bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detección de material genético mediante reacción en cadena de polimerasa en muestras de caninos seropositivos a Ehrlichia canis
Authors: Cañar-Romero Paola Mariana , Vallecillo-Maza Antonio Javier , Castillo-Hidalgo Edy Paul 
Published: May 2023

La Ehrlichiosis monocítica canina (EMC) es causada por Ehrlichia canis, enfermedad transmitida por garrapatas de la especie Riphicephalus sanguinius, su presentación clínica puede variar desde la fase aguda hasta una fase crónica, en América Latina existen varios estudios sobre ehrlichiosis en donde se considera una infección zoonótica emergente en humanos. El objetivo de esta investigación es aplicar la prueba de PCR convencional (cPCR) en muestras de caninos seropositivos al test rápido CaniV-4 de BioNote en la ciudad de Naranjal (Guayas-Ecuador) con el fin de detectar material genético de Ehrlichia canis y determinar la frecuencia de animales positivos a Ehrlichiosis canina. La siguiente investigación se basa en un diseño observacional, descriptivo de tipo transversal, bajo un enfoque cuantitativo. En donde se implementó como técnica diagnóstica el uso de cPCR para la detección de material genético de Ehrlichia canis en muestras de caninos seropositivos mediante el test rápido CaniV-4. Se analizó 34 muestras de caninos mediante cPCR y se detectó material genético de Ehrlichia canis en 18 muestras (52,94%) y en 16 muestras (47,05%) no se detectó material genético en cPCR. Por lo tanto la interpretación de los resultados de las pruebas diagnósticas rápidas debe realizarse con precaución ya que estas se limitan a detectar anticuerpos y no la presencia del patógeno; usar un test rápido basado en inmunocromatografía no da un resultado confiable para el diagnóstico y menos aún como control después del tratamiento de la Ehrlichiosis.
RESIDÊNCIA PEDAGÓGICA:
Authors: Pereira da Silva Mirelle , Rodrigues Martins Egídio 
Published: May 2023

Este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar a experiência de uma acadêmica do curso de Licenciatura em Matemática (IFNMG), bolsista do Programa Residência Pedagógica na Escola Estadual Simão Viana Pereira da Cunha, de outubro de 2020 a abril de 2021, nas turmas de 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental, período em que ocorre a crise sanitária, pandemia de COVID-19, causada pelo SARS-CoV-2. O texto descreve o momento em que a residente percebeu que o Programa Residência Pedagógica é uma espaço para a formação de um professor reflexivo, capaz de pensar criticamente a instituição e a sala que está inserida. Tem como referencial teórico Gil (1999), Freire (1996), Nóvoa (2001) e Pimenta e Lima (2006) a respeito da investigação científica e da formação e construção do professor pesquisador. A discente percebe que a participação dos alunos era limitada e por mais que várias atividades e alternativas foram desenvolvidas para promover a participação dos estudantes outros muitos fatores, como, a ausência de aparelhos e rede de internet para os alunos, a questão econômica e social, a ausência da família e entre outros interferiam diretamente na vida acadêmica dos alunos atendidos
Severe anemia (hemoglobin 4 gdL) in man without chronic disease
Authors: Al-harbi Daliah , Khalid Mohamed 
Published: May 2023

We present a case of a male patient 46-year-old presented to the emergency department with a complaint of vomiting, cough, shivering and abdominal pain and a heart rate of approximately 97 beats per minute, and orthostatic blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg upon standing. We report the lowest hemoglobin 4.0 g/dL was discovered by our laboratory.
Emergency department management of anemic and severe fatigue patients is common (1, 2). We report the lowest hemoglobin of which we are aware, at 4 g/dL, in a patient without chronic disease.
The Effect of Cooperative Learning Model Implementation on Student Learning Understanding On Thematic Learning in Elementary School Literature Studies
Authors: Friska Sonia Yulia 
Published: May 2023

