bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep learning modeling to assess surface temperature and greenery impact on emergency room access
Authors: Castellana F , Zupo R , Catino F , Ceci M , Addabbo F , Cervellera S , Mincuzzi A , Giannico O V , Sardone R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The escalating land surface temperature is a key environmental indicator with potential repercussions on human health. An artificial NN model was built to predict the number of ER accesses as a dependent variable, to establish the predictive power and interactions of land surface temperature and normalized differential vegetation index(NDVI), which is used to measure urban greenery.A map of Taranto was built by vector files on the Apulia region website and processed using R Studio 2023.06.2.The vector file containing the mapping of the city of Taranto was processed to obtain a 200mx200m grid of the entire surface.The Local Health Authority of Taranto provided indications of the residences of ER accesses, and coordinates were merged to gridded vector file to obtain the average of ER accesses and the socio demographic features per single grid unit. NDVI and surface temperature were averaged for July 2023 using images from Landsat 8(30m) and merged to the vector providing an average value of temperature and NDVI index per single quadrant. The dataset was divided into two db according to an 80/20 ratio respectively for the training and test dataset.A NN model was built on dichotomous value (above/below median) for each quadrant (6513 units) with hyperparameter tuning technique using the accuracy to select the best model.A MOC model was built to reduce the probability of NN detection by at least 40% in a randomly selected subject.A MOC model was built considering sociodemographic variables as fixed features and an epsilon of 0 for 175 generations and an ICE curves population initialization strategy. NNET accuracy value was 0.849 and 0.841 in training and testing, suggesting a good fitting of the model.Relative change plots were adopted to show the amount and the direction of generated counterfactuals, to reduce grid unit prediction to be over median.LST decreasing and NDVI score increasing were associated with a reduction of classification probability of grid unit.

Key messages
• Rising land surface temperature is a critical environmental indicator with potential impacts on human health.
• Artificial neural network models perform well in predicting the number of ER accesses with respect to land surface temperature and NDVI, which is used to measure urban greenery.
Urban burden of disease estimation for policy making
Authors: Dyer G , Khomenko S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The Urban Burden of Disease Estimation for Policy Making (UBDPolicy) project aims to estimate the health impacts resulting from urban and transport planning related exposures in nearly 1000 European cities. So far, quantitative burden of disease assessments have estimated premature mortality attributable to the environmental stressors of air pollution, noise, urban heat islands and lack of green space for the year 2015. Regular reporting and trend monitoring of the health impacts associated with urban environments is crucial for assessing the wider impacts of urban and transport planning.

Methods
For almost 1000 European cities, quantitative Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) will be conducted that employ the comparative risk assessment methodology. Baseline exposure levels of air pollution, noise, urban heat islands and green space will be estimated and preventable health impacts modelled using counterfactual exposure scenarios. Analysis will comprise two components: firstly, the 2018 HIA will incorporate multiple environmental exposures for that year, while the second component will monitor trends at three-yearly reporting intervals covering the years of 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024.

Results
Results are intended to shape evidence-informed urban planning and policies throughout Europe. By ranking cities according to environmental exposures and health impacts, cities are encouraged to address challenges and learn from successful urban design and planning policies in other cities.

Discussion
HIAs serve as an effective tool for identifying the health impacts of current and future urban policies. The provision of burden of disease estimates will provide policy-makers and practitioners robust data for informed decision-making, while estimates over time will allow tracking of changes from implemented policies. To fully harness the potential of cities as key drivers of sustainable and healthy living, robust evidence must be at the forefront of this change.

Key messages
• A multitude of urban and transport planning pathways contribute toward the health of urban populations.
• Compact city designs often promote health, however there are exceptions.
How to analyze multistakeholder collaboration for infectious disease outbreaks: a scoping review
Authors: Cesuroglu T , Baggen O A , Berg C R , Ong CHL , Flach R E , Fahner A G , Stein M , Swaan C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Effective preparedness and response to infectious disease (ID) outbreaks demand collaboration among diverse stakeholders from public health and beyond. However, the organization and roles of stakeholders vary widely across countries and have evolved notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Novel methodologies are essential to analyze and bolster collaboration in this context. We conducted a scoping review to explore methods utilized for evaluating multistakeholder collaboration in ID outbreak preparedness and response.

Methods
We comprehensively searched scientific and grey literature using keywords such as evaluation of collaboration, stakeholder analysis, (multi)stakeholder/multisectoral collaboration, and network coordination in PubMed, GoogleScholar and Google. Given the limited literature on ID outbreaks, we expanded our scope to include other public health emergencies (PHE) and related fields. Publications were analyzed to discern their aims, fields served, and methodologies employed.

