bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marine pollution and human health in Small Island Developing States (SIDS): A systematic review
Authors: Scarsi N , Morsella A , Castagna C , Messina R , Cadeddu C , Ricciardi W 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The link between ocean and human health is increasingly gaining interest among researchers. There is a rapidly growing - yet still fragmented - body of evidence on marine pollution being a major threat to human health. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are more vulnerable and their health systems risk carrying the heaviest burden. From here, this systematic review aims to retrieve all known impacts of marine pollution on human health in SIDS. PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were consulted from inception to 2022, to identify risk factors (pollutants), sources, human exposure channels and relative health issues, in SIDS. Out of 17,264 records, 258 were eligible for full-text screening. From preliminary results, intoxications (especially Ciguatera Fish Poisoning - CFP), neurological effects and mental health issues are the most frequently cited health outcomes whereas ocean warming, metals, harmful algal blooms, and plastic are the most frequent risk factors. Findings confirm that the relationship between marine and human health in SIDS is as strong as its body of literature's growth. Some health-threatening factors are weakening SIDS’ socio-economic dimensions too. Geographically, the Caribbean and Pacific regions attract most interest. With CFP being predominant in the list of diseases, a relatively low amount of plastic-related articles was unexpectedly found, thus further searches will ensure no pertinent articles are missed.

Key messages
• The health threat posed by marine pollution to SIDS needs more monitoring and evidence.
• Targeted agendas and successful pollution policies require interdisciplinary and cross-border collaboration.
PHONIC: Public Health OperatioNs for clImate aCtion-Development of a framework to identify priorities
Authors: Geffert K , Rehfuess E , Schneider A , von Polenz I , von der Haar A , Voss M , Matthies-Wiesler F 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Following decades of improving health and well-being, climate change constitutes the biggest threat to human health in the 21st century. Given the urgency of this topic, it is relevant to identify ways to prioritize those public health operations that will result in the greatest benefit for the population health in a changing climate, considering the vulnerabilities of different groups. The project's aim is to assess climate change mitigation and adaptation measures related to public health functions, thereby making them resilient to current and future challenges.

Methods
This will be done by i. identifying linkages between public health functions and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures; ii. developing an umbrella framework that allows overall classification of public health operations addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation based on a review; iii. developing a sub-framework for selected operations based on international good practice with indicators that allows for structured assessment and evaluation of the current state of practice; iv. piloting of the sub-framework in Germany and Kenya by comparing national actions from public health services against international good practices. All steps will be carried out in close cooperation with experts across multiple disciplines, institutions, and countries.

Results
Preliminary results of the project show that there are already frameworks existing that have merged environmental determinants and public health operations, such as the Essential Public Health Functions for Health, Environment and Climate from PAHO. These will be complemented by the outcomes of a scoping review on indicators and international good practice examples. The next phase will include the piloting of these tools in real life settings.

Conclusions
The PHONIC project aims to develop a practical guidance for decision makers in the context of public health to identify priorities for climate change action.

Key messages
• There is potential in combining public health operations and climate change action for identifying priority actions for decision makers and practitioners.
• Practical guidance needs to be developed and implemented to link public health operations with climate action.
Examining impact of Twitter sentiment & source on COVID-19 info sharing by public
Authors: Parveen S , Garcia Pereira A , McHugh P , Surendran A , Vornhagen H , Vellinga A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Public health communication programs have the power to affect change in people and groups by increasing awareness, enhancing knowledge, modifying attitudes and altering behaviours when they are properly designed, meticulously executed and maintained over time. There has been an influx of public health communication on social media during COVID-19.

Aim
To investigate if the Twitter user category (source) and/or message type (sentiment) impacts sharing behaviour of the public during COVID which would help understand how to use social media when communicating health messages.

Methods
All tweets in English were extracted using Twitter API and Python script. Data was extracted from 1 Jan 2020 to 31 Mar 2022 for Ireland and UK which resulted in 867,485 tweets in total. Four coders identified user categories by studying the user descriptions in an iterative process and sentiment analysis was conducted to identify message types during the pandemic. For sentiment categorisation, a similar approach was followed where four message categories were identified from existing public health literature and additional categories were created through the analysis of Twitter messages by five coders. Different Machine learning (ML) models and Chat GPT were applied to assign user categories and sentiments to the entire dataset and the model with the highest level of agreement with human coders was chosen.

Results
Overall the public sentiment was negative during the pandemic. Twelve user categories and seven message types were identified from our analysis.

Conclusions
Further detail of this ongoing analysis will be presented at the conference.

