Context Of Health Research Articles

Exploring the state-of-the-art on competencies for policymaking in public health

Abstract Against the complex backdrop characterizing both the nature of public health challenges and the corresponding skills required to face them, this presentation will introduce the state-of-the-art on scholarship concerned with the definition and/or development of competencies for effective policy making in public health. The presentation will focus especially on presenting findings of a scoping review of the state-of the-art involving: 1) research that develops competency frameworks explicitly designed for policymakers operating in public health; and 2) case studies that explore the application of specific competencies (whether explicitly or implicitly) in different public health contexts. By exploring both bodies of literature, the scoping review will take stock of how each study defines the concept of competencies, enumerates areas of knowledge and demonstrable skills pertaining thereto, and uses evidence to establish their significance in the field of public health leadership. The findings of the scoping review will also be brought into comparative perspective, examining whether and how the categories of existing competency frameworks correspond with one another, as well as reflect the insights of single case studies. The proposed presentation will conclude with an overview of findings of a mapping exercise including all competencies identified in the literature, which can serve the workshop audience as both a synthesis and holistic refinement on the state-of-the-art going forward. The proposed presentation will conclude with an overview of findings of a mapping exercise including all competencies identified in the literature, which can serve the workshop audience as both a synthesis and holistic refinement on the state-of-the-art going forward. Speakers/Panelists Anne-Catherine Viso Santé publique France, Saint Maurice, France Charlotte Marchandise EUPHA Kasia Czabanowska Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands

How factchecking organizations can partner within public health for a healthier internet

Abstract Background Health concerns, narratives and misinformation are growing in digital spaces, which makes them also a vulnerability to being hijacked by disinformation. A workshop was held at GlobalFact11, the global factchecking summit, to take a pulse among the participants on their exposure and work with health misinformation, provide a public health perspective on the role of factchecking, and equip participants with building a business case for developing health-related factchecking programmes. Methods A pre-summit survey of IFCN members and summit participants was conducted to better tune the design of the discussion in the workshop. The workshop included interactive polling and a discussion of case-based scenarios and real-world examples. Results A business case for investing into health-claim fact-checking can consider needs of public health organizations from a variety of perspectives. (1) The global health security agenda, and the politicization of health and hijacking in disinformation influence campaigns; (2) Contributing data for public health infodemic insights reports in formats that provide value to fact-checking in public health context; (3) Developing community resilience programmes by combining fact-checking with community-based interventions; (4) Building partnerships with public health organizations (for fact-checking, capacity building, community media and information literacy, research). Conclusions Many fact-checking organizations got involved in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they want to access more public health expertise, tools, and partnership modalities that would enable them a more sustainable effort in covering health topics, especially beyond infectious disease.

Speech-language pathology telementoring projects in global health contexts: Partnerships, payoffs and progression

Speech-language pathology telementoring projects in global health contexts: Partnerships, payoffs and progression

Does telemedicine hold the key for reproductive health care? A quantitative examination of women's intentions toward use and accurate information disclosure.

To investigate women's perceptions of telemedicine for reproductive health care services, focusing on how perceived benefits and privacy risks influence their intentions to adopt telemedicine and their willingness to disclose personal health information. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The study applied the privacy calculus theory to the context of telemedicine for reproductive health, using adapted, validated variables to develop the survey. Outcome variables included intentions to adopt telemedicine and willingness to disclose accurate personal health information. Data were collected in May and June 2023 using Qualtrics online panel services, targeting women across the United States who had not used telemedicine for reproductive health. The sample comprised 847 women aged 18 and older. Structural equation modeling was employed using AMOS v28.0 to test the hypothesized relationships between perceived benefits, perceived risks, and adoption intentions. The analysis controlled for age, household income, political affiliation, religious views, and prior births. Perceived benefits were positively related to intention to adopt telemedicine for reproductive care (β: 0.600, p < 0.001), and willingness to disclose accurate personal health information (β: 0.453, p < 0.001). Unexpectedly, perceived privacy risks were positively related to adoption intentions (β: 0.128, p < 0.001), but negatively related to willingness to disclose (β: -0.282, p < 0.001). Intentions to adopt were positively associated with willingness to disclose (β: 0.089, p < 0.05). Lastly, older women and women located in states with abortion restrictions expressed lower intentions to adopt. The model explained 40.2% of variance in intention to adopt and 38.3% of variance in willingness to disclose. The study demonstrates the importance of perceived benefits and privacy risks in driving telemedicine adoption and disclosure intentions among women in the reproductive health context. These findings suggest the need for targeted strategies to address privacy concerns and support telemedicine adoption, particularly in restrictive regulatory environments.

