bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The detection of high risk HPV genotypes by the PR-PCR method in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Jovanovic S , Gospodinović H , Grego E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The association between Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) positive cervical swabs and the development of cervical cancer has lead to extensive research. Studies employing the RT-PCR method for typization in the young women demographic worldwide. Based on their proven oncogenic potential 14 HPV types have been classified as carcinogenic (HPV16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56, 58,59,66,68). The imporatnce of HPV diagnostics is a result of the existing link between viral infection and relative risk of cervical cancer, while the detection complexity reflects the large variety of HPV genotypes.

Methods
The samples analyzed in our study were obtained from cervical swabs of women aged 19 to 25 years between the months of October and December 2022. All collected samples were routinely screened for high risk genotype positivity (HPV16 and 18). There were no other inclusion criteria, the samples used in the study were selected at random. After DNA isolation, genotype identification was done by L2 amplification for HPV 16, the L1 for HPV 18, E6 for HPV 35, 56 and 58, and E7 for HPV 31,33,39,45,51,52,59,66 and 68 genotypes, with specific primers and flourescently labelled probes.

Results
The results demonstrated that among the DNA positive individuals HPV genotype distribution was as follows: 50% (31,39,56); 40,90% HPV(52,59,68); 34,10% HPV16; 22,70% HPV(35, 58, 66); 15,90% HPV 18. Individually, by type, the highest prevalence was noted for the high risk genotype HPV 16 (34,1%), followed by HPV18 (15,90%). As for group clusters, HPV(31,39,56) were most frequent, followed by HPV(52,59,68).

Conclusions
Given the forementioned results of our study, the most prevalent HPV genotype in the Republic of Serbia among the women of pre-set demographic is HPV 16, which is in conconcurrence with epidemiological results for Eastern Europe. By comparative analysis of the HPV16 and 31 distribution, the results imply a similarity in sensitivity to infection.

Key messages
• The susceptibility of young adults to HPV infection entails a well-developed preventive medicine program is paramount, and not limited to this demographic.
• RT-PCR offers in-depth insight into the distribution of risk of cancer to the screening team.
An integrated evidence-based approach to provide a practicum-based learning experience to students
Authors: Nazaruk D , Telfair J , Cromley J , Chopak-Foss J , Palacios A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Due to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health field has an exceptional opportunity not only to address current challenges but also to rebuild and expand the workforce.

Objectives
The main objective of this presentation is to highlight the 2018-2022 academic year's progress of the practice-based learning experience of the JPH College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University in Georgia, USA. The College serves more than 59, mostly rural counties, and involves diverse practicum preceptors, students, and existing professionals from the USA and other countries. The College provides a unique opportunity for students to develop practice-based education and training to master public health competencies in the field. The Office of Practice and Research collaborates with two Practicum coordinators on the undergraduate and graduate levels to create, support, sustain, and expand practicum opportunities locally and globally.

Results
The Practicum has created more than 17 community partnerships that provide an ongoing Practicum opportunity on all three program levels (BSPH, MPH, DrPH). It fostered relationships between community organizations and academia to collaborate on research, interventions, and grants. It includes professional workshops, information sessions, and mentoring to adequately prepare students for the fieldwork. In addition, it incorporates 1) an advisory board committee; 2) supervisor's evaluations; and 3) alumni feedback. As a result of this program and other efforts, more than 80% of our students are employed or enrolled in further education within the defined period.

Conclusions
This scalable and adaptable program serves as a model for advancing academia-community efforts aiming to successfully prepare students for entering the workforce, as well as enhancing the knowledge and skills of those in the workforce, particularly those working in/plan to work in challenging rural and related settings.

Key messages
• Practicum is essential in the successful preparation of students for entering the workforce.
• Practicum provides a unique opportunity for collaboration between community organizations and academia.
Shaping a healthy workforce through training: the role of worker representatives in Belgium
Authors: Van Aerden K , Doms J , Vanroelen C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to look at the different roles worker representatives in Belgium play when it comes to promoting adequate and accessible training policies in their companies. This topic is highly relevant, given the importance of training for shaping healthy work environments and career perspectives for workers.