Key messages
• The abstract introduces a study that investigates the impact of Twitter user categories on the sharing behaviour of the public during COVID-19.
• The study investigates the impact of message types on the sharing behaviour of the public during COVID-19 on Twitter.
A Guide to AI in epidemiology: ChatGPT and the STROBE checklist for observational studies
Authors: Golinelli D , Sanmarchi F , Nuzzolese A , Toscano F , Bucci A , Nante N 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Chat-Generative Pre-training Transformer (ChatGPT) is a recently developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) model capable of generating high-quality scientific text and answering complex tasks. This study aims at investigating how AI-based transformers can support public health researchers in designing and conducting epidemiological studies. To accomplish this, we used ChatGPT to reformulate the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations for observational studies into a list of questions to be answered by the transformer itself. We then qualitatively evaluated the coherence and relevance of the transformer's outputs.

Methods
We first chose a study to be used as a basis for the simulation. We then used ChatGPT to transform each STROBE checklist's item into specific prompts. Each answer was evaluated by independent researchers in terms of coherence and relevance.

Results
The mean scores assigned to each prompt were heterogeneous. On average, for the coherence domain, the overall mean score was 3.6 out of 5.0, and for relevance it was 3.3 out of 5.0. The lowest scores were assigned to items belonging to the Methods section of the checklist.

Conclusions
ChatGPT can be considered as a valuable support for researchers in conducting an epidemiological study, following internationally recognized guidelines. It is crucial for the users to have knowledge on the subject and a critical mindset when evaluating its outputs. The potential benefits of AI in scientific research are undeniable, but it is crucial to address the risks, and the ethical and legal consequences associated with its use.

Key messages
• Our analysis showed the ability of AI-based transformers to generate answers and human-like text, which could potentially be used to conduct epidemiological studies or write research articles.
• We advocate the necessity for taking a proactive stance towards this evolving context, in order to ensure a careful governance of this inevitable process.
Role of digital media in vaccination promotion. Second report on VaccinarSinToscana.org experience
Authors: Caldararo R , Bechini A , Cosma C , Cerini G , Guida A , Monaci P , Velpini B , Chiesi F , Boccalini S , Bonanni P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Since March 27, 2017, the Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, has been managing and editing an online portal of medical and scientific information, focused on preventive health care and vaccinations: “VaccinarSinToscana.org” (Get vaccinated in Tuscany). The aim of this study is to analyze website's consultation activity over the past four years by single users, visits and single webpage consultation.

Methods
VaccinarSinToscana website activity during the study period April 01, 2019-March 31, 2023 was investigated using Google Analytics. Microsoft Excel was used for data analysis.

Results
During the study period 365,070 new single users visited the portal and nearly 15% of them entered more than once for about 447,000 sessions. A total of 815,800 single web pages were visited individually, with an average of 2.23 web pages consulted per visit and an average session duration of 58 seconds. The largest increase in visits occurred in January 2021-June 2021 with the highest peak in March (155,737 single web pages). The most visited pages were about the national vaccination calendar, regional vaccine clinics, and the types of anti-COVID-19 vaccines available (particularly, the viral vector vaccines). Analysis of socio-demographic characteristics showed that the users most attracted to web consultation were female (57%) and the most ‘digital’ age group was 25-34 (24%). Other age groups account for 14% (18-24 years), 22% (35-44 years), 17% (45-54 years), 13% (55-64 years), and 11% (over 64 years). Mobile phones were the most used devices to access the portal (69%), personal computers for 28% and tablets for 3%.

Conclusions
The analysis of web pages consultation trend showed a relevant exponential increase of visits in the period January 2021-June 2021. The greatest interest of users, in this period marked by the early stages of the national SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, was for searching news regarding anti-COVID-19 vaccination.

Key messages
• Institutional websites with evidence-based information could be useful tools for users to increase public confidence in vaccination.
• The anti-COVID-19 vaccine campaign has increased website visit, demonstrating how this period has been characterized by curiosity, doubt, and citizens’ search for more information.
Identifying infodemic sources of exposure, its effects, response capacities and needs in Serbia
Authors: Mandić-Rajčević S , Stevanović A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Serbia has secured adequate quantities of COVID-19 vaccines and ensured continuous access and delivery. However, vaccine uptake has remained a major public health issue due to the infodemic - an overwhelming amount of information, making it difficult for the population to make the right decisions regarding their health. This study aimed to identify the sources of exposure to the infodemic, its effects, existing capacities, and the needs of public health practitioners in Serbia.

