Population Groups Research Articles

Why gender and sex matter in infectious disease modelling: A conceptual framework.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the differential impact of infectious diseases across population groups, with gender and sex identified as important dimensions influencing transmission and health outcomes. Sex-related biological factors, such as differences in immune response and comorbidities, contribute to men's heightened severity risks, while gender norms and roles influence exposure patterns, adherence to prevention measures, and healthcare access, influencing women's higher reported infection rates in certain contexts. Despite widely observed gender/sex disparities, infectious disease models frequently overlook gender and sex as key dimensions, leading to gaps in understanding and potential blind spots in public health interventions. This paper develops a conceptual framework based on the Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered/Deceased (SEIR/D) compartmental model to map pathways through which gender and sex may influence susceptibility, exposure, transmission, recovery, and mortality. Using a narrative review of modelling, epidemiological, and clinical studies, this framework identifies and characterises the main social and biological mechanisms on this matter-including gendered occupational exposure, differential adherence to preventive measures, and disparities in healthcare-seeking behaviour-alongside sex-based differences in immune response and disease severity. The framework also examines potential gender-related variations in epidemiological surveillance data, highlighting disparities in testing uptake and hospitalisation referrals that could influence model outputs. By synthesising these insights, this paper provides a theoretical foundation for integrating gender and sex into infectious disease models. It advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration between modellers, social scientists, and clinicians to advance gender- and sex-sensitive modelling approaches. Accounting for gender and sex can enhance predictive accuracy, inform intervention strategies, and promote health equity in pandemic response.

The temporal trend in frailty prevalence from 2011 to 2020 and disparities by equity factors among middle-aged and older people in China: A population-based study.

Frailty is a challenging issue in China, however the prevalence of frailty across different population groups and whether this is changing over time remain unclear. Unstandardized and age-and sex-standardized prevalence of frailty (95 % confidence interval (95 % CI)) (Frailty Index) in the overall sample and for subgroups defined by equity factors (PROGRESS-Plus framework) from 2011 to 2020 were estimated using analyses of cross-sectional surveys in adults aged 45 and older participating in 5 waves (N = 16,784 to 18,904 across waves) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Studies (CHARLS). Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of frailty by equity factors. Unstandardized prevalence of frailty increased from 13.6 % (13.0 %-14.1 %) in 2011 to 18.7 % (18.1 %-19.3 %) in 2020.The standardized prevalence increased from 13.5 % (13.0 %-14.0 %) in 2011 to 16.3 % (15.8 %-16.9 %) in 2020. Frailty was consistently more prevalent at advanced ages, in rural areas, among females, as well as those less educated, without social engagement, and non-drinkers. Based on the Poisson regression model, non-north region, being female and older, lower education, having no social engagement, smoking and non-drinking, and higher household capital consumption were associated with higher prevalence. The prevalence of frailty among the middle-aged and older population in China has increased. There will be an associated health and social care cost. Interventions targeted at older adults, those in rural areas, women, as well as those less educated, having no social engagement, and non-drinkers to mitigate the negative effects of frailty may be warranted.

Desing and methodological process for assessing quasi-experiments in virtual reality environments for deepfake recognition in the artificial intelligence era.

Desing and methodological process for assessing quasi-experiments in virtual reality environments for deepfake recognition in the artificial intelligence era.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and positive treponemal serology in Solomon Islands guest workers in Australia.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and positive treponemal serology in Solomon Islands guest workers in Australia.

Biometric analysis applied to three age classes of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in a population of central Italy.

Biometric analysis applied to three age classes of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in a population of central Italy.

Body mass trajectories from adolescence to adulthood in the United States: Effects of racial identification and adverse childhood experiences.

