bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preventing battery ingestion in children: public health strategies and technological innovations
Authors: Gregori D , Baldas S , Lorenzoni G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Accidental ingestion of button batteries can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries, such as chemical burns, esophageal perforations, and long-term complications. In response to this challenge, prevention strategies have evolved. A recent example of safety-targeted technological innovation includes new coin lithium batteries with more secure packaging, a non-toxic bitter coating to deter ingestion, and a ‘color alert technology’ that activates a blue dye upon contact with saliva. These features are designed to discourage ingestion and facilitate the rapid identification of an injury, allowing for timely medical intervention.

Methods
This abstract reviews the public health strategies proposed or implemented to prevent this serious type of injury, augmented by an analysis of data from the Susy Safe registry, which identified 1,115 cases of battery ingestion in children, and an additional 94 cases from the literature, totaling 1,209 injuries.

Results
The review of existing prevention strategies highlights various approaches, including public awareness campaigns, enhanced product regulations, and the implementation of stricter safety standards for batteries and devices. Analysis of Susy Safe data helps characterize the issue, underscoring the frequency and circumstances of battery ingestions and provides an empirical basis to assess the effectiveness of existing prevention strategies and to guide the development of new policies. The combination of technological improvements and legislative initiatives could represent a significant breakthrough in preventing these dangerous injuries.

Conclusions
While technological innovations are promising, effective prevention of battery ingestion will require a multifaceted approach that integrates technology, education, public policy, and regulatory oversight. Collaboration among manufacturers, lawmakers, health professionals, and the community is essential to reduce the incidence of these medical emergencies.

Key messages
• Accidental ingestion of button batteries can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
• The combination of technological improvements and legislative initiatives could represent a significant breakthrough in preventing button batteries in children.
Cost of fall injuries in traffic are for pedestrians and bicyclists - municipal respons needed
Authors: Lauritsen J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Motivation
Pedestrians and bicyclists have been posting in news and social media with reflections on municipal efforts to clean bicycle paths and sidewalks in icy and wet conditions. The municipality have lowered budgets for these cleaning efforts in recent years.

Methods
Analysis of A&E department registration data with the Nomesco core dataset allows for separation of location, age, sex, time of day and date of injury. Injury severity is classified according to diagnosis of treatment (minor/major). Cost calculations are based on national scales from the Ministry of Transport (ambulance/police/treatment/rehabilitation). Cold weather was defined as lowest day temperature &lt; 5 degree C (Danish Metereological service DMI).

Results
During 2023 all pedestrians or bicyclists (n = 2516) treated at the A&E following an incident on sidewalks, streets or bicyclepaths (population 225.000) were included. Non-serious were (total/cold weather): sidewalks (699/266), bicyclepaths (414/117), streets (762/277). Serious: sidewalks (290/130), bicyclepaths (123/32), streets (228/100). Assessment of economical costs was DKK: Non-serious were (total/cold weather): sidewalks (20.8/7.9), bicyclepaths (12.4/3.5), streets (22.7/8.3). Serious: sidewalks (42.2/18.9), bicyclepaths (17.9/4.7), streets (33.2/14.6).

Discussion and conclusions
The economic burden for the population and municipality far exceeds the costs for cleaning the streets, bicyclepaths and sidewalks in icy and wet conditions. With appropriate injury surveillance and communication to municipal authorities revised cleaning principles was decided at the political level

Key messages
• Appropriate and focused injury registration is needed for targeted political level decision.
• Standardized and targeted economic calculations are persuasive in the political arena at the local level.
The profile and aberrant driving behavior of juvenile traffic law violators in Greece
Authors: Vagionaki K , Lioliou S , Kounali V , Stefanakis A , Stefanakis G , Toraki M , Gnardellis C H , Chliaoutakis J , Papadakaki M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The majority of juvenile offenses in Greece are related to road traffic violations. Juveniles in Crete region are required to attend an educational program offered by LaHeRS lab (HMU), in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office as part of reformative measures. The current presentation reports on the profile and aberrant driving behavior of juvenile offenders who attended the program between 2023-2024. The Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) was administered to 181 juvenile offenders. Participants were males (97.8), with a mean age 18.6 (SD = 1.2), resided in rural settings (51.8%) and secondary students 60.7%. The mean age of the first offence was 15.8 (SD = 1.1, min 13 - max 18). Participants scored low in all DBQ scales (covered violations mean=6.1, sd = 7.5; unintentional violations mean=0.9, sd = 1.6; lapses mean=8.9, sd = 10.5). No statistically significant difference was found in DBQ scores between those who had and did not have a driver’s license, as well as between those from urban or rural areas. The three DBQ subscales significant correlated (p &lt; .001). Among other risky behaviors, 54.9% reported exceeding the legal speed limit, 66.3% reported aggression feelings when driving behind a slow vehicle, 34.5% used mobile phones while driving, 17.7% reported alcohol use while driving. Surprisingly, 85.5% stated high confidence addressing risks on the roads.

