bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
JAPreventNCD
Authors: Klepp K I 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The EU has approved a proposal for a Joint Action on Cancer and other NCDs prevention - action on health determinants. This is a large and ambitious initiative with more than 20 participating EU member states along with Iceland, Norway, and Ukraine. The aim of the Joint Action is to support strategies and policies designed to reduce the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Cancer and other NCDs constitute a large proportion of the total burden of disease in Europe, and a large part of this disease burden can be prevented. The objectives of this Joint Actions are:
• To improve joint capacities of Member states to plan and implement cancer and other NCD prevention policies and activities both at a national, regional, and local level.
• To improve data and the monitoring system for cancer and other NCDs and their common risk factors.
• To contribute to reduced social inequalities in cancer and other NCDs.
• Engage with and support key actors in the field of cancer and NCD prevention, including decision makers at all levels of government, civil society organizations, professionals, the general population, and patients’ groups to facilitate cooperation and joint efforts.
As part of the JA Best-ReMaP, we have seen important development regarding tools and methodology related to policies that can influence the food consumed by children. This includes policies related to food reformulation, reduction of food marketing, and public food procurements. While the new JA-PreventNCD will cover NCD prevention more broadly through the various life stages, specific tasks are being planned for that will allow us to build on and expand the valuable work performed as part of the JA Best-ReMaP.
Pfizer COVID19 vaccine is not associated with acute cardiovascular events
Authors: Keinan Boker L , Fluss R , Dichtiar R , Rosenberg A , Ben Lassan M , Huppert A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Previous reports on acute cardiovascular events and sudden death following administration of COVID19 vaccines usually reported no association, but this issue still stirs much ado. We aimed to assess the risk for acute cardiovascular events that require hospitalization in the short-term following administration of the second Pfizer COVID19 vaccine dose in Israel.

Methods
We have used a self-controlled case series (SCCS) study design, and included second-dose vaccinees in the period from Jan 11th, 2021 to Oct 31st 2021, who had not been diagnosed with COVID19 and who had an acute cardiovascular event (acute myocardial infarction or acute stroke or acute thromboembolic event; myocarditis events excluded) that required hospitalization in the 60 days following vaccine administration. National databases (COVID19 vaccines; COVID19 infection; Hospitalizations) were used to assemble the study population. The first 30 days were defined ‘high risk period’ while the next 31-60 days were defined ‘control period’, and the risk for an acute cardiovascular event was compared between these periods using a conditional logistic regression model. Possible moderators such as: sex, age group and seasonality were included.

Results
Out of 5,700,112 second-dose vaccinees in the defined time period, 4,163 had an acute cardiovascular event in the 60 days following vaccine administration: 1,979 in the ‘risk period’ and 2,078 in the ‘control period’ (Odds ratio, OR = 0.95, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.90-1.01, p = 0.12). Moderation of sex, age group and recent (less than 60d prior to vaccination) acute cardiovascular event were not significant. A sensitivity analyses looking at 100 days of follow-up post-vaccination did not change these results.

Conclusions
We found no indication for an increased risk for an acute cardiovascular event in the 30 days (compared to 31-60 days) following administration of the second vaccine dose of Pfizer COVID19 vaccine.

Key messages
• We found no indication for an increased risk for an acute cardiovascular event in the 30 days (compared to 31-60 days) following administration of the second vaccine dose of Pfizer COVID19 vaccine.
• These findings did not change when sensitivity analyses were used.
Precarity, agency and trust: vaccination decision-making in the context of the UK asylum system
Authors: Deal A , Salloum M , Hayward S E , Crawshaw A F , Carter J , Mounier-Jack S , Hargreaves S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Those living in initial asylum accommodation are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease, yet confidence in vaccination may be low. We aimed to understand vaccine confidence and decision-making among those going through the UK asylum system from a sociological perspective. In-depth semi-structured interviews were done on views and experiences around vaccination (09/2020-08/2021) with asylum seekers or those recently granted asylum (&lt;10 yrs in UK). Interviews were conducted remotely, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed through reflexive thematic analysis in NVivo 12. 25 participants were interviewed (mean age 37 years [SD:7], mean time in UK 6 years [SD:3], 72% female), of whom 13 were living in asylum accommodation at the time of interview. Preliminary analysis has indicated candidate themes relating to trauma, social isolation, agency and precarity running through discussions around vaccination decisions. Past trauma, such as discrimination at healthcare facilities or feeling forced to receive vaccinations in asylum accommodation, often directly impact trust and decisions to reject future vaccination. Participants described how their struggle for basic necessities, social isolation and precarious living situations imposed by the asylum system left them with other priorities than vaccination. Participants who perceived they have been well cared for in the healthcare system or who described feeling empowered to make their own decision about vaccination often suggested they would be likely to accept vaccination if offered. Asylum seekers and refugees have often experienced substantial trauma, precarity and have a lack of agency directly imposed on them by the asylum system, which are likely to impact trust and decision-making around healthcare. Formative experiences in the UK are key to establishing trust; a trauma-informed approach should be central in developing vaccination interventions for these groups, particularly in asylum accommodation.