A brief reference to AI-driven audible reality (AuRa) in open world: potential, applications, and evaluation

Recent developments on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques are expected to have significant impact on public health in several ways. Indeed, modern AI/ML methods have been applied on multiple occasions on topics ranging from drug discovery and disease diagnostics to personalized medicine, medical imaging, and healthcare operations. While such developments may improve several quality-of-life aspects (such as access to health services and education), it is important considering that some individuals may face more challenges, particularly in extreme or emergency situations. In this work, we focus on utilizing AI/ML components to support scenarios when visual impairment or other limitations hinder the ability to interpret the world in this way. Specifically, we discuss the potential and the feasibility of automatically transferring key visual information into audio communication, in different languages and in real-time—a setting which we name ‘audible reality’ (AuRa). We provide a short guide to practical options currently available for implementing similar solutions and summarize key aspects for evaluating their scope. Finally, we discuss diverse settings and functionalities that AuRA applications could have in terms of broader impact, from a social and public health context, and invite the community to further such digital solutions and perspectives soon.

Evaluating a WeChat-Based Intervention to Enhance Influenza Vaccination Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior Among Chinese University Students Residing in the United Kingdom: Controlled, Quasi-Experimental, Mixed Methods Study.

University students, who often live in close quarters and engage in frequent social interaction, face a heightened risk of influenza morbidity. Still, vaccination rates among this group, particularly Chinese students, remain consistently low due to limited awareness and insufficient access to vaccinations. This study examines the effectiveness of a cocreated WeChat-based intervention that targets mainland Chinese university students in the United Kingdom, aiming to improve their knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB) toward seasonal influenza vaccination. A quasi-experimental mixed methods design was used, incorporating an intervention and comparison group, with baseline and follow-up self-reported surveys. The study was conducted from December 19, 2022, to January 16, 2023. The primary outcome is the KAB score, which was measured before and after the intervention phases. System-recorded data and user feedback were included in the analysis as secondary outcomes. A series of hypothesis testing methods were applied to test the primary outcomes, and path analysis was used to explore the relationships. Our study included 596 students, of which 303 (50.8%) were in the intervention group and 293 (49.2%) were in the control group. The intervention group showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and intended behavior scores over time, whereas the control group had only a slight increase in intended behavior scores. When comparing changes between the 2 groups, the intervention group displayed significant differences in knowledge and attitude scores compared to the control group, while intended behavior scores did not significantly differ. After the intervention, the actual vaccination rate was slightly higher in the intervention group (63/303, 20.8%) compared to the control group (54/293, 18.4%). Path analysis found that the intervention had a significant direct impact on knowledge but not on attitudes; knowledge strongly influenced attitudes, and both knowledge and attitudes significantly influenced intended behavior; and there was a strong correlation between intended and actual behavior. In the intervention group, participants expressed a high level of satisfaction and positive review of the content and its use. This study demonstrates how a WeChat intervention effectively improves KAB related to seasonal influenza vaccination among Chinese students, highlighting the potential of social media interventions to drive vaccination behavior change. It contributes to the broader research on digital health intervention effectiveness and lays the groundwork for tailoring similar interventions to different health contexts and populations.

CRISPR-Cas systems in enterococci.