Methods
Infodemic management (IM) training and discussions were organized for public health (PH) professionals, civil society organizations (CSOs), and academia in three different regional Institutes of Public Health in Serbia. After learning about the basic terms in IM, the participants discussed infodemic topics in small groups using the “gallery walk” method. Facilitators wrote down their answers and moderated the discussion.

Results
Overall, 57 PH practitioners participated in the lessons, discussions, and the “gallery walk”. Participants identified media, including social media, public figures, healthcare personnel and community members as the main sources of infodemic exposure. The most recognized topics were infectious diseases, natural disasters, immunization, nutrition, and environmental issues. Participants identified the reduced trust in health authorities, lower compliance with health recommendations, and lack of satisfaction in both patients and healthcare workers as possible effects of the infodemic. Most participants underlined the lack of support regarding the production of high-quality health information and science communication.

Conclusions
The PH community in Serbia has identified infodemic and infodemic management as a priority in the future and has already conducted activities that are part of the Framework for managing infodemics. Their work could be supported by organizing a network for the exchange of materials, knowledge, and experience.

Key messages
• PH professionals identified media, public figures, healthcare personnel, and community members as sources of infodemic exposure.
• The main infodemic effects are reduced trust in health authorities, lower compliance with health recommendations, and lack of satisfaction in patients and healthcare workers.
ChatGPT for Systematic and Scoping Reviews in Public Health Research: An Applicable Approach
Authors: Miranda P , Kaur J , Abhari S , Morita P P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) is a well-defined framework that guides researchers in compiling knowledge from a domain and presenting it with clarity, objectivity, and relevant information to their peers. PRISMA has been widely used in public health research to conduct systematic and scoping reviews and contribute to the body of knowledge. However, with the ever-increasing production of new studies, a valid sample of the number of papers available may not be represented by any systematic review in the future.

Methods
In this work, we propose the utilization of technologies such as chat-GPT as a tool to automate parts of the PRISMA process and increase the proportional representation that one systematic review can provide. We present an unguided exploratory experiment with chat-GPT that retro-fed information about PRISMA until chat-GPT created a data structure suitable to be used by crawlers to conduct PRISMA data collection. We also used the created data structure as input to chat-GPT in an attempt to summarize the information contained in the document in the format of a systematic review.

Results
The created data structure was also used to help do a systematic review summary using chat-GPT.Also, results indicate that this approach has the potential to increase the efficiency and scalability of systematic reviews.

Conclusions
The proposed approach has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of systematic and scoping reviews and increase the proportional representation of the number of papers available. While further research is necessary to assess the feasibility and scalability of using chat-GPT in this context, this study highlights the promise of leveraging new technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of systematic reviews in public health research.

Key messages
• PRISMA is a systematic review framework that is both effective and intricate, requiring significant time and effort to execute.
• The utilization of chat-GPT can automate parts of the PRISMA process and increase proportional representation in systematic reviews.
Food emulsifiers and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from the prospective NutriNet-Santé cohort
Authors: Salame C , Srour B , Viennois E , Huybrechts I , Hercberg S , Deschasaux-Tanguy M , Cosson E , Tatulashvili S , Chassaing B , Touvier M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Emulsifiers are the most ubiquitous food additives. Experimental studies showed an emulsifier-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis stimulating inflammation. This study is the first to investigate the association between food additive emulsifiers and type 2 diabetes risk in a large population-based cohort.

Methods
Repeated 24h dietary records with brand-specific information were administered within the French NutriNet-Santé cohort (2009-2022), allowing qualitative and quantitative assessment of food additive exposures. Multi-adjusted cox models were used for statistical analysis.

Results
This study included 104,168 adults (79.2% women, mean age at baseline=42.7y (SD 14.5)). 1,057 incident T2D were diagnosed. Intakes of total emulsifiers (HR = 1.18[1.00-1.39] for tertile 3 vs 1, p-trend=0.049), total carrageenan (HR = 1.20[1.01-1.42], p = 0.04), tripotassium phosphate (E340, HR = 1.45[1.10-1.91], p &lt; 0.001), triphosphates (E451, HR = 1.39[1.16-1.67], p &lt; 0.001), polyphosphates (E452, HR = 1.36[1.14-1.62], p &lt; 0.001), total polyglycerol esters of FAs (HR = 1.34[1.10-1.63], p &lt; 0.001), polyglycerol esters of interesterified ricinoleic acid (E476, HR = 1.26[1.03-1.54], p &lt; 0.001), sodium citrate (E331, HR = 1.19[1.02-1.40], p = 0.03), carob bean gum (E410, HR = 1.19[1.01-1.40], p = 0.03), guar gum (E412, HR = 1.35[1.14-1.59], p &lt; 0.001), xanthan gum (E415, HR = 1.29[1.09-1.52], p &lt; 0.001) and ammonium salts of phosphatidic acid (E442, HR = 1.31[1.03-1.66], p = 0.01) were positively associated with T2D risk. The only inverse association was observed for sodium bicarbonate (E500, HR = 0.84[0.71-1.00], p = 0.047).