Key messages
• Trauma, precarity and lack of agency imposed by asylum systems are likely to impact trust and decision-making around healthcare.
• A trauma-informed approach should be central in developing vaccination interventions for asylum seeking and refugee groups, particularly in initial accommodation settings.
Molecular epidemiology
Authors: Gupta Y 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Environmental exposures increase risk for multiple diseases, including dementia. The modern expansion of industrialization and the combustion of fossil fuels, coupled with extensive application of chemical fertilizers in farming, have led to an increase in the levels of toxic elements in the air, water and food. A key part of this work is to identify biological signatures associated with toxic element exposure, such as arsenic, and its effects on chronic disease conditions. This presentation will showcase a worked example illustrating how arsenic exposure will be assessed in urine samples. iAs, MMA, DMA and AsB will be analysed in urine by ion chromatography interfaced with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry detection (ICP-MS) in Prof. Andy Meharg's lab, Queens's University, Belfast. DNAm data will be processed through Rnbeads 2.0. A principal-component analysis (PCA) was then used to identify technical variability (batch effect) in DNAm data. After removing batch effect, Clean DNAm data will be used in linear regression models to determine CpG loci associated with arsenic exposure.
Development of novel data-driven Irish diets and associations with socio-economic profiles and health
Authors: Burke D , Hynds P , Priyadarshini A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Dietary patterns play a significant role in body mass index (BMI) and development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, including Ireland, where 90% of all-cause mortality derives from NCDs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across Ireland to collate respondents’ socio-economic profiles, health status, and dietary patterns with a representative sample size of 957 adult respondents. Principal component analysis (PCA) and statistical analyses were employed. To the author's knowledge, this is the first study to use recent (2021) nationally representative data to characterise dietary patterns in Ireland via dimensionality reduction. Five distinct dietary patterns (‘meat focused’, ‘dairy/ovo focused’, ‘vegetable focused’, ‘seafood focused’ and ‘potato focused’) were identified and statistically characterised. The ‘potato focused’ group exhibited the highest mean BMI (26.88 kg/m2), while the ‘vegetable focused’ group had the lowest (24.68 kg/m2). ‘Vegetable focused’ respondents were more likely to be associated with a categorically “normal” BMI (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.39, 2.60]) and urban residency (OR = 2.03, 95% CI [1.39, 2.96]). Conversely, ‘meat focused’ respondents were more likely to be obese (OR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.06, 2.00]) and rural (OR = 1.72, 95% CI [1.28, 2.31]), along with respondents attributed to the ‘potato focused’ group (OR = 2.15 [1.42, 3.26]). ‘Seafood focused’ respondents were more likely to report coronary heart disease (OR = 5.4, 95% CI [1.96, 15.01]) and more likely to have followed the current diet for &lt;1 year (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [1.22, 3.96]). Results show that data-derived dietary patterns may better predict health outcomes than self-reported dietary patterns. BMI and NCD incidence rates may be reduced by shifting from heavy meat/dairy/egg/potato consumption (i.e., “traditional” Irish diet) to a contemporary North-Atlantic/Hibernian/Eireann/Irish diet focusing on vegetables, seafood and lower meat consumption.