Results
Twenty pertinent publications from Africa, Europe, North America, and Oceania were identified. These publications addressed diverse aims and fields, including stakeholder identification, network mapping in outbreak management and One Health initiatives, enhancing multistakeholder/ multisectoral collaboration for PHE response, primary care partnerships, and evaluating governance of networks in public policy. Methodologies encompassed network analysis, stakeholder mapping, and evaluative frameworks tailored to specific contexts. Common themes included trust-building, shared goals, decision-making processes, and information exchange.

Conclusions
The literature presents varied dimensions crucial for developing methodologies to evaluate multistakeholder collaboration in ID outbreak contexts. These evaluations ultimately will lead to strengthened multisectoral collaboration and coordination, and better preparedness and response for ID outbreaks.

Key messages
• Effective evaluation methodologies are crucial for enhancing multistakeholder collaboration in infectious disease outbreak preparedness and response worldwide.
• Diverse approaches from various sectors offer valuable insights for developing tailored evaluation methods to assess collaboration in specific public health contexts.
Interaction of polychlorinated biphenyls exposure, lifestyle and genetic risk in dyslipidemia
Authors: Yao Y , Ma J , Chen W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been associated with various adverse health conditions. However, the interaction effects between PCBs, lifestyle, and/or genetic susceptibility on dyslipidemias are still unknown.

Methods
Six serum PCBs including PCB-28, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180 were determined in 3,845 participants from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort. Dyslipidemias, including hyper-total cholesterol (HyperTC), hyper-triglyceride (HyperTG), hyper-low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HyperLDL-C), and hypo-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HypoHDL-C) were classified based on serum lipids levels, which were examined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Besides, we constructed lipid-specific polygenic risk scores (PRS) and healthy lifestyle scores, and used Logistic regression models to explore the relationships of serum PCBs, lifestyle, and PRS with dyslipidemias.

Results
We observed that all six PCB congeners were positively associated with the prevalence of dyslipidemias to varying degrees. In particular, dose-response manners were observed between ΣPCB levels and odds ratios (ORs) of HyperTC, HyperTG, and HyperLDL-C, respectively. Besides, we found that PRSs and unhealthy lifestyles were both positively associated with dyslipidemias. For the combined effect of ΣPCB, lifestyle, and PRS, participants with high ΣPCB, unfavorable lifestyle, and high genetic risk had the highest odds of HyperTC (2.285; 1.533, 3.417), HyperTG (7.944; 5.169, 12.329), and HyperLDL-C (3.523; 2.311, 5.394) when compared with those with low ΣPCB, healthy lifestyle, and low genetic risk.

Conclusions
Our study provided evidence that PCB exposure potentially increases the prevalence of dyslipidemias, which may be exacerbated by genetic susceptibility and unhealthy lifestyles.

Key messages
• Our results highlighted the importance of reducing PCB exposure, adopting healthy lifestyles for the prevention of dyslipidemia.
• Our work might facilitate the emergence of reducing or regulating PCB pollution to control blood lipids and the resultant dyslipidemia epidemic.
Long-term effects of arsenic on glucose-insulin homeostasis: A gene-environment interaction study
Authors: Yongfang Z 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Arsenic exposure and genetic factors are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, yet study of environment-gene interaction on glucose-insulin homeostasis remains scarce. We aimed to investigate the associations and interactions of urinary total arsenic (UTAs) and genetic susceptibility with glucose-insulin homeostasis through a longitudinal epidemiological study.

Methods
A total of 6136 observations (3063 participants) from the baseline, 3-year follow-up, and 6-year follow-up of the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort were included in this study. In each study period, we repeatedly measured UTAs, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and homeostasis model-assessed insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β). Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) specific for all traits were constructed by corresponding genome-wide association summary statistics. Linear mixed models were used to assess associations and interactions of UTAs and PRSs with four indicators of glucose-insulin homeostasis.

Results
After adjustment for all covariates, the βs (95% CIs) for the annual growth rates of FPG, FPI, and HOMA-IR were 0.020 (0.008, 0.032), 0.007 (0.002, 0.013), and 0.011 (0.004, 0.017), respectively, associated with each ln-unit increase in UTAs. Compared to subjects with the first-quartile PRS and low UTAs, participants with the fourth-quartile PRS and high UTAs had a 0.029 (0.012, 0.047) or 0.032 (0.012, 0.051) ln-unit increase in the annual growth rate of FPI or HOMA-IR, respectively. UTAs and PRS had significant interactions on the longitudinal progressive increases of FPI and HOMA-IR (P interaction &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Arsenic exposure and genetic variants are significantly synergistic risk factors for dysregulation and progressive deterioration of glucose-insulin homeostasis. Our findings emphasize the importance of reducing arsenic exposure to maintain normal glucose-insulin metabolism, especially for those at higher genetic risk.