Methods
Two methodological approaches were used in this study. In first instance, a survey was sent to worker representatives in two Belgian sectors with specific issues regarding work-related health: the food industry and the social profit sector. In second instance, worker representatives and HR managers from ‘good practice’ companies in both sectors were interviewed to collect more in-depth information about the role worker representatives played in shaping a healthy work environment and career perspectives for workers through their impact on the companies’ training policies.

Results
Our study shows that training policies of companies in both sectors are mainly aimed at improving the more direct and tangible health and safety aspects, such as injury prevention. Also, a clear inequality in training opportunities became apparent from our study. Considering the attitude and role of worker representatives, we find that they mainly take on an advisory role on the topic of training, not because of a lack of interest but because of the time-consuming nature of their other responsibilities and sometimes due to the difficult relations with management.

Conclusions
This study clearly shows that, although worker representatives from the food industry and social profit sector in Belgium are well aware of the importance of training to create healthy work environments and career perspectives for workers, their actions are usually ad-hoc instead of structured initiatives. Based on the findings of this study, a tool for worker representatives was created on how to get started on the topic of training in their companies.

Key messages
• Worker representatives in Belgium can be key players in facilitating safe and healthy work environments and career perspectives for workers.
• Worker representatives are ideally placed to advocate for vulnerable groups of workers, who are generally offered fewer opportunities to improve their skills.
Company commitments and practices on nutrition and environmental sustainability in Belgium
Authors: Dastoum S , Vandevijvere S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
INFORMAS developed a Business Impact Assessment for benchmarking and monitoring company commitments and practices on nutrition and environmental sustainability (BIA-Obesity & BIA-Sustainability). The aim of this study is to assess the transparency, comprehensiveness and specificity of company commitments in Belgium, as well as their related practices.

Methods
We selected 38 companies across supermarkets, quick service restaurants, catering companies, and packaged food, infant formula and non-alcoholic beverage companies, according to market share data in Belgium. For BIA-sustainability, company commitments were assessed for a series of indicators in 10 domains (corporate sustainability strategy, packaging, emission, energy use, water and discharge, biodiversity, food waste, environmental compliance, animal-based products and sustainable products). For BIA-Obesity, company commitments were assessed for a range of indicators across 6 domains (corporate nutrition strategy, product reformulation, product labeling, product and brand promotion, product accessibility and relationships with other organizations). Performance metrics to evaluate the size of efforts undertaken by food companies to improve their practices, alongside their commitments are under development.

Results
There is a wide variation in scores for transparency, comprehensiveness and specificity of commitments related to environmental sustainability across companies within sectors. Most companies have some overarching commitments for reducing environmental impacts but increasing sustainable or plant-based products within portfolios were hardly addressed in the commitments. In general, scores for BIA-Obesity are lower than those for BIA-Sustainability in Belgium.

Conclusions
During the workshop detailed results of these assessments in Belgium will be presented, as well as linkages between BIA-Obesity and BIA-Sustainability and commitments in relation to practices.
3D scanning of foreign body causing injuries in children: an innovative approach to injury prevention
Authors: Lorenzoni G , Ibrišević A , Umihanić S , Trozzi M , Grasso D , Brkic F , Baldas S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Foreign Body (FB) injuries in children are a relevant public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The characterization of objects causing the injuries is an essential step for developing effective prevention strategies. Scanning the objects causing the injuries would help identify characteristics that make the objects dangerous for young children. The study aims to use 3D scanning within a large series of FB injuries collected in the Susy Safe database to develop a system able to identify the risk profile of everyday objects based on information collected through the scanning study.

Methods
The Susy Safe is the largest international registry collecting data on FB injuries in children under the age of fifteen. It collects almost 35,000 cases. For each case, information about the child, the object, and the circumstances of the injuries are collected. Furthermore, whenever possible (according to the object type and the approach used for FB removal) also the object is collected. Such objects are undergoing 3D scanning with structured light technology, a common non-contact scanning method allowing for 3D digitization of all dimensions and appearances.

Results
Currently, 383 objects have undergone 3D scanning. Most objects were made of a stiff material (60%). The scanning of the objects is still ongoing. The digitalized information for each object is collected in a REDCap repository together with all information about the FB injury and the picture of the object.