Key messages
• Early interventions on aberrant driving behavior among adolescents is crucial.
• Educational programs should be tailored to address the unique needs of juvenile traffic law violators.
Home-based nursing care: what do we know about multidrug-resistant organisms in this setting?
Authors: Langeveld T , Haverkate M , de Haan F , Timen A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The burden and complexity of home-based nursing care have intensified due to earlier discharges from hospitals and patients living longer at home with increasing co-morbidities. This growing population of vulnerable patients, combined with the worldwide increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), poses a new burden on home-based nursing staff. Home-based nursing care differs significantly from hospitals and nursing homes, challenging implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. It is therefore important to gain insight into the attitudes, experiences and needs of home-based nursing staff. Also, to better understand the scope of MDRO carriage and transmission in this setting, including its challenges.

Methods
Cross-sectional studies were conducted in the Netherlands including a survey and focusgroup study among home-based nursing staff, supplemented by a report of cases of MDRO clusters.

Results
We have identified several factors adding to the complexity of responding to an MDRO outbreak with involvement of home-based nursing care. First, inapplicable recommendations in guidelines/protocols or from infection preventionists, often aimed at intramural care. Second, nursing staff questioned the proportionality of IPC measures, potentially influenced by behaviour of colleagues and patients. Third, inadequate information transfers about patients carrying MDROs. Fourth, uncertainty about the roles and responsibilities of involved healthcare professionals. Finally, the need for organisational support in providing education and sufficient resources, and clarity about financial aspects.

Conclusions
Insights from these studies have aided in aligning upcoming MDRO guidelines for home-based nursing care in the Netherlands, which factor in the above mentioned complexity. Furthermore, these findings can aid in future strategies to prevent or respond early in MDRO outbreaks with involvement of home-based nursing care.
Harming the innocent: estimating the number of children affected by parental problem gambling
Authors: Bickl A , Stefan N , Buth S , Schwarzkopf L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of parental problem gambling on children and adolescents encompasses negative outcomes in psychological, financial, behavioral, physical health, and family relationship domains. For Germany, estimates on the number of co-affected minors are lacking.

Methods
Within the population-representative Germany-wide “Glücksspielsurvey 2023” (i.e., “Gambling Survey 2023”), we assessed parenthood in survey participants with gambling disorder (GD; according to DSM-5) as well as the number of minors (age &lt;18 years) living a) together with a person with gambling disorder (shared household) or b) apart from a parent with gambling disorder (separate household). Using a “minimum maximum approach,” we performed a weighted extrapolation to estimate the number of co-affected minors in the German resident population (range 18 to 70 years of age) and the prevalence of parental GD among Germany-residing minors.

Results
46.8% (n = 132) of survey participants with GD report shared households with minors and 16.3% (n = 46) separate households. The average number of minors concerned was 1.55 (SD = 0.07) in shared and 1.51 (SD = 0.13) in separate households. This translates into 480,294 to 701,766 co-affected children in shared households (3.4% to 4.9% of Germany-residing minors) and 91,742 to 124,618 co-affected children in separate households (0.6% to 0.9% of Germany-residing minors).

Discussion and conclusions
Taking shared and separate households into account, one in 20 Germany-residing minors is co-affected by parental GD. Acknowledging that impaired psychosocial wellbeing in the context of parental GD could persist into adulthood of co-affected minors, this issue ought to be recognized as a major public health concern. To reduce related harm, children of people with GD should be best possibly integrated into the care process by offering additional help and support strategies explicitly addressed at this vulnerable population.