This research is based on the lack of understanding of student learning in learning in primary schools. It is affected by the inappropriate use of teaching model, teaching management and the low of students’ critical thinking skills. The formulation of the problem in this study is what points that appear related to the effect of the applicaton of cooperative learning models on students understanding of learning in thematic learning based on previous studies.The type of research used by the researches was literature study, it examined 13 journals and 1 thesis. This study aims to find out what points that appear related to the effect of the application of cooperative learning models to the understanding of student learning in thematic learning based on previous studies. After studying 13 journals and 1 thesis, it was found that 3 points were made as a result of research, cooperative learning model can increase student cooperation in a study group, cooperative learning model can increase student communication skills, cooperative learning models can improve students’ learning achievement. Based on the 3 points above, the result of the study indicates that there is an influence of the application of the cooperative learning model towards students’ understanding of learning in the thematic learning in elementary schools.
Socio-demographic factors and selected clinical characteristics of patients with retinal vein occlusions in transitional Albania
Authors: Rustani-Batku Manushaqe , Tonuzi Ali 
Published: May 2023

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the distribution of socio-demographic factors and the clinical profile of individuals diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in Albania, a former communist country in South-eastern Europe which has been undergoing a rapid transition in the past decades.
Methods: This study was carried out in 2013-2016 at the Primary Health Care Centre No. 2 in Tirana municipality, which is the capital of Albania. During this timeframe, on the whole, 44 patients were diagnosed with RVO at this primary health care centre (17 women and 27 men; overall mean age: 69.5±11.5 years). The diagnosis of RVO was based on signs and symptoms indicating a quick reduction of the sight (vision), fundoscopy, fluorescein angiography and the optical coherence tomography. Data on socio-demographic factors and clinical characteristics were also gathered for each study participant.
Results: The prevalence of glaucoma was considerably higher in men than in women (67% vs. 24%, respectively, P=0.01). Diabetic retinopathy was somehow more prevalent in women than in men (18% vs. 11%, respectively), whereas an opposite finding was noted for the presence of hypertensive retinopathy (6% vs. 11%, respectively). The prevalence of cataract was higher in female patients compared with their male counterparts (18% vs. 7%, respectively, P=0.36). Both macular oedema and papillary oedema were almost equally distributed in men and in women (22% vs. 18% and 4% vs. 6%, respectively). All female patients had comorbid conditions compared to 85% of their male counterparts (P=0.15). The prevalence of hypertension was almost identical in both sexes (52% in men vs. 53% in women), whereas the prevalence of diabetes was somehow higher in men than in women (26% vs. 18%, respectively).
Conclusion: This is one of the very few studies informing about the distribution of socio-demographic factors and selected clinical characteristics of individuals diagnosed with RVO in transitional Albania.
High level Communiqué from the InterAction Council
Authors: Lueddeke George 
Published: May 2023

Here is a link to a copy of a high level Communiqué from the InterActionCouncil that may also be of interest to SEEJPH readers.
As you may be aware, the Council brings together former world leaders (heads of government and senior officials) and focuses on issues related, among others, to global security and has been examining the role of health security over the last few years. At this year’s meeting (30-31 May), co-chaired by HE Obasanjo from Nigeria and HE Bertie Ahern from Ireland, the session on Planetary Health, coordinated by Professor John Wyn Owen, resulted in the endorsement of the “Dublin Charter for One Health”. Dr Joanna Nurse presented on the policy implications of Planetary and One Health in this session and is tasked by the InterAction Council with advancing the One Health Charter in collaboration with key partners.

Below is a summary of the main actions in the Charter for One Health that may in due course help to inform trans-disciplinary research, education and practice at national, regional and global levels with a view to sustaining people and planet health and well-being.