Key messages
• Arsenic exposure was associated with annual increased rates of FPG, FPI, and HOMA-IR.
• Arsenic exposure and trait-specific PRSs are synergistic risk factors for glucose-insulin homeostasis impairment.
How characteristics of place affect multimorbidity: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Zheng C , MacRae C , Rowley-Abel L , Arakelyan S , Abubakar E , Dibben C , Guthrie B , Marshall A , Pearce J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Multimorbidity has become a global public health challenge. Increasing work has identified different individual- and household-level determinants of multimorbidity; however, our understanding of how characteristics of place affect multimorbidity remains limited. This scoping review aims to identify the place-based risk factors of multimorbidity and to synthesis evidence (longitudinal in particular) on how place-based risk factors affect multimorbidity.

Methods
Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a predefined search strategy (https://osf.io/bf84m) was run across 7 major databases in 2023, with a double screening and data extraction process. English-language peer-reviewed studies exploring the relationship between place-based characteristics (from neighbourhood to region) and multimorbidity among the general population aged over 18 years old were included from 2010 to 2023.

Results
Out of 7761 records, 129 underwent full-text review, resulting in 76 included studies (15 longitudinal). We identified 12 types of place-based risk factors of multimorbidity, with area-level deprivation/SES, pollution, and urban/rurality most frequently examined. Fairly consistent findings suggested that people in more deprived, polluted, or urbanised areas were more likely to be multimorbid, which may further vary by multimorbidity definitions/measurements. Other place-based risk factors, such as social cohesion and greenspace availability, were linked to different single health conditions, but their associations with multimorbidity were underexplored. Finally, we proposed a potential theoretical framework that links place and multimorbidity through multiple pathways based on the synthesised evidence.

Conclusions
There remains only a partial understanding of how ‘place’ affects multimorbidity. Future studies should employ more precise measures for both place-based risk factors and multimorbidity and use longitudinal designs and analytical approaches for more causal insights.

Key messages
• This is the first scoping review that proposed a theoretical framework that demonstrates the links between place and multimorbidity.
• This study will greatly benefit local policymaking and public health intervention initiation.
How social and commercial determinants influence exclusive breastfeeding in the Philippines
Authors: Wang Z , Di Ruggiero E , Lau L , L’Abbe M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months after delivery. However, the EBF rate in the Philippines is only 29%. Existing literature suggests that the influence of infant formula marketing (IFM), communication channels, and traditional health beliefs are possible contributors to low EBF rates, but rare studies have been conducted in low-resource settings.

Methods:
To bridge the gap, 15 barangays in Palawan were selected; 97 interviews were conducted with lactating mothers (LM), health workers (HW), traditional healers, infant formula sellers, and community leaders (CL) to represent different perspectives. The results were coded and analyzed inductively.

Results
LM received EBF information through multiple resources. Poverty, lacking breast milk (BM), EBF education, and health benefits (HB) to infants are top contributors to EBF while maternal employment and no BM are top barriers to EBF. Elders, traditional health beliefs (THB), and the influence of COVID-19 can influence EBF in both directions. LM emphasized more on poverty and elders to EBF while HW and CL emphasized the role of EBF education and HB. Urban LM tend to have more regular EBF education, use pumps when going out, and are more influenced by IFM. LM in remote areas tend to have more THB, have more BM substitutes, and share BM. Social classes, locations, Indigeneity, migration, and poverty are intersectioned to influence EBF.

Conclusions
Multiple social and commercial determinants influenced EBF. LM is facing more challenges to EBF under globalization and capitalism. Remote LM are less benefited from new technologies and policies to promote EBF. Different stakeholders have echo chambers to perceive the determinants of EBF. To improve health equity and EBF, the situations of marginalized people in remote areas should be more considered in policy making. Community building should also be considered differently to assist in EBF.

Key messages
• The project focuses on social and commercial determinants of exclusive breastfeeding with people in extreme poverty.
• The project includes plenty of Indigenous breastfeeding behavior that are underreported.
Estimation of Environmental Burden of Disease related to Arsenic exposure in European Populations
Authors: Benchrih R , Buekers J , Demoury C , Martins C , Purece A , Thomsen S T , Waegeneers N , De Clercq E , Devleesschauwer B 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Arsenic (As) exposure poses significant health risks to exposed populations, with exposure occurring predominantly via diet for the general population as recently referred by the European Food Safety Authority. This study assesses the environmental burden of disease (EBD) for three cancer types related to arsenic, across Europe.

Methods
A literature review was conducted to 1) identify the dose-response function (DRF) to assess the cancer risk in European populations, and 2) define EBD approaches applicable to the available data. Country-specific data (Belgium, Denmark, Portugal) for EBD calculation (exposure, socioeconomic status, health outcomes) were gathered. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) estimations were performed by calculating attributable cases (AC).