The non-Hispanic Black population in the U.S. has experienced one of the highest obesity rates, relative to the non-Hispanic White population and other racial groups. This study explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and racial identification influence body mass trajectories from adolescence to adulthood. Participants include non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White individuals from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 5438). The outcome measure was body mass index (BMI). The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ACE Module and the CDC's Kaiser ACE research were used to create ACE categories. Multilevel growth curve models were utilized to address the study's objectives. BMI trajectories were steeper among female respondents who experienced multiple ACEs ( = 0.035; p < .01) than among females without any ACE. Among females, BMI trajectories were jointly moderated by ACEs and race (likelihood ratio test: = 130.76, p < .001), showing stronger ACE effects among non-Hispanic Black respondents. However, ACEs were not statistically associated with mean BMI or BMI trajectories among male respondents. Results further indicated that the effects of multiple ACEs were more evident at early ages and had a more marked impact on BMI among non-Hispanic Black females than non-Hispanic White females. Unhealthy BMI gains, especially among females, could be reduced through targeted interventions designed to support non-Hispanic Black children and adolescents.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of population-based screening for 6-gene panel testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

10541 Background: Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) has relied on clinical and family history criteria. This approach, has been shown to overlook a significant number of mutation carriers who could benefit from preventative measures. Increasing evidence supports genetic testing in an unselected population, which facilitates the identification of more carriers and allows for the implementation of risk reduction strategies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of utilising an expanded gene-panel in an unselected female population. Methods: A Microsoft Excel-based simulation model of a hypothetical cohort of unselected and previously untested 30 years old women was devised to assess three strategies. Strategy 1: genetic testing of unselected women for mutations of a 6-gene panel BRCA1 , BRCA2 , PALB2 , ATM , CHEK2 and TP53 , Strategy 2: screening to individuals fulfilling family history (FH) criteria for HBOC testing and Strategy 3: no genetic screening. New Generation sequencing (NGS) using TrueSight hereditary cancer panel from Illumina was used as testing platform. The analysis includes quality adjusted life year (QALY) as a health outcome. The incremental cost-effectives ratio (ICER) is calculated using health-care costs and QALYs per treatment strategy, illustrating the additional cost in relation to the additional health benefit (QALYs) associated with the 6 gene-panel strategy compared to the FH-based strategy. One-way sensitivity analyses expressed as ICER, evaluates the uncertainty and the impact of specific parameters on the results. Results: A cohort of100 000 unselected women was simulated through the model over 80 cycles as well as women meeting criteria for HBOC investigation. The mutation carriers detected were 1307 and 191 for the unselected population group and FH respectively. As direct effect, 339 risk reducing surgeries (mastectomy or/and salpingo-oophorectomy) were performed in the strategy 1 compared with 50 in the strategy 2. The probabilistic analysis shows that if the willingness to pay is €100.000 per QALY, the unselected population-based testing has 75% probability of being cost-effective. Conclusions: Population-based screening with a six-gene panel has 75% probability to be cost-effective if the willingness to pay is over €100 000. This strategy reduces the number of (HBOC) cases and cancer specific mortality which strengthens the benefits of this screening strategy in cancer prevention. Outcomes. Scenario Outcomes Population-based FH-based Difference Life years 2 713 534 2 713 369 165 QALY 2 147 507 2 147 312 196 Cost per life years gained (€) 98 079 ICER (cost per QALY gained) (€) 82 642 Costs (€) Screening 13 311 720 163 417 13 148 304 Risk reducing Surgery 4 557 420 666 608 3 890 812 Surveillance 45 330 899 43 413 884 1 917 015 Cancer 180 119 575 182 884 672 -2 765 098 Total Cost 243 319 615 227 128 581 16 191 034

Barriers and drivers influencing people's behaviour towards COVID-19 public health and social measures in the Netherlands.

Barriers and drivers influencing people's behaviour towards COVID-19 public health and social measures in the Netherlands.