Conclusions
The final aim of the project is to develop a web-based application able to identify dangerous objects, based on shape and size parameters, according to the data collected through the scanning. Its objective is to make people aware of the risks posed by particular objects, especially parents and guardians of children. Furthermore, through the web-based application, parents will be able to report injuries and share images on FBs.

Key messages
• 3D scanning would be a promising opportunity to improve primary prevention of foreign body injuries.
• Integrating data from 3D scanning and surveillance systems would represent the basis for the development of a web application able to assist families in identifying hazardous objects.
Migration and severe maternal outcomes in high income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eslier M , Azria E , Chatzistergiou K , Stewart Z , Dechartres A , Deneux-Tharaux C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Literature focusing on migration and maternal health inequalities is inconclusive. This is potentially explained by heterogeneous definitions and settings. Our objective was to assess migrants’ risk of severe maternal outcomes compared to native women in high income countries overall, according to host country, and by the migrant's region of birth.

Methods
Systematic literature review and meta-analysis using MEDLINE/Pubmed and EMBASE databases between 1990 and 25 March, 2022. Observational studies comparing the risk of maternal mortality or all-cause or cause-specific severe maternal morbidity in high income countries between migrant, defined by birth outside the host country, and native women, were included. Case-control and case studies were excluded. We performed random-effects meta-analyses when possible. Subgroup analyses were planned by host country and migrant's region of birth.

Results
From 2010 unique references, 36 studies reporting data from 32 databases were included. In Europe, migrants had a higher risk of maternal mortality than native women (RR 1.4;95%CI 1.1-1.6), but not in USA and Australia. Migrants born in sub-Saharan Africa (RR 3.3;95%CI 2.5-4.4), Latin America and the Caribbean (RR 2.8;95%CI 1.2-6.9), and Asia (RR 1.8;95%CI 1.3-2.4) were at higher risk of maternal mortality than natives, but not those born in Europe or the Middle East and North Africa. Patterns were similar for all-cause severe maternal morbidity.

Conclusions
The differential risk of severe maternal outcomes in migrant versus native women in high income countries varies by host country and by women's region of origin. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of these inequalities.

Key messages
• In high income countries, the differential risk of severe maternal outcomes in migrants (born outside the host country) compared to natives, varies by the host country and the region of birth.
• Our findings strengthens the evidence supporting the need to fight migrant’s health inequalities and to customise related health policies in each context.
Factors determining the motivation to breastfeed in the Lithuanian female population
Authors: Jonkiene G , Kaseliene S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The benefits of breastfeeding (BF) are evident for both the baby and the mother, however, in Lithuania, on average, only around 49.3% of infants were breastfed exclusively for up to 6 months between 2017 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the BF motivation (BM) of mothers and the factors determining it in Lithuania.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2022. A total of 572 women, who were raising an infant aged 2-6 months were anonymously surveyed in Lithuania (response rate 38.9%). BM was evaluated using 24-item scale developed by Kestler-Peleg et al. It was divided into 4 factors using exploratory factor analysis. The sum score, mean, and standard deviation (SD) of the motivation scale was calculated. Relationships between BM and various factors were determined using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation tests.

Results
It was found that BM of mothers’ was average (69.6 (SD 14.2) out of 96 points). Mothers were most motivated to breastfeed their babies by factors related to their well-being and the health of their baby (3.47 (SD 0.59) out of 4 points), and the least by factors related to the pressure from others (2.23 (SD 0.67) out of 4 points). BM was statistically significantly increased by women's older age, interest in BF, attendance at BF courses, prior decision to breastfeed during pregnancy, greater BF experience, giving birth at the baby friendly hospital, while motivation was decreased by women's higher education, living in a larger city (P &lt; 0.05). Women who have given birth to their first baby and women facing BF problems after childbirth were less motivated to breastfeed (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Mothers’ BM was average. In Lithuania, especially in rural areas, it is necessary to increase mothers’ motivation to breastfeed their infants by enhancing their awareness and interest in BF, as well as by encouraging healthcare facilities to adhere to the WHO recommendations for successful BF.