Enterococci are members of the microbiota of humans and other animals. They can also be found in the environment, associated with food, healthcare infections, and hospital settings. Due to their wide distribution, they are inserted in the One Health context. The selective pressure caused by the extensive use of antimicrobial agents in humans, animals, and agriculture has increased the frequency of resistance to various drugs among enterococcal species. CRISPR-Cas system, an important prokaryotic defense mechanism against the entry of mobile genetic elements, may prevent the acquisition of genes involved in antimicrobial resistance and virulence. This system has been increasingly used as a gene editing tool, which can be used as a way to recognize and inactivate genes of interest. Here, we conduct a review on CRISPR systems found in enterococci, considering their occurrence, structure and organization, mechanisms of action and use as a genetic engineering technology. Type II-A CRISPR-Cas systems were shown to be the most frequent among enterococcal species, and the orphan CRISPR2 was the most commonly found system (54.1%) among enterococcal species, especially in Enterococcus faecalis. Distribution of CRISPR systems varied among species. CRISPR systems had 1 to 20 spacers, with size between 23 and 37bp and direct repeat sequences from 25 to 37bp. Several applications of the CRISPR-Cas biotechnology have been described in enterococci, mostly in vitro, using this editing tool to target resistance- and virulence-related genes.

Right to Indigenous Health and National Policy For Indigenous People: an Integrativa Review

Objective: The protection of the right to indigenous health faces difficulties in Brazil. Several public policies, which are outside of indigenous knowledge, reproduce the technical standard of knowledge and weaken participation in tackling health burdens, reducing the effectiveness of decisions. The objective is to contextualize the current scenario of implementation of the right to indigenous health. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes an integrative review that aims to present scientific productions on the subject from 2008 to 2020, demonstrating what positive achievements have been made and what needs to be improved in order to improve the provision of health services. Data collection was carried out through research in Scielo, Google Scholar, and Academia databases using the descriptor “Right to Indigenous Health”. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that, although the decentralization of the management of indigenous health policies has occurred, there is still no broad democratic space that guarantees popular participation of indigenous people as actors in the fight for respect for their rights. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights on how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of Law and Health, correlating the provision of health services to these vulnerable populations. In this way, the aim is to collaborate with discussions related to the subject, as well as with the development of public policies in different federative spheres, in order to guarantee respect for a fundamental right of Brazilians - the right to health, within the context of indigenous health, which is not yet precarious. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by presenting indicators, historical data and bottlenecks to authorities, researchers in the field and health managers, especially those in the Legal Amazon, in order to outline a common plan for promoting indigenous health, serving as an embryo for the recent work of Doutores da Amazônia in the State of Amapá, which, as a pilot project, demonstrated its viability and the potential for changing perspectives in the area.

Stress granules and organelles: Coordinating cellular responses in health and disease.

Membrane-bound organelles and membraneless organelles (MLOs) coordinate various biological processes within eukaryotic cells. Among these, stress granules (SGs) are significant cytoplasmic MLOs that form in response to cellular stress, exhibiting liquid-like properties alongside stable substructures. SGs interact with diverse organelles, thereby influencing cellular pathways that are critical in both health and disease contexts. This review discusses the interplay between SGs and organelles and explores the methodologies employed to analyze interactions between SGs and other MLOs. Furthermore, it highlights the pivotal roles SGs play in regulating cellular responses and the pathogenesis of ALS. Gaining insights into these interactions is essential for deciphering the mechanisms underlying both physiological processes and pathological conditions.

83 What is social paediatrics and how do we teach it? A scoping review of social medicine curricula in the child and youth health context across health disciplines