The epidemiology of antimicrobial resistant bacterial infection in Qatar: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the current silent pandemic responsible for approximately five million deaths annually. According to the WHO, antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global public health threats and the third leading cause of death worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analyses aims to provide Qatar's first comprehensive epidemiological assessment of AMR. We conducted extensive search of three databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) using broad search terms with no restrictions. The meta-analysis of prevalence was done using the Freeman-Turkey transformation and random effects models. Subgroup analysis was performed for three categories; the composite isolates, otherwise responsive isolates, and otherwise resistant isolates. The search yielded a total of 1258 publications, of which 55 publications were included. The overall prevalence of all isolates was 13.64 % (95 %CI: 6.80 - 22.11, I2=99 %), all the studies were cross-sectional of convenience sampling, conducted in healthcare settings. The subgroup prevalence for the composite isolates was 8.87 % (95 %CI: 2.72 - 17.77, I2=98.7), otherwise responsive isolates was 11.37 % (95 %CI: 4.31 - 20.72, I2=98.3 %), otherwise resistant isolates was 23.55 % (95 %CI: 10.12 - 40.14, I2=99.1). The otherwise resistant isolates stratified analyses revealed that ESBL prevalence was 38.94 % (95 %CI: 21.63 - 57.79, I2=99.2 %), MDR was 15.99 % (95 %CI: 2.46 - 37.00, I2=99 %), MRSA was 52.37 % (95 %CI: 13.91 - 89.50, I2=88 %), Nosocomial infections prevalence was 23.55 % (95 %CI: 10.12 - 40.14, I2=98.2 %). The ESKAPE bacterial strains accounted for the majority of resistance. Qatar's AMR overall prevalence is close to the global estimates, however the resistant isolates prevalence is higher than average according to the global estimates for high-income countries. The AMR public health response including national action plan to combat AMR and antimicrobial stewardship programs need to be orchestrated. AMR epidemiological research needs improvement in expanding coverage across diverse population groups to ensure greater clarity and precision in identifying bacterial infections and antibiotic classifications.

Trends in bladder cancer mortality: The influence of tobacco use and sociodemographic factors in the United States over two decades.

e16621 Background: Despite significant advancements in bladder cancer treatment, mortality rates remain high due to the disease's complexity. The effects of smoking and sociodemographic determinants on mortality from bladder cancer have not been well explored. Methods: We examined trends in bladder cancer mortality related to tobacco use from 1999 to 2023 using data from the CDC WONDER database. Deaths were grouped by age, race/ethnicity, gender, and rural/urban residency. Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated. Joinpoint regression was used to evaluate annual and average percentage changes (APC, AAPC). Results: A total of 49,511 deaths related to Bladder cancer and tobacco use were identified (10,076 &lt; 65y and 39,435 ≥65y) between 1999 and 2023. The AAMR increased from 0.08 in 1999 to 1.21 in 2016 and then decreased to 1.10 in 2023 (AAPC 13.2, CI (11.8-16.1), p = 0.001). For patients &lt; 65y, the AAMR increased from 0.01 in 1999 to 0.25 in 2019 and then slightly decreased to 0.22 in 2023 (AAPC 13.15, CI (11.34-16.17) p = 0.001). For patients ≥65y, AAMR increased from 0.42 in 1999 to 5.82 in 2016 and then slightly decreased to 5.24 in 2023 (AAPC 13.06, CI (11.79-15.68) p &lt; 0.001). For male patients, AAMR increased from 0.13 in 1999 to 2.13 in 2016 and then slightly decreased to 1.88 in 2023 (AAPC 13.20, CI (11.95-16.04) p &lt; 0.001). For female patients, the AAMR increased from 0.03 in 1999 to 0.46 in 2019 and then slightly decreased to 0.43 (AAPC 10.80 CI (9.39-14.94) p &lt; 0.001). For Hispanics AAMR increased from 0.16 in 2004 to 0.36 in 2016 and then decreased to 0.32 in 2023 (AAPC 2.33 CI (0.73-4.55) p &lt; 0.006, Non-Hispanics' AAMR increased from 0.08 in 1999 to 1.32 in 2015 and then decreased to 1.18 in 2023 (AAPC 13.24, CI (11.92-15.79) p &lt; 0.001. Regarding race, non-Hispanic whites (NHWs), the AAMR increased from 0.08 in 1999 to 1.45 in 2015 and then decreased to 1.33 in 2023 (AAPC 13.73, CI (12.41-16.62) p &lt; 0.001), non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs), the AAMR increased from 0.17 in 2003 to 0.72 in 2023 (AAPC 8.01, CI (4.95-13.79) p &lt; 0.001). From 1999 to 2020, as per the 2013 NCHS Urban-Rural Scheme for Counties, AAMR for residents of urban counties increased from 0.07 in 1999 to 1.05 in 2020 (AAPC 15.67 (14.03-19.69), p &lt; 0.001). For residents of rural areas, the AAMR increased from 0.12 in 1999 to 1.79 in 2015 and then decreased to 1.58 in 2020 (AAPC 13.04, CI (11.67-16.27) p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study illustrates a steadily increasing trend in AAMR for tobacco-related bladder cancer from 1999 to 2023, even though there has been a moderate decrease in most of the population groups in recent years. The highest increases were noted among individuals aged 65 years and older, men, and non-Hispanic whites. Even though there was still an increase in mortality rates among Hispanic populations, there was a recent decrease in AAMR. Rural dwellers had a higher mortality rate than urban, though the gap decreased in recent years.

