bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food related risks during pregnancy: how much do women know about it?
Authors: Ricchi Eleonora , Serafini Andrea , Troiano Gianmarco , Nante Nicola , Petraglia Felice , Messina Gabriele 
Published: April 2023

Aim Infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Listeria monocytogenes during pregnancy can lead to severe illness in the foetus but it can be prevented by simple hygienic measures. This study evaluated the knowledge that women have about food related risk and the information sources used.
Methods We surveyed pregnant women and new mothers in[Removed for blind peer review], using a questionnaire approved by health direction, processed by an optical reader and analyzed using χ² test and Odds Ratio.
Results 149 women responded to the survey, 78.5% of them received information from the gynaecologist, 45% from internet and then books/pamphlets. 67.8% felt well informed about food-related risks connected. 94% of them knows Toxoplasma; 39.5% ignore Listeria instead. From our results it’s evident that graduated women tend to identify all foods as less secure and had better attitudes on cleaning refrigerator, on respecting temperatures, on avoiding consumption of undercooked foods, on protecting food before consumption.
Conclusions Pregnant women have good awareness of food-related risks. However there’s a high confusion, due to the use of internet and other not reliable sources. This study demonstrates that it’s necessary to improve the organization of nutritional education by adequately trained health personnel.
The Relation between Contraception Methods and Quality of Life
Authors: Bahri Narjes , Tohidinik Hamid R , Bilandi Roghayeh R , Larki Mona , Hooshangi Fatemeh , Soltanian Maliheh 
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Assess the relationship between contraception methods and quality of life in women of reproductive age.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Gonabad, Iran. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select 18-45 year-old women with using a contraceptive methods during the last six months. Demographic and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Quality of Life Questionnaires were used for data collection. For statistical analysis the Stata11 and SPSS16 software were used. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. After performing different statistical tests in bivariate analysis, the multi-variable linear regression was used to assess the association between method of contraception and domains of quality of life adjusting for other confounding factors
Results: Women with Tubal sterilization had significant worse “physical functioning” [adjusted regression coefficient=-5.14 (95%CI:-10.2 to -0.01)] but better “general health perceptions” [adjusted regression coefficient=6.8(95%CI: 2.1 to 11.5)] than those preferring male condom (reference). Women whose husbands had vasectomy had also on average significant better score of “general health perceptions” than condom users (reference) [adjusted regression coefficient=7.1(95%CI: 0.23 to 14)]. Withdrawal showed on average higher score of “vitality” than condom users (reference) [adjusted regression coefficient=25.07(95%CI: 7.44 to 42.6)].
Conclusion: The results showed that some aspects of women's quality of life could be affected by using different contraception methods.
Demographic and Socio-economic determinants of maternal health insurance coverage in Zambia
Authors: Mulenga James Nilesh , Bwalya Bupe B. , Gebremeskel Yordanos 
Published: April 2023

Background: The importance of health insurance to individual and society at large cannot be overemphasized. It plays a critical role through enabling access to health care services and cushions the individual from catastrophic treatment costs. This study assessed the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of maternal health insurance coverage in Zambia.
Methods: The study analysed the data from the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) using univariate, bivariate, binary logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between demographic and socioeconomic and maternal health insurance coverage in Zambia.
Results: The findings indicate that a very low proportion of the women(3%) have health insurance coverage in Zambia. The study also found that being married, access to media, higher age category, higher education level, being employed have a positive influence on health insurance coverage while province of residence and type of place of residence are negatively associated with health insurance coverage among women in Zambia.
Conclusions:The study concludes that health insurance among women in Zambia is associated with marital status, access to media, age, education level, employed status, province of residence and type of place of residence. Given these findings, the study recommends that health insurance providers should tailor their health insurance packages not only to the needs of the employed but the unemployed, the younger age groups, the informal sector and those in the rural areas
Determination of Minimum Sample Size Requirement for Multiple Linear Regression and Analysis of Covariance Based on Experimental and Non-experimental Studies
Authors: Adam Bujang Mohamad , Sa’at Nadiah , Tg Abu Bakar Sidik Tg Mohd Ikhwan 
Published: April 2023

