cardiovascular diseases (50%), renal diseases (50%), lung diseases (42.8%), diabetes (35.7%), cancer (35%).

Conclusions
Epidemiological and virological surveillance remains an essential tool for monitoring virus circulation and possible mismatches with seasonal vaccine strains, and providing information that can be used to improve the composition of influenza vaccines. Our data support the importance of seasonal vaccination in subjects with chronic diseases to reduce hospitalisation and mortality.

Key messages
Virological surveillance is important for determining the spread of influenza viruses. Seasonal vaccination is considered as the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications.
Nutritional risk factors in Hungarian elderly-Biomarker2019 survey
Authors: Zámbó L , Bakacs M , Varga A , Horváth A , Guba G , Sepler Zs , Doroginé Török A , Zentai A , Feigl E , Sarkadi Nagy E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

In Hungary, about a quarter of the population is over the age of 60 and their proportion is projected to increase considerably within a few decades. According to the 2009 and 2014 European Health Interview Survey data, 87% of Hungarian older adults suffer from at least one non-communicable disease (NCD). Many of the NCDs are associated with poor nutrition. Reliable data on nutritional status of this age group is scarce. The Biomarker2019 survey provides comprehensive data on the nutritional status of this vulnerable age group. The cross-sectional survey was carried out in western Hungary. Participants aged ≥60y were selected from non-institutionalized patients of general practitioners' practicing in Western Hungary (n = 200). Data collection involved a questionnaire, physical examinations, three-day dietary record, and a collection of biological samples (fasting blood and 24-hour urine). 77% of the participants had high blood pressure diagnosed by a physician. 85% of men and 76% of women were overweight or obese, according to the BMIs. The mean proportion of energy from fat was higher (men: 39 E%, women: 37 E%), that from carbohydrates was lower in men (43 E%) than recommended, while it was adequate in women (47 E%). The mean protein intake was adequate in both sexes. Cholesterol intake was 433 mg/day for men and 317 mg/day for women, both higher than the Hungarian recommendations. The fiber intake was 23.8 g/day for men and 23.6 g/day for women, both below the recommended values. Based on the estimates of salt intake from 24-hour urine, 90% of participants had a higher salt intake than recommended. Nutritional risk factors predisposing to the development of NCDs were identified in the sample. The results of the study contributed to the development of a food-based dietary guideline tailor made to the Hungarian elderly population (60+ Health - Dietary Guideline for the Elderly), its dissemination to the target audience has been started.

Key messages
The identification of nutritional risk factors in a sample of older adults contributed to the development of a new food-based dietary guideline for the elderly population. The results can form the basis of further public health interventions.
Respiratory health in Syria: an analysis of primary data from the Syrian American Medical Society
Authors: Basha L , Socarras A , Akhtar W , Hamze M , Albaik A , Tarakji A , Hamadeh M , Kewara M , Loutfi R , Abbara A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Despite a decade of conflict, there has been little exploration of respiratory health in Syria. We explore the burden and trends of respiratory consultations in Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) facilities in northwest Syria using mixed methods. We performed i) a scoping review of available academic and grey literature on respiratory health in Syria between 2011 and 2020 (17 databases) and ii) a retrospective review of routinely collected data relating to respiratory presentations in SAMS' facilities between March 2017 and June 2020. We identified 23 papers (19 peer-reviewed); 7 analysed primary data. Key themes included the impact of conflict on asthma diagnosis and management, the burden of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), the impact of chemical weapons and those relating to the destruction of the health system. In our quantitative analysis, data were available for 5,058,864 consultations, of which 1,228,722 (24%) were respiratory presentations. 45% of respiratory presentations were from hospitals, 44% from primary healthcare clinics and 9% from mobile clinics. The median monthly number of respiratory cases was 30,279 (25,792-33,732) out of a median 128,923 total monthly consultations (112,917-140,189). 73% of respiratory consultations were for children. Key findings include: respiratory presentations accounted for up to 38% of consultations each month with seasonal variation. RTIs accounted for 91% of all respiratory presentations. A steep decrease in consultations occurred between the end of 2019 (160,000) and the first quarter of 2020 (90,000), correlating with an escalation of violence in Idlib governorate. This study presents the largest quantitative analysis of respiratory data collected during the Syrian conflict. Our findings support the need for improved measures to aid the prevention, diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions during conflict. Further work exploring such interventions is needed.