Abstract Background Social paediatrics is a field that focuses on addressing social and environmental factors that affect children’s health and wellbeing1. Over recent years in medical education, social paediatrics has become increasingly recognized as foundational to undergraduate and postgraduate paediatrics curricula. Paediatric residency programs worldwide have been developing and offering social paediatrics curricula, yet we lack understanding of effective strategies for teaching it to medical trainees. 1. Spencer N, Colomer C, Alperstein G, et al. Social paediatrics. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2005;59(2):106-108. doi:10.1136/jech.2003.017681 Objectives We conducted a scoping review to describe the various educational interventions used to teach content and practice related to social paediatrics. Design/Methods We conducted a scoping review to describe the various educational interventions used to teach content and practice related to social paediatrics. Our literature search first drew upon Ovid MEDLINE and MedEd PORTAL, with subsequent studies identified through reference searching in relevant articles. We included studies that described and/or evaluated educational interventions aimed to teach elements of social paediatrics. We excluded studies published before 2000. We extracted data from the selected articles and conducted thematic analysis. Results Our search yielded 443 articles. Initial screen by title and/or abstract and subsequent screen by abstract and/or full text yielded 28 papers. Where it was unclear if studies met inclusion criteria, two additional researchers reviewed the full text. With the addition of articles found in references of the provisional articles, a total of 36 papers were included in the review. Of those, 17 (47%) described curricular interventions at the level of paediatric residency, 7 (19%) described medical school curricula, and 8 (22%) included non-medicine fields such as dentistry, nursing, research, and others. Fifty percent of curricula required self-directed learning, while a different 50% subset had a formal reflection process as part of learning consolidation. We organized the literature thematically into the following themes: interdisciplinary collaboration, community partnership, advocacy training, and experiential learning. Conclusion Our scoping review describes a variety of curricular interventions aimed to teach elements of social paediatrics, with a large focus on social determinants of health, primarily poverty, and a relative lack of focus on the underlying structural, systemic, and social justice issues underpinning these health determinants. We need to consider how the pedagogical strategies on offer can be purposed towards the development of more robust social paediatrics curricula at the postgraduate level.

Examining differences in the effects and contexts of naturalistic psilocybin use for White participants vs. Participants of Color: A longitudinal online survey study

BackgroundPsilocybin (a psychoactive compound found in “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms”) has been gaining increased attention in research and popular culture as a number of clinical and observational studies have demonstrated that it may have potential for improving mental wellbeing. Relatedly, there has been a substantial uptick in naturalistic (e.g., real-world, non-clinical) psilocybin use in the United States. While a number of longitudinal studies have demonstrated that naturalistic psilocybin use is linked to positive mental health outcomes on average, few studies have examined how the effects of psilocybin and contexts for psilocybin use may differ for White populations compared to Populations of Color. ObjectiveTo examine differences in health outcomes, subjective effects, and contexts of naturalistic psilocybin use in White participants compared to Participants of Color. MethodsThis study used data from a large, online longitudinal study of individuals who planned to engage in naturalistic psilocybin use (N = 2833). We used mixed-effects models to assess whether race/ethnicity (White vs. Participant of Color) moderated associations between time (Time 2 [initial assessment point for longitudinal measures], Time 5 [2–4 weeks post-psilocybin experience, and Time 6 [2–3 months post-experience]) and outcomes related to mental health (depression, anxiety, spiritual wellbeing, cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation [expressive suppression + cognitive reappraisal]). We also used exploratory chi-squared tests to examine differences in contexts for psilocybin use as well as differences in subjective effects related to the psilocybin experience. ResultsRace/ethnicity moderated the associations between time for predicting spiritual wellbeing (beta = −1.8; 95 % CI [−3.4, −0.17]; p < 0.05), cognitive flexibility (beta = −1.5 [−2.7, −0.26]; p < 0.05), and emotion regulation – expressive suppression (beta = 0.25 [0.06, 0.44]; p < 0.05) at Time 6 (but not Time 5). Additionally, Participants of Color reported minor differences in subjective effects and context for use compared to White participants (e.g., more likely to have set an intention prior to use, report time speeding up during the experience, etc.). We found reductions in anxiety and depression for both Participants of Color and White participants, and our moderation tests for these outcomes were not significant. ConclusionRace/ethnicity impacts the associations between psilocybin use and various markers of mental wellbeing. Future longitudinal studies and experimental studies with larger samples of color can further elucidate the preliminary findings from this study.