Colorectal cancer and sepsis mortality among the elderly: Analysis from 1999 to 2020.

e15592 Background: Sepsis is a major cause of death among adults, especially those with colorectal cancer, a common cancer in older individuals. Despite healthcare advances, studies have noted a rising trend in severe sepsis-related colorectal cancer mortality since 2016, emphasizing the importance of exploring its long-term patterns and disparities. Methods: Analysis was conducted using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research (CDC WONDER) database from 1999 to 2020. Cases were identified using ICD-10 codes for sepsis (A40.0–A41.9) and colorectal cancer (C18.0–C20). Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 populations were calculated for adults aged 65 and older. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mortality disparities were assessed by age, gender, race/ethnicity, metropolitan/non-metropolitan, and census region. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 33,291 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to colorectal cancer and sepsis. There was a decline in mortality rate from 1999 to 2020 with an AAPC of -2.06 (95% CI: -2.35 to -1.76). The AAMR itself declined from 4.54 in 1999 to 2.92 in 2020 (AAPC: -2.06; 95% CI: -2.35 to -1.76). Mortality rates increased with age, with the highest CMR in individuals aged 85+ years (6.43) and the lowest in those aged 65–74 years (2.39). Males had a higher AAMR (4.58) than females (2.95), though females observed a greater decline (AAPC: -2.32; 95% CI: -2.71 to -1.92) than males (AAPC: -1.99; 95% CI: -2.23 to -1.74). AAMRs were similar among Hispanic (3.62) and non-Hispanic (3.63) populations. Among non-Hispanics, Black or African Americans had the highest AAMR (5.58) and the greatest decline in mortality (AAPC: -2.67; 95% CI: -3.43 to -1.92). The Northeast had the highest AAMR (3.853) with the steepest decline (AAPC: -3.48; 95% CI: -3.92 to -3.06), while the West saw the slowest decline (AAPC: -1.04; 95% CI: -1.76 to -0.34). Metropolitan areas experienced a greater decline (AAPC: -2.29; 95% CI: -2.60 to -1.96) than non-metropolitan areas (AAPC: -0.93; 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.36), with AAMRs dropping from 4.60 to 2.80 and 4.18 to 3.17, respectively. Conclusions: Although sepsis-related colorectal cancer mortality declined among adults aged 65 and older from 1999 to 2020, significant demographic and geographic disparities persist. Targeted interventions are needed to address disparities and slower declines in specific population groups.