Background: MLR and ANCOVA are common statistical techniques and are used for both experimental and non-experimental studies. However, both types of study designs may require different basis of sample size requirement. Therefore, this study aims to proposed sample size guidelines for MLR and ANCOVA for both experimental and non-experimental studies.
Methods: We estimated the minimum sample sizes required for MLR and ANCOVA by using Power and Sample Size software (PASS) based on the pre-specified values of alpha, power and effect size (R2). In addition, we also performed validation of the estimates using a real clinical data to evaluate how close the approximations of selected statistics which were derived from the samples were to the actual parameters in the targeted populations. All the coefficients, effect sizes and r-squared obtained from the sample were then compared with their respective parameters in the population.
Results: Small minimum sample sizes required for performing both MLR and ANCOVA when r-squared is used as the effect size. However, the validation results based on an evaluation from a real-life dataset suggest that a minimum sample size of 300 or more is necessary to generate a close approximation of estimates with the parameters in the population.
Conclusions: We proposed sample size calculation when r-squared is used as an effect size is more suitable for experimental studies. However, taking a larger sample size such as 300 or more is necessary for clinical survey that is conducted in a non-experimental manner.
The new European regulation on personal data protection: significant aspects for data processing for scientific research purposes
Authors: Preite Francesca , Salardi Silvia , Gesuita Rosaria , Villani Simona , Trerotoli Paolo , Guardabasso Vincenzo , Zambon Antonella 
Published: April 2023

On 27 April 2016, after a troubled gestation,, Regulation 2016/6791 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data was finally published.
The Regulation is to have a two-year transitional period, meaning it will actually enter into force in the first half of 2018.
Productive aging, work engagement and participation of older workers. A triadic approach to health and safety in the workplace
Authors: Magnavita Nicola 
Published: April 2023

Background
Aging of the workforce poses a dramatic challenge for health and safety in all European countries.
Method
Our study was based on a comprehensive review of the literature on productive aging, work engagement, and human engineering, with particular reference to older worker issues.
Results
Productive aging, work engagement, and participatory ergonomics appear to be the most promising areas of research in the field of worker aging. An analysis of intervention programs enabled us to identify three main approaches that could be used to tackle the problem. These include encouraging older adults to be involved in work activities, enhancing their work engagement, and sustaining their productive efforts through participatory changes in the working environment and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Occupational health and safety services in the workplace must extend their activities of prevention to encompass not only traditional environmental risk factors, but also non-occupational risk factors, so that this holistic approach promotes good practices and positive attitudes.
Conclusions
A set of recommendations and policy briefs for supra-national, national and local authorities was formulated.
Identifying predictors of progression to AIDS and mortality post-HIV infection using parametric multistate model
Authors: Hamidi Omid , Poorolajal Jalal , Tapak Leili 
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has already remained as a major public health problem all over the world. This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors influencing the disease progression in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Iran, using parametric multi-state models to take into account the intermediate event in the analysis.
METHOD(S): The data of the present retrospective cohort study was extracted in Tehran from April 2004 to March 2014. The number of 2473 HIV-infected patients in Behavioral Diseases Counseling Centers was enrolled. The outcomes of interest were the transition times from HIV diagnosis to AIDS and AIDS to death. The effect of several prognostic factors on both transitions was investigated.
RESULTS: Parametric models indicated that AIDS progression was significantly associated with an increase in age (P = 0.017), low education (P = 0.026), and a decreased CD4 cell count (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the AIDS-related death was significantly associated with male sex (P = 0.010), tuberculosis coinfection (P = 0.001), antiretroviral therapy (P = 0.001) and a decreased CD4 cell count (P = 0.035).
CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that CD4 cell count was one of the most important prognostic factors that affected and accelerated both HIV→AIDS and AIDS→DEATH transitions and antiretroviral treatment was found to be an effective measure in decelerating survival of patients with AIDS to death state. The usual Cox Model is not able to identify some of these prognostic factors.
European survey on knowledge and attitudes of public health professionals on public health genomics: Pilot Study
Authors: Rosso Annalisa , D'Andrea Elvira , Di Marco Marco , Pitini Erica , Unim Brigid , De Vito Corrado , Marzuillo Carolina , Villari Paolo 
Published: April 2023