Your comments on how best to advance these key areas are requested-i.e. please let us know what is already happening, gaps and suggestions for how to advance the following:

Strengthening multi-sector solutions for the SDGs - the One Health approach has the potential to act as a unifying theme;
Resilience to emerging threats -including AMR, disease outbreaks, climate change and environmental impacts;
Mainstreaming One Health within public health systems for UHC -including environmental health;
Strengthen One Health Governance mechanisms for systems reform;
Building leadership for One Health for future generations;
Establish an independent accountability mechanism for advancing action on One Health.
Evidence of a higher burden of multimorbidity among female patients in Albania
Authors: Collaku Ledio , Resuli Margarita , Gjermeni Ilir , Tase Mihal 
Published: May 2023

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess sex-differences in the prevalence of multimorbidity and the number of comorbid conditions among hospitalized patients in Tirana, the capital of Albania, a transitional country in Southeastern Europe.
Methods: The current study was a case-series, which was carried out in the period August 2013–June 2014. Overall, 974 patients were enrolled (46.6% men with a mean age of 61.2±13.8 years, and 53.4% women with a mean age of 61.3±13.1 years), who were admitted at the Service of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana. A comprehensive clinical profile was assembled for all patients in addition to socio-demographic data and information on lifestyle factors. General linear model was used to assess the association between multimorbidity (total number of diseases/conditions) and sex of the patients, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors.
Results: In crude (unadjusted) models and in age-adjusted models, female patients had a higher mean value of diseases/conditions compared to males (for both: 4.4 vs. 4.1, respectively, P=0.03). Likewise, upon adjustment for all socio-demographic characteristics, the mean number of disease/conditions was significantly higher in female patients compared to their male counterparts (4.2 vs. 3.9, respectively; P=0.03). After additional adjustment for lifestyle factors, the association between sex and number diseases/conditions was not significant anymore (p=0.16), notwithstanding the evidence of a higher mean value in women compared to men (4.2 vs. 4.0).
Conclusion: Current evidence from transitional Albania suggests a higher burden of multimorbidity among female patients compared to males, which is a cause of concern. These findings should raise the awareness of health professionals and particularly policymakers and decision-makers in order to address gender issues and inequity gaps in health outcomes and burden of disease of the Albanian population.
Predictive factors for patient satisfaction in public and private hospitals in Kosovo
Authors: Hoxha Rina , Kosevska Elena , Berisha Merita , Ramadani Naser , Jerliu Naim , Zhjeqi Valbona , Gashi Sanije 
Published: May 2023

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess predictive factors for patient satisfaction with healthcare services as a measure of the quality of hospital care in public and private hospitals in Kosovo.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo during 2015-2016 including a representative sample of 2585 patients older than 18 years [1010 (48.6%) males and 1069 (51.4%) females from public hospitals; and 240 (47.4%) males and 266 (52.6%) females from private hospitals]. Patient satisfaction dimensions such as satisfaction with medical care, nursing care, organization, and overall impression were the main variables measured. A risk-adjusted multivariate analysis was applied.
Results: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed as independent significant predictors of the total satisfaction of patients from public hospitals the following factors: age, length of stay in hospital in days, education, payment for additional analyzes during hospitalization and buying medications for hospital treatment. These five independent significant predictors accounted for 7.3% of the change in the total patients’ satisfaction (stepwise method - R2 = 0.073). Conversely, there were only four predictors of the total satisfaction of patients from private hospitals: length of stay in hospital in days, number of hospitalizations in the last 12 months, paying for hospitalization, and cost of hospitalization exceeds received services. Only the variables “length of hospital stay” together with “cost of hospitalization exceeds received services” as independent predictors, explained 5.3% of the variability of total satisfaction.
Conclusion: Structural and qualitative characteristics of hospitals have a significant impact on patients’ satisfaction. Age, length of stay, education, payment for additional analyzes during hospitalization and the cost of hospitalization in public hospitals and length of stay, paying for hospitalization, and cost of hospitalization in private hospitals are useful predictors for total satisfaction of patients in Kosovo.
The diabetes epidemic in Malta
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah 
Published: May 2023