Assessing the effect of environmental attitudes on waste material flow quality through agent-based modelling of citizen source separation behaviour.

Assessing the effect of environmental attitudes on waste material flow quality through agent-based modelling of citizen source separation behaviour.

Predicting the future: Socio-economic trends in Hodgkin versus non-Hodgkin lymphoma survival outcomes.

e19036 Background: Lymphoma, categorized into Hodgkin (HL) and Non-Hodgkin (NHL), is the most common hematological malignancy worldwide. NHL is the eighth most common malignancy in the US and accounts for 3.3% of all cancer related deaths. HL is a relatively rare entity with 88.9% 5-Year Relative Survival Rate in the US. Socio-demographic factors play a pivotal role in the incidence and survival outcomes. This study aims to compare the evolving epidemiological landscape of HL versus NHL in different socio-demographic groups. Methods: Incidence and mortality data for HL and NHL across 185 countries were obtained from the GLOBOCAN database which is publicly available. An explorative analysis was performed to assess temporal changes in these rates from 2022 to 2040. The incidence and mortality rates were stratified and compared across socio-economic groups to identify potential disparities and trends. Results: From 2022 to 2040, the global incidence of HL is predicted to increase by 7.3% in age group 0-39 years and by 43.3% in 40-85+ years, with an increase of 68.2% in mortality amongst 60+ age group. In contrast, the incidence of NHL is expected to rise by 47.5%, with a 53.3% rise in individuals aged 40+ and increase in mortality by 72.5%. The regional variations highlight significant disparities. For HL, the WHO African region (AFRO) is predicted to experience the highest increase in incidence (66.4%), followed by the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMRO) (47.1%). Mortality trends mirror this pattern, with the highest rise in the AFRO (69.8%) and the lowest in the EURO (19.7%). Similarly, NHL shows the most substantial increase in the AFRO (69.8%). Interestingly, mortality rates are expected to increase the most in EMRO (73.9%) and AFRO (69.8%). With income levels, HL incidence is projected to rise most in low-income countries (67.1%) and the lowest in high-income (6.5%). Mortality changes follow a similar trend, with the highest increase in low-income (68.1%) and the lowest in high-income regions (31.3%). For NHL, expected increase of 71.4% in low-income and 27.6% in high-income countries. Mortality changes peak in low-income regions (71.4%). With respect to the Human Development Index (HDI), low-HDI countries are expected to see the highest increase in HL incidence (64.5%) and mortality (65.8%). For NHL, low-HDI countries similarly exhibit the largest proportional rise in incidence (69.1%) and mortality (71.5%). Conclusions: The projected increases in incidence and mortality highlight significant global disparities amongst population groups based on age, region, and socioeconomic factors. Low-income and low-HDI regions face the steepest challenges, both in relation to incidence and mortality, contributing to disproportionately high mortality rates. Addressing these gaps requires global efforts to ensure equitable access to innovative treatments.

Understanding Cancer Care for Nursing Home Residents Living With Dementia: An Ethnographic Study