Key messages
• Five distinct dietary patterns (‘meat focused’, ‘dairy/ovo focused’, ‘vegetable focused’, ‘seafood focused’, and ‘potato focused’) were identified in Ireland via PCA and statistically characterised.
• BMI and NCD incidence rates may be reduced by shifting from heavy meat/dairy/egg/potato consumption (i.e., “traditional” Irish diet) to a diet focusing on vegetables, seafood, and less meat.
Behavioural Sciences for Better Health: WHO Resolution and Action Framework
Authors: Bach Habersaat K , Altieri E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Behavioural factors are important contributors to increasing trends in communicable and non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, injuries, and health emergency risks as well as other health challenges that pose a significant challenge to health systems and increase disease burden globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the adoption of a Resolution on Behavioural Sciences for Better Health to the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly #WHA76, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 21-30 May 2023.

Brief summary of the resolution
The resolution recognizes that behavioural science is a multidisciplinary scientific approach that deals with human action, its psychological, social, and environmental drivers, determinants and influencing factors. It acknowledges the contribution of behavioural science in achieving improved health outcomes and the value of high-quality data about behaviours in guiding the health sector. It also recognizes that no single discipline can provide a complete understanding of how to support individuals to enact healthier behaviours to achieve improved health outcomes. The resolution notes that behavioural science can facilitate the understanding of how behavioural influences and communications guide decision-making. It highlights the contribution of behavioural science in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and in strengthening prevention of, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies. It also recognizes the importance of building capacity to systematically adopt evidence, including evidence from behavioural science and implementation studies. Finally, it urges member states to mainstream behavioural science approaches in health policies and to advocate for necessary structural considerations including behavioural science teams, units or functions, and for the allocation of sufficient funding and human resources.
Building health system resilience in and through service delivery
Authors: Eriksen A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The ability of a health system to deliver services during and in the aftermath of a shock depends on the capacity of all other health system functions (governance, health workforce, physical infrastructure and finances). Countries have differing service delivery approaches (e.g., more or less emphasis on outpatient vs. hospital care), which influences how they respond to a shock. However, despite the differences in health system organisation of service delivery and the type of shock, there are common approaches that countries can take to increase the resilience of service delivery and deal with fluctuations in demand and supply.

Methods
A framework for understanding the impact of a shock on service delivery was developed by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and used as an analytical tool to examine the relationship between service delivery and resilience.

Findings
Shocks can impact the demand for and supply of services in different ways. For example, an epidemic/pandemic shock such as Covid-19 may lead to surges in demand and crowd out routine care, while a war or conflict shock (e.g., Ukraine since February 2022) may lead to (local) supply shortages as well as surges in demand, necessitating setting up new infrastructure and transferring of patients. However, health systems also responded to shocks in ways that have increased the resilience of service delivery. These include flexible decision making, innovations in digital health and better planning and management across care settings.

Conclusions
Flexible policies that can increase health service supply flows, rather than one-off increases, are needed to respond to unexpected changes. Furthermore, it is the linking of the impact of shocks on service delivery that ultimately influences the final health system goal of improved health. Finally, shocks can impact service delivery even after a shock, with the opportunity to transform into a more efficient and resilient health system.
Health financing: the impact of shocks and its role in health system resilience
Authors: Cylus J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Health financing plays a vital role in the performance of the health system. Shocks can have a major impact on health financing but health financing can also protect aspects of the health system during shocks. Understanding the health financing function, how different types of shocks - including pandemics and the current cost-of-living crisis -- affect health financing, and how health financing can be resilient in the presence of shocks is of utmost importance

Methods
A framework for understanding health financing and how a shock can affect health financing was developed by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Health financing is broken down into revenue raising, pooling, purchasing and the governance of health financing, referred to as sub-functions of health financing. We use this framework to explore country examples in an effort to identify the ways in which health financing systems are resilient to different types of shocks.

Findings
There a range of examples demonstrating resilience to shocks across the sub-functions of health financing. First, there are counter-cyclical financing mechanisms where the revenues allocated to health are automatically adjusted to compensate for unemployment shocks (e.g. Lithuania). Second, there are purchasing practices that ensure resources are allocated appropriately within the health system when there are significant changes in utilization patterns, (e.g. Belgium during COVID-19). Third, automatic adjustment of prices occurs, paid by the health system to compensate for inflationary pressures. Fourth,good practices in the governance of health financing involve adjusted coverage policies to improve access to services when households were under severe financial strain (e.g. Ireland).