Results
Two main references are used for DRF: the United States Food and Drug Administration DRF for assessing bladder and lung cancer risks, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency DRF for skin cancer. Preliminary results for Belgium indicate that inorganic arsenic dietary exposure ranges from 0.084 [0.080 - 0.088] to 0.102 [0.097 - 0.107] µg/kg body weight per day, varying with education level. Stratified estimates suggest that individuals with higher educational attainment (ISCED levels 5 & 6) have a marginally higher average daily intake of arsenic compared to those with lower educational attainment (ISCED levels 0, 1 & 2). DALY attributable to inorganic arsenic exposure follow the same trend as exposure levels, i.e. individuals with a higher education level bear a higher burden of disease than individuals of the low education stratum. This concerns the three studied cancers.

Conclusions
This study quantifies DALY related to inorganic arsenic from dietary exposure for different European countries. Our findings will contribute to better target public health policies and interventions for arsenic risk mitigation.

Key messages
• Exposure to inorganic arsenic is confirmed in European countries.
• EBD studies guide action priorities to tackle chemical risk factors.
Flatbreads in Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur Groups and its Role in Sustainable Food System
Authors: Wang Z , Sultan A , Feruza S , Asanaliev A , Maimaiti G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Flatbreads are various types of comparably thin bread and are widespread in a large region. People embed flatbreads with special cultural meanings and adapted local ingredients for baking flatbreads. More attention has been focused on flatbreads in recent years. However, how the cross-border Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur groups use flatbreads is understudied.

Methods
To understand how the cross-border Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur groups use flatbreads, the current paper reviews existing English, Mandarin, and some Russian literature to summarize how the Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur groups use flatbreads.

Results
The results show that these three ethnic groups prepare and use flatbreads in multiple aspects. The Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Uighur people use 23, 9, and 17 types of flatbreads respectively. The flatbreads used by the Kazakh and Kyrgyz people have more overlapping than those of the Uighur people while the relevant studies of Kyrgyz people are more understudied. This resemblance may be because of the closer nomadic lifestyle and the similar influences of Russia and the USSR. The ingredients of flatbreads are aligned with the local ecosystems and have been evolving consistently in the past centuries because of the changes in technology, politics, lifestyles, health perceptions, acculturation, and globalization.

Conclusions
Because of the eco-friendly features of flatbreads and the widespread use of these foods, flatbreads have a high potential to support a regional strategy for sustainable food system transformation and planetary health along the Silk Road countries. To achieve this goal, more studies should be conducted to contribute missing information about ingredients, cooking methods, features, and regional differences in using flatbreads; more nutritious and bio-diverse recipes of flatbreads and the most eco-friendly cooking energy resources for baking flatbread should be identified; new meanings should be given to flatbreads to promote the use.

Key messages
• The first study to summarize how Kazakh, Uighur, and Kyrgyz peoples use flatbread.
• Justify a potential to use flatbread for sustainable food system transformation.
Oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of co-formulants of glyphosate-based herbicides in HMWB cells
Authors: Makame K , Masese S , Ádám B , Nagy K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are widely used worldwide because of their effectiveness and low cost. However, there is a growing concern regarding the potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure. Glyphosate is always marketed in formulations containing ingredients other than the active substance. These co-formulants may have toxic effects on humans and animals. Although several studies have assessed the health risks related to glyphosate, the toxicological effects of the co-formulants must be analysed in more detail to ensure the health and safety of pesticide users and the general population. This study aimed to characterize and compare the cytotoxic effects of co-formulants with those of the active substance and GBH formulations.

Methods
Human mononuclear white blood (HMWB) cells were exposed to varying concentrations (0.1 µM, 1µM, 10 µM, 100 µM, 1 mM, 10 mM) of glyphosate, three GBHs (Fozat 480, Roundup, and Glyfos), and two co-formulants for 4- and 20-hours. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and oxidative stress levels in HMWB cells were evaluated using the superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay. Cell viability and SOD activity were analysed using a spectrophotometer at 460 nm absorbance.

Results
Glyphosate alone did not significantly affect the cell viability. However, notable cytotoxic effects were observed in response to GBHs and adjuvants at concentrations as low as 100 µM. Furthermore, the Oxidative stress levels in cells treated with GBHs or adjuvants were significantly higher than those treated with glyphosate alone.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that the cytotoxic effects of GBHs are likely attributed to the adjuvants present in the formulations, which promote oxidative stress. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the health risks associated with using glyphosate-based herbicides, and co-formulants should be considered when assessing their safety.

Key messages
• The safety of GBHs cannot be solely attributed to glyphosate itself but also to the other components in the formulation.
• Toxicity evaluation should take into account not only glyphosate but also the co-formulants present in these herbicides when assessing their safety.