ABSTRACTObjectiveIn the United Kingdom (UK), 1 in 13 people living with dementia also have cancer. At some point, 41.3% of this population group will require care home support. Limited research has examined the care and support needs of people with dementia and comorbid cancer (DCC) in nursing homes (NHs). This study aimed to explore the care experiences of NH residents with DCC, their families, nursing home staff (NHS) and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and to identify challenges and good practices, to develop recommendations for practice improvement.MethodsA focussed ethnography using interviews, observations, informal conversations, and review of care plan documentation. Data were analysed using ethnographically informed reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsEight HCPs, Six NHS, 5 family caregivers and 7 residents with DCC were recruited from five NHs in Northern England. Two themes were developed: Complexities around cancer referral and treatment decision‐making and Relative invisibility of a resident's clinical cancer diagnosis. Findings suggested residents with DCC were not included in best interest decision‐making due to the potential distress knowing about a cancer diagnosis would cause. Families, HCPs and NH staff made collective decisions on the behalf of residents. Often cancer referral was deemed not appropriate. Thus, people with dementia had a clinical‐only cancer diagnosis, resulting in limited formal information about the cancer in care documentation and staff knowledge. Potential consequences of having a clinical‐only cancer diagnosis included: misattributing cancer symptoms to dementia, reactive care responses to cancer symptoms and the possibility of inadequately managed cancer symptoms.ConclusionsImplementing earlier discussions about feasible care outcomes is crucial. These conversations should include considerations around hospital referral for oncology care or care through palliation in the NH. Without appropriate recognition of a clinical‐only cancer diagnosis and support for staff it could lead to advancement of symptoms that might be challenging and less well managed. We outline several recommendations to support NHS to deliver person‐centred care to residents with DCC.

Leading Role of Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir in Achieving Hepatitis C Elimination in Egypt.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) management has historically been challenging, particularly in Egypt, the country with the highest global disease prevalence. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionised treatment, providing high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) with fewer adverse events compared to previous therapies. In Egypt, the locally produced generics of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DAC) have been integral to the national HCV elimination programme, treating millions effectively and affordably, demonstrating similar efficacy and safety to brand-name drugs. Although not currently present in most international guidelines, this cost-effective regimen offers a viable option for large-scale elimination programmes similar to Egypt's successful experience. This review synthesises real-world Egyptian data and highlights the efficacy and safety of the SOF/DAC combination in various population groups. High sustained virological response (SVR) rates were observed across diverse patient populations, including those with advanced liver disease. However, limitations regarding long-term follow-up, especially HCC surveillance, were identified, underscoring the need for further research. Additionally, the review underscores the success of local Egyptian pharmaceutical policies in reducing treatment costs and securing access for all infected individuals. The Egyptian experience offers valuable insights into the potential for replicating its success, particularly in other high-burden regions.

Air quality characteristics and health risk assessment of underground spaces in medical buildings in Xi'an

Abstract As urban expansion increasingly extends into underground spaces, concerns about the environmental quality of underground spaces in medical building have intensified. This study systematically investigated major airborne pollutants (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10.0, HCHO,and TVOC), within the underground spaces of medical buildings in Xi'an, China, examining their concentration levels, spatialtemporal distribution characteristics, contributing factors, and health risks. Pollutant concentration levels were measured through comprehensive on-site monitoring, and a multiple linear regression model was applied to identify key contributing factors. Additionally, the environmental health risks for different population groups were assessed. The results indicated that pollutant concentrations in the underground spaces of medical buildings exceeded regulatory thresholds, demonstrating pronounced temporal and spatial variability. Significant differences in pollutant concentrations were observed across different functional areas, with the highest PM concentrations recorded in the dining halls and the highest TVOC concentrations measured in the parking garages. The major determinants of pollutant concentration included spatial function, prior-hour pollutant levels, and pedestrian flow. Health risk assessments indicated that both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for staff significantly surpassed those for non-staff, with non-carcinogenic risks in certain functional areas exceeding acceptable limits. This study elucidates the characteristics of air pollution in underground spaces of medical building and its implication for public health, providing scientific evidence to inform spatial optimization strategies and enhance pollution mitigation efforts.&amp;#xD;

Reaching the “Last Mile”: describing community clinics implemented to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Peel region, Canada