Key messages
We present the largest study of the burden of respiratory presentations during the Syrian conflict accounting for 1,228,722 (24%) of all consultations; of these 72% were for children. Despite the burden of respiratory disease in the Syrian conflict, optimisation of respiratory health is neglected. Public health measures which address the causes and consequences are needed.
Spirometry feedback as a motivational tool for tobacco cessation
Authors: Ben Fredj M , Garrach B , Abroug H , Zemni I , Dhouib W , Bennasrallah C , Ben Hassine D , Kacem M , Bouanene I , Belguith Sriha A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Tobacco use remains a major public health problem especially in developing countries and emerging economies. The evidence about the effect of spirometry on smoking cessation is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether a spirometry and lung age announcement were a motivator for smoking cessation.

Methods
We conducted a randomized controlled trial among patients who attended the smoking cessation clinic (SCC) at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital in Monastir, from June 2017 to February 2020. Participants were assigned into two groups, a control arm receiving standard program and intervention arm receiving standard program and lung age announcement. The primary outcome was the smoking cessation rates after one year of follow-up between the intervention arm and the control arm.

Results
A total of 500 patients were recruited and randomized with 250 patients in each group. At one-year endpoint, a total of 456 patients were reachable for assessment, 236 in control group and 220 in spirometry group. The loss rate was equal to 8.8% (54/500). Six months smoking rate was 78 (33.1%) in control group and 106 (48.0%) in intervention group (p = 0.002). One-year smoking cessation rate was higher in the intervention group than the control group (25.5% versus 16.5%), with a considerable statistical significance (p = 0.019). Spirometric lung age was significantly higher at paired comparison with chronologic age (58.81vs 46.54; p&lt;.001); the mean difference was 10.24 years but with considerable inter-individual variability.

Conclusions
Smoking cessation is still a challenging procedure with a high risk of relapse. This study is an additional evidence for spirometry and lung age announcement as motivators for cessation.

Key messages
Spirometry increased the motivation of smoking cessation. The equipment of smoking cessation centers by spirometry may contribute on tobacco control.
A critical qualitative inquiry of the social practices of older adult gamblers
Authors: Johnson R , Pitt H , Randle M , Thomas S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Older adults' participation in gambling is increasing internationally. Older adults have been identified as a group at greater risk of gambling harm. This may be due to their increased vulnerability due to life circumstances, such as retiring from paid work and social isolation. Current literature has focused on individual characteristics that may influence older adults gambling attitudes, behaviours, and experiences of harm, however, there has been little qualitative research that has explored other factors such as the influence of social practices surrounding gambling. This study explored how social practices influenced older adults' participation in gambling, and how these social practices may contribute to gambling risk.

Methods
A critical qualitative inquiry was conducted and involved semi-structured phone interviews with 40 Australian adults aged 55 years and over. A Constructivist Grounded Theory approach was taken, and Social Practice Theory guided the thematic analysis of the data.

Results
Two major themes were generated from the data. The first theme demonstrated that gambling was often embedded within older adults' social practices. For example, older adults would attend gambling venues with their social networks and engage in gambling as a way of building their social connection. Sometimes gambling occurred to try to meet the expectations of the wider social group, potentially increasing the risk of harm. Second, it was evident that gambling had become part a routine activity for older adults' everyday life.

Conclusions
Older adults social practices related to gambling were linked with the accessibility and availability of gambling products in community environments. Interventions aimed at preventing and reducing gambling harm in older adults need to shift away from the individual and instead focus on disrupting social practices, including the routines associated with gambling.

Key messages
Gambling was used by older adults to consolidate social connections and strengthen their sense of belonging within social groups and often involved routines around gambling. To prevent further harm from gambling to older adults, strategies should focus on the social context of older adults gambling rather than the individual characteristics of gamblers.
Mortality attributable to housing deprivation in Belgium between 1991 and 2015
Authors: Otavova M , Faes C , Masquelier B , Devleesschauwer B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Poor housing condition is associated with increased mortality. Our aim is to measure the inequality in mortality attributable to housing deprivation in Belgium.