Implications of Personal Data Protection Law in Consumer Health Data Management to Improve Secure and Confidential Handling in Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of the implementation of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDP Law) on the management of consumer health data in Indonesia, with a focus on enhancing secure and confidential handling. In the midst of the rapidly evolving digitalisation era, the management of personal data, especially those related to health information, requires strict and effective legal regulation. This is becoming increasingly urgent given the increasing incidents of data leaks and privacy violations, one of which occurred in the leak of the Indonesian Ministry of Health's server which collected 6 million patient medical record data. The research method used is normative juridical with a conceptual approach and a statutory approach, where secondary data is broken down into three different types of legal materials, namely primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. The PDP Law and Consumer Protection Law are the primary legal sources, accompanied by the use of relevant literature as secondary legal sources as well as dictionaries and encyclopedias as tertiary legal materials to further explain. The novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the existing regulations and their applicability in the health context, as well as considering the increasing public awareness of their rights to personal data. The results show that although challenges such as uneven technological infrastructure and lack of awareness among health staff still exist, the measures taken through the PDP Law have created a strong foundation for better health data protection in the future, improving security and confidentiality in health data management.

Antibiotic prescription, dispensing and use in humans and livestock in East Africa: does morality have a role to play?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human and livestock health. Although AMR is driven by use of antimicrobials, it is often attributed to "misuse" and "overuse", particularly for antibiotics. To curb resistance, there has been a global call to embrace new forms of moral personhood that practice "proper" use, including prescription, dispensing and consumption of antimicrobials, especially antibiotics. This paper seeks to reflect on complex questions about how morality has become embedded /embodied in the AMR discourse as presented in the data collected on antimicrobial prescription, dispensing and use in human and livestock health in Tanzania, primarily focusing on antibiotics. This reflection is anchored on Jarrett Zigon's morality framework that is comprised of three dimensions of discourse; the institutional, public, and embodied dispositions. The data we use within this framework are derived from a qualitative study targeting human and animal health care service providers and community members in northern Tanzania. Data were collected through 28 in-depth interviews and ten focus group discussions and analysed through content analysis after translation and transcription. In addition, a review of the Tanzania's National Action Plans on antimicrobial resistance was conducted. Application of the framework demonstrates points of convergence and divergence in the institutional morality discourse articulated by the Tanzania National Action Plans, the public discourse and the embodied dispositions/ lived experiences of human and animal health care service providers and community members. We demonstrate that AMR is not just associated with "inappropriate" behaviour on the part of drug prescribers, dispensers, and users but also with shortcomings in health systems and service delivery. Antibiotic dispensing and use practices that may be associated with the development of AMR should not be viewed in isolation from the broader health context within which they occur.

Market concentration of the Brazilian hospital medical supplementary health system

BackgroundThe Brazilian supplementary health market has undergone transformations in recent years due to constant mergers and acquisitions of by large corporations, contributing to the increase in market concentration, especially in the poorest and least developed regions of the country. Thus, given the care it provides and its economic relevance, understanding the fundamentals of these movements, the likely consequences and trends for the health market are relevant, important, and strategic.ObjectiveTo understand the general and specific context of Brazilian supplementary health, its scenarios, and trends, with emphasis on the analysis of market concentration and recent mergers and acquisitions.MethodologyThe research is applied, descriptive and exploratory and uses secondary data from various sources, submitted to quantitative data analysis methods. The data are organized into three groups: historical and regulatory documents; industry data; and market.ResultsThe results show the growing concentration of the market promoted by large publicly traded corporations, the growing relevance of tech startups on the healthcare landscape, the predominant use of the relative valuation model, with implicit multiples for asset pricing and the prevalence of corporate health plans.ConclusionThe growing concentration of the system projects a market with fewer options and less competitiveness, since the growth of large operators is evident, in addition to the relevant increase in the number of complaints from users of the system, which signals the growing gap between the expectations of users and the levels of quality care offered. The study also highlights the predominance of corporate health plans, revealing the direct relationship between access to supplementary health services and employability rates. The analysis of M&A operations, in addition to the increase in market concentration, reveals the prevalence of the use of the relative valuation model and implicit multiples for the pricing of traded assets. This denotes the future expectation of wealth generation, at least equivalent to the historical series of the sector, on the part of investors, whose frustration may signal the decreasing attractiveness of resources and M&A operations in the sector in the coming years.

Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the Peer-led Hub-and-Spoke Community Aphasia Group program

ABSTRACT Background Several programs addressing the long-term impacts of aphasia after stroke show promise. However, barriers restrict their implementation at scale. Hub-and-spoke models of care operate in several health contexts to reduce the health care costs associated with health professionals providing all direct services, and to improve the reach of services to communities at distance from the main service. We developed the Peer-led Hub-and-Spoke Community Aphasia Group (Peer-led HS CAG) program to address staff and service availability barriers. The Peer-led HS CAG organises service through a “Hub” of allied and mental health professionals, led by a speech pathologist, who provide consultative and occasional direct services to the aphasia group. The “spokes” are volunteers with and without aphasia, trained and supported by the “Hub” staff to facilitate groups in the community. Aims We aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Peer-led HS CAG program to address long-term impacts of aphasia. Methods & Procedures In a Phase I, proof of concept, mixed methods design we utilised: (1) a pre-post observational quantitative design; (2) an embedded qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews of group facilitators and participants. Four health professionals from speech pathology, psychology, art therapy, and music therapy formed the Hub. Four volunteers were trained as group facilitators over two, half-day sessions prior to the group programs commencing. The 12-week group programme was delivered twice in a community setting, consisting of weekly 2-hour sessions. Seven people with aphasia attended: four in programme one, three in program two. The group program consisted of four compulsory topic sessions and eight “members choice” sessions. Seven close others attended four of the twelve program sessions: two with their family members with aphasia; two with specific “hub” staff input. During the remaining eight weeks of the program close others chose whether to meet independently. Outcome measures were taken at four time points: 6 weeks pre-program; immediately pre-program; immediately after-program; 6-week follow up. Outcomes & Results Four participants showed clinically meaningful gains in communication-related quality of life and three in functional communication immediately post-program or at 6-week follow up. Qualitative interviews confirmed the feasibility and overall acceptability of the program. Close others requested additional sessions specific to their needs. Conclusions The Peer-led HS CAG program is a feasible and acceptable way to address the current lack of community aphasia groups. Future phase II and III research should explore the efficacy and costs of this model.

Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction among Mental Health Nurses: A Systematic Review.

Job satisfaction is crucial for healthcare professionals, and understanding its influencing factors is essential for fostering a positive work environment, reducing turnover rates, and improving the overall quality of patient care. This systematic review examined the factors linked to nurse job satisfaction in psychiatric hospitals and diverse psychiatric settings, analyzing the findings through the lens of Herzberg's theory. Despite existing evidence, gaps remain in understanding the differences in factors affecting job satisfaction across various settings. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review by searching six databases, namely PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, and APA PsycNet. Our search yielded an initial 567 studies published between January 2014 and February 2024, which were subsequently screened and evaluated based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Following this process, a total of 16 studies were deemed eligible for final analysis. Each of these selected studies underwent an independent review by two authors, utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist tool to ensure rigorous assessment. The findings revealed that interpersonal relationships, working conditions, and recognition were the most frequently reported factors associated with nurse job satisfaction, along with various extrinsic, intrinsic, personal, emotional, and psychosocial factors. Notably, psychiatric hospitals showed a mix of personal, extrinsic, intrinsic, and psychosocial factors influencing job satisfaction, with demographic factors being the most frequently examined. In contrast, diverse psychiatric settings focused more on external aspects impacting job satisfaction. The review highlights the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors and suggests that future research should employ more robust methods and consider psychiatric hospitals and other mental health contexts. Herzberg's theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the factors associated with nurse job satisfaction.