Conclusions
This study revealed direct associations between T2D risk and exposures to nine individual and two groups of food additive emulsifiers widely used in industrial foods in a large prospective cohort of French adults. If confirmed, these findings could lead to a reevaluation of regulations governing the use of food additive emulsifiers in the food industry for a better consumer protection.

Key messages
• Study finds positive associations between certain emulsifiers and type 2 diabetes risk in French adults.
• Results highlight the need for re-evaluation of regulations for food additive emulsifiers to protect consumer health.
Patterns in tobacco attributed mortality in Belgium for 2019
Authors: Guariguata L , Nayani S , Gorasso V , Scohy A , De Pauw R , Devleesschauwer B 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Tobacco use is one of largest contributors to preventable disease burden in the world. In Belgium, tobacco use is a public health concern and prominent on the policy agenda. To monitor tobacco use and understand the impact on associated outcomes, we estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) to tobacco use in Belgium and used that to compute the attributable mortality.

Methods
We used comparative risk assessment to calculate PAF and attributable mortality to tobacco use. Using estimates of tobacco use from a time series based on five waves of the Belgian Health Interview Survey and relative risk estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we calculated PAFs for risk-outcome pairs by age and sex for the three regions of Belgium for 2019. We then used these fractions to estimate the deaths attributable to tobacco use with mortality estimates taken from the Belgian Burden of Disease Study.

Results
In Belgium, 9323 deaths among adults 30+ years in 2019 were attributable to tobacco use (PAF=13%). Tobacco-attributable deaths were highest in the Wallonia (PAF=16%, n = 3786) followed by the Brussels-Capital region (PAF=15%, n = 894) and Flanders (PAF=11%, n = 4642). Almost three times as many attributable deaths occurred in men as women (19%, n = 6803 vs PAF=7%, n = 2519, respectively). Almost half attributable deaths occurred in people under 70 (n = 4469). The majority of tobacco-related deaths were due to cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung (PAF=50%, n = 3671) followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PAF=29%, n = 1580), and ischemic heart disease (PAF=7% n = 673).

Conclusions
Tobacco use is a major contributor to mortality in Belgium. The majority of deaths attributable to tobacco use are considered premature. Tobacco prevention and control should remain high on the public health agenda.

Key messages
• Tobacco use contributed to 13% of deaths in tobacco associated outcomes in Belgium among adults in 2019.
• Tobacco control and prevention should remain high on the Belgian public health agenda.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Mpox Cases in Serbia in 2022
Authors: Jovanovic V , Djuric P , Drakulovic M , Plavsa D , Jovanovic S , Medarevic A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Mpox viral infection, previously known as an endemic zoonosis typical for West and South Africa, appeared in the Republic of Serbia in early summer among young and middle-aged men, particularly Belgrade's citizens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Mpox cases registered in Serbia in 2022.

Methods
We conducted a national observational study using the national surveillance anonymized data of people who met case definition criteria on Mpox infection and confirmation by the polymerase chain reaction method. Clinical data were collected by standardized case investigation form used for epidemiological and clinical evaluation of cases.

Results
A total of 43 cases reported from the 17th of June to the 5th of October 2022 were men, aged between 20 and 54 (median age, 35 years), 74,4% living in Belgrade. Three-quarters of cases reported sex with other men as a potential disease transmission route. Out of the total, 15 (34,9%) Mpox cases had HIV co-infection. HIV-positive patients were older than negative cases (p = 0,023). The mean incubation period among patients who reported exposition to a probable or confirmed case was 9,3 (2-22) days. The most common systemic symptoms were fever (86%) and lymphadenopathy (44,2%). Three patients with common symptoms of fever were hospitalized. All cases presented a rash, mostly in pustule form (90,7%). The dominant localization of the skin lesions was the anogenital region (62,5%), whereas 9,3% of the patient's lower extremities were affected.

Conclusions
In Serbia, the outbreak of Mpox infection affected young and middle-aged men, mainly situated in the capital of Serbia. The disease had a polymorphic presentation, including a characteristical rash of the anogenital region implying the main transmission route.

Key messages
• Health promotion and community engagement regarding Mpox are very important in large urban settings.
• Risk communication should be prioritized to promote safe sexual practices in vulnerable populations.