Aim: The small European Mediterranean island state of Malta is a highly prevalent type 2 diabetes (T2DM) country. Over recent decades drastic environmental, cultural and ethnic changes occurred and it was considered timely to undergo a cross-sectional survey to establish up-to-date prevalence of T2DM, its socio-geographical distribution and ultimately estimating the economic burden of T2DM.
Methods: A health examination survey was conducted (2014-16) including a representative sample of the adult population stratified by 18-70 years, gender and locality (n=3,947; males n=1,997 male). The survey consisted of a socio-demographic questionnaire, various health examination measurements and blood samples for fasting blood glucose (FBG). Prevalence for T2DM (depending on medical history, medication and FBG >7mmol/L) were calculated for the general population as well as for each of the districts making up the Maltese Islands. The economic burden of T2DM for 2017 and projected burden for 2045 were calculated using secondary sources and by incorporating 2% compound interest per annum respectively.
Results: A total response rate of 47.15% was obtained, with a mean age of 48 years for males and 46 years for females. Out of the total adjusted population (n=3,947, male n=1,998), the prevalence of T2DM was of 10.31%, with 6.31% already known to have T2DM while 4% were newly diagnosed. Females were diagnosed with T2DM at an earlier age than the males. No significant geographical T2DM prevalence differences were established. The total annual diabetes health care expenditure was approximately €107,316,517.82 for 2017, while the projected expenditure for 2045 was estimated at €244,136,040.
Conclusion: Malta is a country with a high prevalence of diabetes. The females were observed to be at an earlier risk of developing undiagnosed diabetes compared to males. Although geographical location did not appear to have significant effect on T2DM distribution, this disease contributes to a high economic burden. The expected exponential increase in diabetes prevalence is subsequently expected to affect negatively the healthcare expenditure. This puts forward the recommendation for development of early screening programmes as part of preventive action strategies.
How to minimize negative health effects in the European Union due to the Economic recession caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Satyamoorthy Adhitya , Brand Helmut , Kessel Robin van 
Published: May 2023

Aims: The article aims to analyze what can be learned from the last Financial Crisis from 2008 on to minimize the negative health effects in the European Union due to the Economic recession caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Methods: Systematic literature reviews were conducted to analyze the interventions taken to combat the last Financial Crisis and their consequences on health. Parallel to this, a qualitative document analysis of the ongoing discussion about the measures taken or to be taken in the Covid-19 Pandemic to fight the current economic recession was conducted using institutional websites and international media.
Results: The main methods taken to combat the Financial Crisis from 2008 were, bailing out banks, austerity measures, and the European Stability Mechanism. There is evidence that the Financial crisis had negative effects on the European Health Systems in general. Austerity measures in some countries, led to an increase in psychological disorders. Overall mortality was not affected but the decrease of avoidable mortality slowed down. Various economic interventions such as bailing out essential industries e.g., the Aviation sector, cash injections, tax relief, short-work salary compensation, modified ESM, and the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Program (PEPP) were taken during the Covid-19 Pandemic to help stabilize the economy.
Conclusion: The current recession is not caused by internal failures of the financial system as it was in the financial Crisis of 2008, but by an outside event - the Covid-19 pandemic. Measures were taken by the governments and the European Union to avoid an economic crisis, and by these, the negative health effects were created during the Financial Crisis in 2008, but the lockdown phase seems to lead to similar negative health effects regarding psychological disorders and delay of planned screening and treatment.
Scenario planning: An alternative approach to European Commission for combating antimicrobial resistance by 2050
Authors: García Laura Patricia Orellana , Kaur Kiranjeet , Brand Helmut , Schröder-Bäck Peter 
Published: May 2023

Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major health challenges of the future, but the concrete impact of counteracting measures is still unclear. To study possible outcomes within the European Union, a scenario analysis for the year 2050 was performed on the possible influence of the European Commission (EC).
Methods: Scenario planning and development of strategies based on different scenarios.
Results: Rational use of antimicrobials in animals and humans, surveillance and monitoring, new antimicrobial therapies, travel and globalization, exposure to the environment, and awareness were recognized as the main driving elements. Four Scenarios were developed: An efficient and impli-cated EC sorts out AMR; An implicated but unsuccessful EC withstands AMR; AMR is managed regardless of the EC disinterest; and A neutral and inefficient EC fails to manage AMR.
Conclusion: All the strategies developed on the basis of the four scenarios probe for an increase in European Union's dedication to achieve positive outcomes. These include the development of effective legislation and international coordination.
Acknowledgment: Peter Schröder-Bäck, Helmut Brand and Kiranjeet Kaur’s contribution is co-funded through a grant of the European Commission within the Erasmus+ programme (Project: Prevent it. Project reference: 598515-EPP-1-2018-1-IN-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP).
Conflict of interests: None declared.
Pharmaceutical policies in post-communist Albania: Progress and challenges toward European Union membership
Authors: Roshi Dajana , Tresa Eni , Lafranconi Alessandra , Burazeri Genc , Czabanowska Katarzyna , Brand Helmut 
Published: May 2023

Aim: Shifting from a communist regime to a democratic system has affected health system fundamentally in most of the Western Balkan countries including Albania. Albania became a European Union (EU) candidate country in 2014. Since then, one of the main concerns has been to approximate the legislation with the EU framework. The aim of this paper is to review the evolvement of pharmaceutical legislation in Albania and challenges toward achieving full approximation to the EU’s respective legislation.

Methods: We used qualitative techniques, especially means of conventional content analysis and two sources to collection data. First, we consulted the Albania’s National Publications Office webpage and analysed all available legislation regarding “pharmacy”, “medicine” and “pharmaceutical products” from 1994 to 2021. Then, we analysed the National Integration Plans that have been published by the Government of Albania from 2014 to 2021.

Results: The decrease of the price margin system goes in parallel with the increase of the pharmaceutical expenditure, including out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines and lack of adequate and sensitive reimbursement policies. The main pillars of the pharmaceutical sector in Albania are well-covered legally but not fully in concordance with the EU framework.
Conclusion: There is a need to foster laws implementation that regulate the opening of pharmacies; a detailed regulation on pharmacovigilance; and a regulation on medicinal products for paediatric use. Also, the existing legal framework should be aligned with the European one. Medicine pricing methods should go in the same line with the decrease of out-of-pocket expenditure.
Hepatitis C in several risk groups: Literature review
Authors: Rashiti-Bytyçi Albiona , Ramadani Naser , Kalaveshi Ariana , Muçaj Sefedin , Gashi Luljeta , Rashiti Premtim 
Published: May 2023

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the distribution of hepatitis C in selected risk groups such as haemodialysis patients, pregnant women, healthcare workers, HIV-HCV co-infected patients, patients with mental health diseases and piercing and tattoo procedures. Furthermore, it aimed at evidencing common transmitting routes and highlighting the importance of preventive measures among these groups.

Methods: The literature review was conducted using online databases (Medline) with search query involving the keyword “hepatitis C” in conjunction with keywords describing risk groups such as "dialysis", or "haemodialysis", or "pregnancy", or "pregnant", or "mental health", or "tattoo", or "piercing", or "HIV", or "health professionals”.

Results: After assessing all the retrieved publications, 39 of them were considered for inclusion: 17 on haemodialysis patients, 7 on pregnant women, 8 on HIV-HCV co-infection and 7 publications on health professionals, patients of mental health wards and piercing and tattoo procedures. The high rate of hepatitis C is still a high problem and in some cases it is considered as a new issue, as in the case of pregnancy. Some of the transmission routes have been identified earlier, such as the HIV-HCV co-infection but some, such as piercing and tattoo, are becoming new transmission routes. Health professionals are still identified as high risk group while mental health patients are a potentially high risk group.

Conclusion: Even though some patients are routinely screened for hepatitis C, there are indications for performing such a routine test in other groups. In almost all of the risk groups, it is advocated to use stricter preventive measures and to disseminate knowledge on risks of hepatitis C.

Conflict of interest: None declared.