Background: During the past decade a debate has arisen on the possible utility of genomic science for public health purposes. Within this context, a survey is being conducted to assess attitudes of European public health (PH) professionals belonging to EUPHA network regarding their role in the implementation of public health genomics (PHG), and their knowledge and attitudes regarding genetic testing and the delivery of genetic services.
Methods: A pilot on-line survey was conducted on professionals from Sapienza University of Rome and the Vrije University of Amsterdam. The survey tool is composed of 5 sections: Personal details, Professional activity, Knowledge on genetic testing and delivery of genetic services, Attitudes on genetic testing and delivery of genetic services, Attitudes on the role of PH professionals in PHG.
Results: 34 people responded to the questionnaire, mostly medical doctors (61,8%). No respondents correctly identified all evidence-based applications of genetic testing. More than one third of respondents agreed that it would be more important to invest resources in the social and environmental causes of ill health than in genetic testing. Nearly 70% thought that PHG needs to be grounded on evidence of effectiveness, a lower rate agreed ii should be grounded on cost-effectiveness. The rate of agreement with the proposed roles of PH professionals in PHG was very high.
Conclusions: This pilot study showed a positive attitude but the need to improve knowledge of PH professionals on PHG. It provided useful input for the implementation of the survey to all members of the EUPHA network.
Evaluating the Reform of Healthcare System in Sicily: variations of efficiency and appropriateness between 2008 and 2010
Authors: Sapienza Francesca , Matranga Domenica 
Published: April 2023

Background. Sicilian government has developed a very ambitious Reform through the Regional Law n. 5 (14th April 2009). Hospitals were requested to ensure the quality of care through monitoring of appropriateness and quality of service. The aim of this study was to assess variations of efficiency and organizational appropriateness of healthcare delivery before and after this Reform and to show patterns associated to different types of healthcare delivery organizations.
Methods. This study was based on repeated cross-sectional data for 118 (out of 129) short-term, acute-care, non teaching-and-research Sicilian hospitals, in 2008 and 2010. Congestion and slacks analysis was used, with four inputs, two desirable outputs and two undesirable outputs of healthcare delivery.
Results. The loss of desirable output increased between 2008 (23%) and 2010 (31%). Most of the variation between two years in the measured inefficiency could be attributed to congestion due to inappropriate care (p=0.009) and scale inefficiency (p=0.028). Hospitals that have undergone an organizational transformation did not show congestion in the study period. Conversely, hospitals with no variations in their organization were congested in association to the shortfall in the ODs (p=0.019) and in DHs (p=0.018).
Conclusion. This study has shown the general worsening of efficiency of acute-care Sicilian hospitals from 2008 and 2010 and, in particular, has suggested that the reduction of efficiency was due to hospitals that have not undergone an organizational transformation. They are medium-low sized and low-complexity public hospitals and for-profits, while larger and high-complexity organizations resulted the least congested ones.
Effectiveness of educational interventions to improve genomic competency in non-­‐geneticist medical doctors: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Pastorino Roberta , Calabrò Giovanna Elisa , Lagerberg Tyra B.M. , Michelazzo Maria Benedetta , Boccia Stefania 
Published: April 2023

Background. Given rapid advances in genomics, continuing medical education of medical doctors (MDs) is crucial for appropriate integration of human genome discoveries into healthcare and disease prevention. This work presents a systematic review of educational interventions aimed at improving genomic competency in non‐geneticist MDs, with consideration of how outcomes are affected by intervention type (face-to-face learning, distance learning, decision aids and information provision).
Methods. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases for the relevant studies on educational interventions and genomic competency, published in English language between January, 1st, 2001 and March, 31th, 2017. In order to synthesize the results of the eligible studies, we evaluated the effect of education on knowledge, management and confidence, and we compared the outcomes between different intervention types.
Results. We included sixteen studies including different educational interventions. The majority of studies reported significant effects on at least one component of genomic competency. When the improvement in clinical application of genomic knowledge was evaluated, moderate or null effect has been reported for the different intervention types.
Conclusions. The majority of studies included reported a positive impact of genomic education on non‐geneticist MDs genomic competency. However, no clear conclusion can be drawn given the heterogeneity of the studies in terms of methods, intervention types and outcome measurements. Future studies considering effectiveness of interventions with a focus on long-term outcomes are recommended.
Predictors of Bluetongue development in Sardinia (Italy) identification, using multilevel logistic mixed model
Authors: Loi Federica , Gigli Berzolari Francesca , Laddomada Alberto , Coccollone Annamaria , Scrugli Andrea , Ghironi Annalisa , Putzolu Angelo , Rolesu Sandro , Cappai Stefano 
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The Bluetongue Virus is one of the most studied ruminant diseases, affecting particularly sheep and goats. This study aims to identify, for the first time, the specific risk factors influencing the disease development in Sardinia, using multilevel logistic regression model, in order to give a contribution to the sanitary programs and favour the early detection.
Methods: The data of the present retrospective study, collected from informatics systems of Istituto Zooprofilattico della Sardegna, are referred to all 15,780 Sardinian sheep farms observed for 3 years (2012-2014). The outcome of interest was dichotomous and defined the development of Bluetongue outbreak, after serological test or clinical signs. The effect of several region-specific prognostic factors on disease spread was investigated.
Results: The final model indicated that Bluetongue development was significantly associated with an increase in number of animals (P < 0.0001), number of cattle around farm (P < 0.0001), water surface area (P =0.002), and amount of rainfall in the previous days (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the altitude over 450 MASL (P < 0.0001), the vaccination prophylaxis (P < 0.0001) and the previous outbreak event (P < 0.0001) had a protective effect against the outcome.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that number of animals and the amount of rainfall were the most important risk factors that affected the Bluetongue development, while the vaccination prophylaxis was found to be an effective measure in decelerating the disease spread.
Challenges and opportunities in establishing an Health Examination Survey
Authors: Donfrancesco Chiara , Palmieri Luigi , Lo Noce Cinzia , Vanuzzo Diego , Giampaoli Simona 
Published: April 2023