Genomics and Bioinformatics in One Health: Transdisciplinary Approaches for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

The One Health concept underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, necessitating an integrated, transdisciplinary approach to tackle contemporary health challenges. This perspective paper explores the pivotal role of genomics and bioinformatics in advancing One Health initiatives. By leveraging genomic technologies and bioinformatics tools, researchers can decode complex biological data, enabling comprehensive insights into pathogen evolution, transmission dynamics, and host-pathogen interactions across species and environments (or ecosystems). These insights are crucial for predicting and mitigating zoonotic disease outbreaks, understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns, and developing targeted interventions for health promotion and disease prevention. Furthermore, integrating genomic data with environmental and epidemiological information enhances the precision of public health responses. Here we discuss case studies demonstrating successful applications of genomics and bioinformatics in One Health contexts, such as including data integration, standardization, and ethical considerations in genomic research. By fostering collaboration among geneticists, bioinformaticians, epidemiologists, zoologists, and data scientists, the One Health approach can harness the full potential of genomics and bioinformatics to safeguard global health. This perspective underscores the necessity of continued investment in interdisciplinary education, research infrastructure, and policy frameworks to effectively employ these technologies in the service of a healthier planet.

Global Climate Change, Mental Health, and Socio-Economic Stressors: Toward Sustainable Interventions across Regions

Global climate change’s pervasive impacts extend beyond the environment, significantly affecting mental health across diverse regions. This study offers a comprehensive multi-regional analysis spanning Asia, Africa, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, addressing three critical gaps in existing research: (i) the necessity of a global scope given climate change’s widespread impact, (ii) the under-researched mental health dimension compared to general health effects, and (iii) the integration of climate and mental health data. Using data from 1970 to 2020, we found a strong correlation between climate change and rising mental disorders globally. Regional patterns emerged, with Asia, Africa, and Oceania showing broader associations with various mental health issues, while Europe and the Americas saw increases in anxiety and depression. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between climate change, mental health, and sustainability. By addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, we can identify sustainable solutions that promote both environmental well-being and human well-being. Our findings highlight the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change’s mental health effects and provide insights for tailored interventions and public health strategies. Additionally, socio-economic factors like unemployment, urbanisation, GDP growth, and globalisation are incorporated to explore the intricate interplay between climate change, mental health, and societal contexts, offering a clearer understanding of the mechanisms at play.

Lipidomics in Periodontal Disease Research: A Systematic Review.

Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent oral pathology in the human population, which has a significant local and systemic impact. Currently, multi-omics analyses, including lipidomics, are fundamental to obtaining an in-depth molecular understanding of the individual. Lipidomics is dedicated to the study of lipid species and their interactions in various health contexts. This specific multi-omics analysis is important for understanding the alteration of metabolism and signaling in disease, identifying biochemical markers, and potential therapeutic targets. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the existing scientific literature on lipidomics in periodontal disease and thus determine which molecules have already been analyzed and their potential in this specific disease. This study followed the recommendations of the PRISMA 2020 methodology. The inclusion criteria used were articles published in indexed journals between 2000 and 2023, written in English, and establishing an exclusive relationship about lipidomics in human periodontal disease. The articles were searched in three different databases. Considering the criteria defined, only six articles were selected and zed individually in detail. In four of the six studies, differences in the lipidome of individuals with periodontal disease were identified. Furthermore, phosphoethanolamine ceramide was found to have potential as a diagnostic biomarker. Finally, the therapeutic potential of a lipoxin A4 analogue was also identified. These results reinforce the need for future research in this area so that the consequences of this disease on the lipidome can be identified.

Multicentric Study on Enteric Protists Occurrence in Zoological Parks in Portugal.

Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals play a major role in the transmission of disease, which in turn may result in financial and productive losses. Notwithstanding, studies on the burden and distribution of diarrheagenic protists in zoological gardens are still insufficient. Given the close animal-animal and animal-human interaction in these settings, Public Health concerns under the One Health context are raised. Using molecular detection tools and phylogenetic analysis, the goal of this study was to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic protists-Balantioides coli, Blastocystis sp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.-in animals residing in zoological parks in Portugal. Occurrence of Eimeria spp. was also assessed because of its veterinary relevance. Although Blastocystis sp. represents most of the positive samples obtained (11.6%; 95% CI: 0.08-0.17), all parasites were detected (B. coli (2.9%; 95% CI: 0.01-0.06), and Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Giardia spp. presented the same prevalence (0.5%; 95% CI: 0.00-0.03)). We also describe the first molecular detection of B. coli in a collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), of Blastocystis sp. in three different python species, and G. muris in a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), suggesting the broadening of the host range for these parasites.