Methods
We utilized data on housing conditions from the 1991 population census, and data on mortality from the National Register in Belgium between Jan 1, 1991 and Dec 31, 2015. An area-level composite score was developed and computed for 18 267 statistical sectors in Belgium. The score was based on indicators encompassing multiple dimensions: occupancy status and its density, absence of central heating, bathroom, toilet, kitchen, double glazing. These indicators were combined to a score, ranked and assigned to deciles. The mortality attributable to housing inequality was calculated as the difference between the observed and expected deaths. The expected deaths were computed by applying mortality in the least deprived decile to other deciles, stratified by 5-year age group, sex, and time.

Results
Our results show that 20% of all deaths, equating to 2 564 289 deaths, occurring between 1991-2015 can be attributable to inequalities in housing. The proportion of deaths attributable to inequality in housing increased over time and was higher for men (26%) than for women (14%). The difference in age-standardized mortality rates between the most and the least deprived groups increased over time from 31 to 37% and from 10 to 26% for men and women, respectively.

Conclusions
Housing conditions play an important role in mortality inequalities and ensuring good housing conditions is necessary for reducing inequalities.

Key messages
Poor housing condition is associated with increased mortality. Our results show that 20% of all deaths, equating to 2 564 289 deaths, occurring between 1991-2015 can be attributable to inequalities in housing.
Effect of the essential oils of Satureja montana L., Myristica fragrans H. and Cymbopogon flexuosus S. on mycotoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus antifungal properties of essential oils
Authors: Rezende Danubia Aparecida de Carvalho Selvati , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Alves Eduardo , Brandão Rafaela Magalhães , Ferreira Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Caetano Alex Rodrigues Silva , Lunguinho Allan da Silva , Campolina Gabriela Aguiar , Nelson David Lee , Batista Luís Roberto 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Essential oils can be a useful alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides because they have biological potential and are relatively safe for food and agricultural products. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activities of the essential oils from Satureja montana L., Myristica fragrans H. and Cymbopogon flexuosus S. against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus, as well as their effects on ergosterol synthesis and membrane morphology. The antifungal potential was evaluated by mycelial growth analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Fungicidal effects against A. flavus, with MFC of 0.98, 15.62 and 0.98 µL/mL, respectively, were observed for the essential oils from S. montana, M. fragrans and C. flexuosus. Aspergillus ochraceus did not grow in the presence of concentrations of 3.91, 15.62 and 0.98 µL/mL of the essential oils from S. montana, M. fragrans and C. flexuosus, respectively. The essential oils significantly inhibited the production of ochratoxin A by the fungus A. ochraceus. The essential oils also inhibited the production of aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2. The biosynthesis of ergosterol was inhibited by the applied treatments. Biological activity in the fungal cell membrane was observed in the presence of essential oils, given that deleterious effects on the morphologies of the fungi were detected. The essential oils under study are promising as food preservatives because they significantly inhibit toxigenic fungi that contaminate food. In addition, the essential oils hindered the biosynthesis of mycotoxins.
Elevated C-Reactive Protein in Alzheimer’s Disease Without Depression in Older Adults: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Natale Ginny , Clouston Sean A P , Smith Dylan M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We examined the association between differential diagnoses of major stroke and probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mixed AD on C-reactive protein (CRP) in older adults with and without depression. Secondary data analyses examined associations between blood-based measures of probable peripheral inflammation using CRP collected from dried blood spots in the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of individuals aged 50 and older. A validated pattern-recognition algorithm was utilized to identify cognitive decline indicative of probable AD, mixed AD, and major stroke. Negative binomial regressions were utilized to model concentrations of serologic CRP. On average, participants (N = 4 601) were 70 years old, female, and non-Hispanic White. Mixed AD participants had a 0.26 mg/dL increase in CRP compared to unimpaired participants, controlling for demographics, health behaviors, and comorbidities. Those with mixed AD had 2.14 times increased odds of having high CRP (odds ratio = 2.14 [1.19–3.85]). In analyses stratified by depression, adults with mixed AD and without depression had an additional 0.37 mg/dL increase in CRP (SE = 0.06; p &lt; .001) compared to unimpaired adults. Those with AD without depression had a 0.20 mg/dL increase in CRP (SE = 0.07; p &lt; .01). Age was not associated with increased CRP in nondepressed older adults. Depressed adults with major stroke had a −0.26 mg/dL decrease in CRP (SE = 0.11; p = .02), controlling for hypertension, alcoholic drinks/beverages per week, and smoking status. Concentration modeling revealed that participants with major stroke, probable AD, and probable mixed AD without depression had significantly higher CRP concentrations when compared to unimpaired older adults.
Crustal thickness andVp/Vsvariation beneath continental China revealed by receiver function analysis
Authors: Cheng Shihua , Xiao Xiao , Wu Jianping , Wang Weilai , Sun Li , Wang Xiaoxin , Wen Lianxing 
Published: October 2021