Key messages
• The motivation of Lithuanian mothers to breastfeed their babies is insufficient.
• It depends on women's age, place of residence, self-determination, interest in BF, experience of childbirth and BF, and the nature of the hospital where they gave birth.
3.C. Skills building seminar: Guidance on using natural experiments to evaluate population health interventions
Authors:   Organised by: MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow (UK),   Chair persons: Ruth Dundas (UK)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

There has been a substantial increase in the conduct of natural experimental evaluations since original guidance was published. There have been advances in relevant methodologies, greater availability of big datasets, and a rise in demand for ‘what works’ evidence amenable to natural experimental evaluation. Therefore, it is important that researchers, public health practitioners, funders, and users of intervention research are aware of recent developments and of the strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of natural experimental evaluations. Updated and extended guidance has been developed for using natural experiments to evaluate population health interventions. Guidance was developed from three international workshops and an online consultation with researchers, journal editors and end users of natural experimental evaluations. The project was funded by The UK Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the project team comprised researchers with expertise in natural experimental evaluations. The project had a funder-assigned oversight group and an advisory group of independent experts, including researchers and practitioners with experience of commissioning natural experimental evaluations. This updated and extended guidance provides an integrated guide to the use of natural experimental methods to evaluate population health interventions, offering a range of tools to support its use and detailed, evidence-based information for researchers, funders, publishers, and users of evidence. The objective of this skills building seminar is to upskill public health researchers and practitioners on the design and use of natural experimental methods. The seminar will present key aspects of the guidance and provide the opportunity to discuss and explore each aspect. The first presentation will highlight important considerations when designing and planning a natural experimental evaluation and introduce recommendations for planning, commissioning, conducting, and using evidence from natural experimental evaluations. The second presentation will outline the value and roles of qualitative methods, explaining how qualitative evidence strengthens evaluations. There will then be a discussion and collaborative learning session, providing an opportunity for researchers and public health practitioners to share experiences and engage with the guidance. The discussions will be prompted by examples of natural experimental evaluations relevant to the presentations.

Key messages
• Natural experimental evaluations are valuable for assessing the impacts of population health interventions.
• This workshop provides an opportunity to engage with and discuss new guidance, highlighting good practice in the design, planning, conduct and use of evidence from natural experimental evaluations.
Mapping barriers to midwives’ educational role in Cyprus guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Kolokotroni O , Ioannou M , Hadjigeorgiou E , Nicolaou C , Middleton N 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Issue
The high caesarean section (C/S) rate in Cyprus (&gt;60%) led to the formation of a National Committee to address this Public Health priority. Among WHO recommendations for C/S reduction are midwifery-led educational interventions; yet, medicalization of birth in Cyprus is curtailing the autonomous role of midwives.

Description of problem
While midwives could “make every contact count” during routine appointments, antenatal education (AE) is reduced to a formal activity within the antenatal class space with documented low attendance. This formative research mapped barriers to the educational role of Cypriot midwives guided by behaviour theory. A context-specific understanding is needed to shape an appropriate intervention and promote a common understanding among stakeholders.

Results
One in three midwives islandwide (N = 119, response: 34%) rated 83 determinants (from 1=more to 6=less problematic), guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). “Beliefs about AE importance” (M = 5.57, SD = 0.96) and “Professional role” (M = 5.58, SD = 0.57) received the highest scores. Lack of organizational resources (M = 3.39, SD = 0.97), institutional and inter-professional support (M = 3.77, SD = 1.4) and acceptance (M = 4.25, SD = 0.85) were identified as problematic. While perceived capabilities and intentions were rated favourably, achieving “Goals” was difficult, mainly due to competing priorities (M = 3.86, SD = 0.84). Self-efficacy and behavioural control were lower among less experienced midwives (p &lt; 0.01) and in the private sector (p = 0.08), which accounts for &gt;70% of births.

Lessons
Beyond the antenatal class, AE is a ‘bad fit’ with routine practice. The phenomenon pertains to organizational arrangements but also norms and perceptions of other providers and service users. While current Healthcare reforms present prospects in re-defining the role of midwives, the educational role is not adequately supported or promoted given the limited number of visits and reimbursement restrictions imposed.

Key messages
• Barriers to routine antenatal education originate from an unsupportive system and socio-cultural norms which alienate midwives in an already medicalized environment.
• This theory-driven formative study described the issue in behaviour terms in the context of shaping an intervention to strengthen the health education role of midwives.