Key messages
• Parental problem gambling significantly impacts a substantial portion of German minors, with approximately one in 20 being affected, highlighting the urgent need for attention to this issue.
• Recognizing parental gambling’s long-term impact on minors, it’s crucial to implement support strategies in care to address their needs effectively.
Using diversity, equity and inclusion school practices to mitigate child health inequities in Canada
Authors: Honorato Albuquerque Torres C , Dabravolskaj J , Veugelers P J , Maximova K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The burden of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours and mental disorders disproportionately affects children in deprived neighbourhoods. In Canada, school practices addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are promoted to address such inequities. We aimed to assess whether DEI school practices can help mitigate the impact of neighbourhood deprivation on children’s lifestyle behaviours and mental health.

Methods
In 2023 we gathered survey data from 1497 grade 4-6 children (aged 9-12) in 22 elementary schools located in deprived neighbourhoods in Alberta, Canada. Children reported their diet, screen time, physical activity, and mental health. Principals reported on the implementation of DEI practices in schools (full vs. partial). School postal codes were used to derive tertiles of the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation, comprised of four dimensions that capture: 1) residential instability; 2) economic dependency; 3) ethno-cultural composition and 4) situational vulnerability of neighbourhoods.

Results
Overall, 45% of schools had fully implemented DEI practices. These schools were located in more deprived neighbourhoods for residential instability (55%), economic dependency (71%), ethno-cultural composition (60%), and situational vulnerability (64%). Children in more deprived neighbourhoods reported more sugar consumption, more screen time, and poorer mental health, compared to children in less deprived neighbourhoods. However, in those neighbourhoods where DEI practices were fully implemented, the adverse effects of neighbourhood deprivation were alleviated, whereby children reported less sugar consumption, less screen time, and better mental health.

Conclusions
The implementation of DEI school practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of neighbourhood deprivation on children’s physical and mental health, particularly in deprived neighbourhoods.

Key messages
• School practices targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion are more commonly implemented in schools located in deprived neighbourhoods.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion school practices mitigate the adverse effects of neighbourhood deprivation on children’s lifestyle behaviours and mental health.
Covid-19 pandemic and student academic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gianfredi V , Scarioni S , Marchesi L , Ticozzi E M , Ohene Addo M , D’errico V , Fratantonio L , Liguori L , Pellai A , Castaldi S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruptions in educational systems globally, forcing a transition to remote learning modalities. This systemic change raised concerns about its potential impact on the academic performance of students in developmental ages. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and academic performance among developmental-age students, quantifying the effect size using Cohen’s d.

Methods
We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase for studies published up to December 2023 that assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance. The review was performed following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The pooled effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d, with its 95% confidence interval. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO.

Results
Out of 3671 retrieved articles, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 13 were suitable for meta-analysis, involving a combined total of 4,893,499 students. The Cohen’s d was -0.07 (95% CI = -0.10 to -0.03; p &lt; 0.001), indicating a small but statistically significant decline in academic performance associated with the pandemic. Subgroup analyses revealed that mathematics suffered the most significant impact, with a Cohen’s d of -0.14 (95% CI = -0.18 to -0.10; p &lt; 0.001). All the included studies were judged as moderate-high quality.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the academic performance of students of developmental ages, particularly in mathematics. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic, especially in core subjects where the decline in performance was most pronounced.

Key messages
• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted educational systems worldwide, resulting in a small but statistically significant decline in academic performance among students of developmental ages.
• The shift in educational delivery during the pandemic particularly affected learning outcomes in mathematics more than in other subjects.
Is there a maximum transfer time for safe planned home births? Building evidence to
Authors: Carroll C , Campillo ISL , Keane J , Corcoran P , Greene R , Kavanagh P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Evidence-based assessment of suitability for planned home birth (PHB) is a critical component of safe, effective home birth services. This study aimed to build an evidence base to inform transfer time recommendations for the Health Service Executive (HSE) Home Birth Service in Ireland. Transfer rates, time and distance were described for women who began labour at home with the HSE Home Birth Service between 2012 and 2021. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intrapartum transfer and to examine the relationship between transfer time and outcomes. A survey on home birth policy and practice was issued to informants in countries offering comparable services to the HSE. Of 2,000 women initiating labour at home, 376 (18.9%) required intrapartum transfer, with transfer rates of 48.2% and 10.1% for primiparous and multiparous women, respectively. Primiparity (aOR: 8.95, 95% CI 6.89-11.7, p &lt; 0.001) and maternal body mass index ≥30 (aOR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.14-3.20, p = 0.013) significantly increased the odds of intrapartum transfer. Serious adverse outcomes were rare in those requiring intrapartum transfer. No statistically significant increase in poor outcomes was detected with increasing transfer time; however, statistical power to detect small but important effects was limited. In other home birth services, transfer time is explicitly considered when assessing suitability; information provided to women includes details on transfer rates and times. While this study did not find a threshold time associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes for PHB, it has highlighted the significance of transfer time in shared decision-making on birthplace. Women considering PHB should receive parity-specific information on outcomes including transfer rates. This work highlights the pivotal role of Public Health in ensuring that evidence is combined with expert judgement and womens’ preferences to provide high quality, accessible, person-centred services.