SUMMARYUsing data from 3837 seismic stations deployed in or around continental China, we construct high-resolution models of crustal thickness (H) and seismic compressional and shear velocity ratio (Vp/Vs or κ) in continental China by analysis of 150 543 receiver functions. We group the receiver functions in cells with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° in the North–South China Seismic Belt and parts of the North China Craton, and of 0.5° × 0.5° in other regions, classify the receiver functions based on their characteristics, and develop a modified H–κ stacking method to construct models in the regions where the receiver functions are significantly affected by sedimentary basins and by Moho architecture. The inferred crustal thickness model displays an eastward thinning trend from the thickest crust (&gt;80 km) beneath the Qiangtang Block to the thinnest crust (&lt;26 km) beneath the southern part of the Cathaysia Block. Crustal thickness is 26–50 km in several major basins and 26–55 km in the Precambrian cratonic blocks. The inferred Vp/Vs model in the crystalline crust displays moderate-to-high values (1.75–1.85) in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, the Tengchong volcanic field, the Emeishan large igneous province, the north-central areas of the Bohaiwan and Songliao basins, the western margin of the Taikang Hefei Basin and the southeastern margin of the Cathaysia Block. Lower values (≤1.72) characterize the major regions of the Cathaysia Block and the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt, and the hinterlands of the Ordos Block and Sichuan Basin. We discuss possible tectonic processes, secular crustal evolution and crustal compositions that are consistent with our inferred crustal thickness and Vp/Vs structure in continental China. This study establishes a framework of seismic data sharing for future studies in the seismological community in one of the first steps of developing a China Seismological Reference Model.
Crystal structure of the Propionibacterium acnes surface sialidase, a drug target for P. acnes-associated diseases
Authors: Yu Angel C Y , Volkers Gesa , Jongkees Seino A K , Worrall Liam J , Withers Stephen G , Strynadka Natalie C J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Propionibacterium acnes, though generally considered part of the normal flora of human skin, is an opportunistic pathogen associated with acne vulgaris as well as other diseases, including endocarditis, endophthalmitis and prosthetic joint infections. Its virulence potential is also supported by knowledge gained from its sequenced genome. Indeed, a vaccine targeting a putative cell wall-anchored P. acnes sialidase has been shown to suppress cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory cytokine release induced by the organism, and is proposed as an alternative treatment for P. acnes-associated diseases. Here, we report the crystal structures of the surface sialidase and its complex with the transition-state mimic Neu5Ac2en. Our structural and kinetic analyses, together with insight from a glycan array screen, which probes subtle specificities of the sialidase for α-2,3-sialosides, provide a basis for the structure-based design of novel small-molecule therapeutics against P. acnes infections.
Evaluation of community readiness for change prior to a participatory physical activity intervention in Germany
Authors: Kehl M , Brew-Sam N , Strobl H , Tittlbach S , Loss J 
Published: October 2021

Summary
A lack of communities’ readiness for change is reported as a major barrier toward an effective implementation of health promoting interventions in community settings. Adding an alternative readiness assessment approach to existing research practice, this study aimed to investigate how a selected community could be evaluated in-depth regarding its readiness for change based on multiple key informant perspectives, with the intention of using this knowledge for the preparation of improved local physical activity (PA) interventions for men above 50 years of age. We conducted semi-structured face-to-face key informant interviews with stakeholders and relevant persons from a local German community (N = 15). The interview guide was based on a comprehensive summary of community readiness dimensions. After verbatim transcription, we conducted thematic analysis to synthesize the complex results regarding community readiness related to PA. The data supported that the community disposed of a variety of resources regarding PA and showed signs of readiness for change. However, a certain degree of saturation regarding PA programs existed. The need for health enhancing PA interventions for men was only partly recognized. The local authority considered PA to be particularly important in the context of mobility and traffic safety. Including multiple stakeholders contributed to a balanced and in-depth assessment of community readiness and was helpful for determining starting points for tailored PA interventions due to the detection of complex relationships and structures. The study delivers preliminary evidence that a qualitative multi-perspective community readiness assessment adds value to quantified single-perspective readiness assessment research practice.