In Italy, the last 30 years witnessed the implementation of cross-sectional surveys providing baseline data on numerous risk factors collected from random samples of the adult general population.
In order to support those groups who would like to implement an health examination survey (HES), according to the experience of the CUORE Project surveys, the objective of this paper is to describe some information related to the organization of a survey (examination sites and sampling, selection of analytic laboratory, coordination and personnel involved, sample selection, recruitment and appointment scheduling, informative notice and informed consent, participation rate, non-participation bias, quality assurance, survey data, long term storage of the samples, internal quality control, external quality assessment, feedback to participants, error checking, correction and documentation of the data, transfer and storage of the data, statistical analyses and interpretation of results, dissemination of results), usually shortly described in scientific papers but relevant when an HES is planned.
Health-Related Quality of Life among Atrial fibrillation Patients Undergoing Anticoagulation Therapy
Authors: Matalqah Laila Mahmoud , Radaideh Khaldoon M. 
Published: April 2023

In Malaysia, studies sought to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients undergoing anticogaultaion therapy are still recent and scarce as there is no specific tool available. This cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken with a representative cohort of atrial fibrillation patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy. Using prevalence based sampling techniques, a total of 339 patients were recruited from the Anticoagulation Clinics at two public hospitals in Penang, Malaysia. A bilingual specific instrument; Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale (DASS) and a generic instrument; the European Quality of Life scale (EQ-5D-3L) were used for data collection. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 60.4±14.5 years, with 204 (60.2%) males dominating the entire study. The majority of patients were from lower socioeconomic level and one third of subjects had a secondary level of education. DASS instrument presented a good average score of 70.8 (±19.8), while the means±SD of EQ-VAS was 69.3% (± 16.3%) and for the EQ-Index (TTO) was 79.8% (± 26.5%) indicated satisfactory health related quality of life (HRQoL) in our study participants.
Their QoL perception is affected positively by age, education level, and occupation and negatively by sex gender and previous hemorrhagic event. The worse evaluations were in mobility and pain domains. Consequently, it was noted that warfarin therapy is not usually associated with a significant decrease in perceived health, unless a bleeding episode has occurred. Results from this study could be useful in clinical practice, particularly in newly detected AF patients, at point where improving HRQoL is still possible.
Network analysis of comorbidity patterns in heart failure patients using administrative data
Authors: Ieva Francesca , Bitonti Daniele 
Published: April 2023

Background: Congestive Heart Failure (HF) is a widespread chronic disease characterized by a very high incidence in elder people. The high mortality and readmission rate of HF strongly depends on the complicated morbidity scenario often characterising it.
Methods: Data were retrieved from the healthcare administrative datawarehouse of Lombardy, the most populated regional district in Italy. Network analysis techniques and community detection algorithms are applied to comorbidities registered in hospital discharge papers of HF patients, in 7 cohorts between 2006 and 2012.Results: The relevance network indexes applied to the 7 cohorts identified death, ipertension, arrythmia, renal and pulmonary diseases as the most relevant nodes related to HF, in terms of prevalence and closeness/strenght of the relationship. Moreover, 3 clusters of nodes have been identified in all the cohorts, i.e. those related to cancer, lung diseases and heart/circulation related problems.Conclusions: Network analysis can be a useful tool in epidemiologic framework when relational data are the objective of the investigation, since it allows to visualize and make inference on patterns of association among nodes (here HF comorbidities) by means of both qualitative indexes and clustering techniques.