Key messages
• Transfer time plays a key role in supporting shared decision-making for women considering a home birth.
• This study identified opportunities to extend the comprehensiveness of assessment of suitability for planned home births using local and international evidence.
National survey to estimate seroprevalence for toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in France, 2021
Authors: Mazzilli S , Tourdjman M ,   ENP study group
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can result in congenital malformations and fetal death. In France, universal antenatal screening and monthly re-testing of seronegative pregnant women has been established since the 1970s. However, decreasing Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women and lower incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis may challenge the cost-effectiveness of such programs. The aim of this study was to estimate the current seroprevalence among pregnant women participating in the 2021 national perinatal survey (ENP).

Methods
All adult women giving birth in France between 15-21 March 2021 were invited to participate in the ENP. Data collected included demographic information, nationality, socio-economic status, education level and Toxoplasma gondii serology. We classified a woman as seropositive if she had IgG antibodies prior to pregnancy or seroconverted during it. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses using Poisson model were conducted to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and identify significant factors associated with seropositivity.

Results
Among the 15,605 participating women, 0.22% seroconverted during pregnancy. The overall seroprevalence was 25.95%. Seropositivity was higher with increasing age (∼5% per 5 years), among residents of French overseas territories Guadeloupe/Saint Martin (PRs:1.07; 95%-CI: 1.03-1.10), La Réunion (PRs:1.10; 95%-CI: 1.08-1.13) and Mayotte (PRs:1.27; 95%-CI: 1.23-1.31), with lower education (PRs:1.22; 95%-CI: 1.04-1.42) and African nationality (PRs:1.11; 95%-CI: 1.02-1.20).

Conclusions
High seroprevalence for Toxoplasma gondii was found in older women, which may reflect their higher risk of past exposure. The observed geographical differences in seroprevalence may mirror dietary and environmental diversity. Declining seroprevalence among pregnant women in France can affect screening effectiveness and warrants a comprehensive review to determine appropriate future prevention strategies.

Key messages
• Older women and residents of French overseas territories show higher toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, possibly due to past exposure risks and diverse diets/environments.
• Declining toxoplasmosis seroprevalence among pregnant women in France can affect screening effectiveness and warrants a comprehensive review to determine appropriate future prevention strategies.
Reduction of screen induced myopia by parental interventions
Authors: Iyer V , Hermans RCJ , Polling J R , Klaver CCW , Reijneveld S A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Excessive use of digital devices, including smartphones and tablets, has been shown to increase the risk of myopia in children. Gaps persist in understanding parental attitudes towards handheld screen use and effective interventions guiding eye health policies. This study examined the associations between parental behavior related to myopia and children’s handheld screen use.

Methods
Data obtained from 395 parents of pre-adolescents (Mean age 10.63; SD 1.09) were used, collected from an online community panel. Parents reported on various behavioral determinants related to myopia and their child’s screen time: knowledge, attitude, risk perception and self-efficacy. They reported on their child’s frequency and amount of screen use. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between variables, using parental efforts to reduce screens as outcome measure.

Results
Of the 395 participating 9-12 year-olds, 73.4% of the children spent up to two hours a day on recreational handheld screens, 26% more than two hours. Of the parents surveyed, 28.1% perceived the risk of screen-induced myopia as significant, prompting 62.6% of them to take active measures to minimize screen time. The more knowledge parents had on child myopia the more they attempted to reduce screen time (OR = 2.57; 95% CI [1.57-4.19], p = &lt;.001). Moreover, a more negative attitude towards screens was significantly related to attempting to reduce screen time (OR = 1.26; 95% CI[1.17-1.35],p = &lt;.001).

Key messages
• These findings emphasize a need to address parental knowledge and attitude towards myopia and screen time reduction.
• We recommend increasing knowledge, influencing attitude and searching for alternatives as a part of behavioral change strategies.