Conclusions
There are many different ways to ensure that health financing is resilient to shocks. Policymakers must consider the role of their health financing systems when developing preparedness plans.
A participatory approach to increase HPV vaccination in marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia
Authors: Filakovska Bobakova D , Dankulincova Veselska Z 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Roma living in marginalized communities are among underserved groups facing limited access to vaccination services. The RIVER-EU in Slovakia aims to identify and tailor the intervention to address health system barriers to HPV vaccination faced by people from marginalized Roma communities.

Methods
Following principles of participatory action research, a wide spectrum of stakeholders was engaged to discuss the transferability of promising evidence-based interventions. Interviews and focus groups aimed to assess the suitability of interventions and identify barriers and facilitators for the transfer and implementation taking contextual characteristics into account.

Results
Key stakeholders included community members (parents and daughters), Roma health mediators, healthcare providers, policymakers, and representatives of the municipality, school, and public health authority. The most challenging was to engage community members as they had almost no information about the HPV vaccination. Building relationships and trust with communities require intensive cooperation with field services, time and energy. Engaging primary care providers was difficult due to their restricted capacities and work overload causing their motivation to engage in time-consuming collaborative processes to be low. Successful engagement of all stakeholders required concentrated efforts and specific strategies of the research team.

Conclusions
Active participation of all those who will be affected by the intervention and those whose cooperation will be necessary for successful implementation requires to engage keep on board a number of stakeholders holding different opinions. Facilitating consensus about the design of tailored intervention requires intense communication and revisiting the ongoing integration of emerging ideas until the consensus is reached. It is a responsibility of a researcher to ensure that at the end of the process, all voices are heard and all needs are met.
BELHEALTH: a longitudinal study to monitor the mental health of the Belgian population post-pandemic
Authors: Bruggeman H , Charafeddine R , Demarest S , Nélis G , Gisle L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Between April 2020 and June 2022, the Belgian Health Institute (Sciensano) launched 11 online “COVID-19 Health Surveys” to assess the impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent policy responses on people's attitudes, behaviors and overall physical, mental and social well-being. Results showed an increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression when policy measures became stricter to contain the rise of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Due to the substantial impact the crisis had on mental health, it is crucial to continue the monitoring efforts in the aftermath of the COVID period. In order to track changes over time and explore potential predictors and risk factors, the study design of the COVID-19 Health Surveys shifted to a longitudinal cohort approach (BELHEALTH). Among the 50,000 participants in the COVID-19 Health Surveys, a total of 12,000 individuals agreed to be part of the BELHEALTH cohort and participate in the online surveys every three months. Results of the BELHEALTH cohort (October 2022 and February 2023) show that the percentage of adults experiencing anxiety and depression are significantly lower compared with the percentages during high restriction periods, but remain high compared to the percentages during pre-pandemic times (Health Interview Survey 2018). Several other mental health indicators are monitored, such as subjective mental health, life satisfaction, sleep quality, concerns regarding current societal challenges, etc. The mental health indicators from the COVID-19 Health Surveys and the BELHEALTH cohort, together with mental health indicators from other sources, are communicated on the epidemiological dashboard of the institute.
Smart City and the digital measurement of solar ultraviolet radiation in Outdoor workers in the City of Lisbon
Authors: Paulo M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The growing incidence of skin cancer over the years has made it a significant public health problem. However, technology can be used to tackle the skin cancer which is highly preventable, mainly through reduced exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Digital services can be used to promote individual and collective protective measures and interventions. Specifically, there is an opportunity when the exposure is intermittent or continuous, and occurs in an occupational or leisure setting. We are using a digital platform to contribute to raising public and policy awareness on solar UVR-inflicted occupational skin cancers in the municipality of Lisbon. The digital platform is performing direct measurements of the solar UVR dose received by outdoor workers. Results will likely contribute to further understanding the risk estimates for keratinocyte cancer estimations in this population. The digital platform integrates a personal electronic dosimeter (GENESIS-UV system) to assess occupational solar UVR doses of gardeners, masons, and gravediggers of the municipality of Lisbon. Two hundred and ten outdoor workers were selected to wear the dosimeter for 1 month each, between April and October during their daily working hours. The digital platform that offers private access to information through dashboard visualization provided information for the outdoor workers and facilitate communication with the participants. Study data provides the outdoor workers with information on their personal solar UVR exposure during their working hours and an estimate of their risk of developing skin cancer. The results prospectively should flow into the design of adequate prevention campaigns for skin cancer in outdoor workers.