BackgroundCOVID-19 hit Canada hard and exacerbated health inequities, notably among ethnoracially minoritized populations. By August 2021, some areas in Peel region (Ontario, Canada) continued to have high COVID-19 infection rates and low COVID-19 vaccine coverage. To increase first dose uptake, Peel Public Health implemented smaller community-based vaccination clinics in addition to pre-existing mass vaccination (fixed) clinics. This study describes these community clinics and those who received their first dose at a community clinic to determine whether local public health efforts to implement community clinics reached different population groups and whether these community clinics contributed to an increase in uptake of the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study using data from the Ontario COVID-19 vaccination registry (COVaxON). We included eligible Peel residents 12 years and older who received a COVID-19 vaccine within community and fixed clinics between September 2021 and August 2022. Clinics were classified based on clinic type (community/fixed), and location. COVID-19 vaccine uptake for smaller geographic areas designated by postal codes was calculated at the beginning and end of the study period. Clinic and attendee characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsThere were 177 community and 11 fixed clinic sites that operated during the study period. Community clinics administered 98,965 doses (27%) of COVID-19 vaccine and fixed clinics administered 264,021 doses (73%). A slightly higher proportion of first doses were administered in community clinics (8.1%) compared to fixed clinics (7.9%) and community clinics saw a higher proportion of first dose recipients from low-coverage areas (23% versus 19% in fixed clinics). Clinics in faith-based organizations, schools and shopping areas administered the most doses among community clinic locations. The absolute increase in first dose vaccine uptake was 11% over the study period.ConclusionsAlmost 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered in community clinics, which contributed to increased overall vaccine coverage in Peel region. A slightly higher proportion of first doses were administered in community clinics compared to fixed clinics and a higher proportion of doses to residents of low-coverage areas.

Plastic Biodegradation by Sediment Microbial Populations under Denitrifying Conditions.

Biodegradation is critical for eliminating plastic contaminants from environments, and understanding its mechanisms under in situ conditions is crucial. The plastic biodegradation process in sediments, a major reservoir of plastic contamination with reduced redox conditions, remains elusive. This study compared the plastisphere communities and metabolic potentials of typical polyethylene (PE) contaminants collected from the Pearl River Estuary to their counterparts in the surrounding sediments. The results revealed a distinct plastisphere community composition, with the consistent enrichment of a group of core plastisphere populations compared to those of the sediments. Functional genes related to both potential aerobic and anaerobic PE biodegradation were encoded by the core plastisphere populations. Microcosm incubations were performed to assess the PE biodegradation potentials under denitrifying conditions. The results demonstrated that the polyethylene (PE) mineralization efficiencies were comparable under aerobic and denitrifying conditions through incubations with 13C-PE. Development of functional groups on PE surfaces and the reduction in molecular weights further supported PE biodegradation under denitrifying conditions. The elevated laccase and lignin peroxidase activities implied their potential contribution to PE depolymerization under denitrifying conditions. Together, the sediment plastisphere microbiome holds the potential for plastic degradation under denitrifying conditions, which should be considered when assessing the fate of plastic contaminants.

Эпидемиология заболеваний зрительного нерва и зрительных путей взрослого населения в Хабаровском крае

Relevance. Currently, blindness and low vision are among the most important socio-economic problems not only in the Russian Federation, but also throughout the world. The prevalence of disability caused by diseases of the visual organs in Russia remains high. Due to the high disability rate of the working population, pathologies of the optic nerve (ON) are given special attention. At the same time, data on the causes of visual impairment and blindness vary significantly across regions. Purpose. Analysis of the level of general and primary morbidity of the adult population of the Khabarovsk region with diseases of the ON and visual pathways in the period from 2014 to 2023 against the background of the general incidence of diseases of the eye and its adnexa. The study at the regional level was conducted based on data from the ministry of health of Khabarovsk region for the period from 2014 to 2023. Material and methods. Statistical data on the overall and primary incidence of eye diseases and its adnexa in Khabarovsk region in the period from 2014 to 2023 were analyzed. Separately, in the adult population group (18 years and older), the overall and primary incidence in the category of diseases of ON and visual pathways was considered. Results. An analysis of the epidemiological situation of eye diseases in Khabarovsk region showed the importance of studying this problem. It was revealed that in the period from 2014 to 2023, there was a decrease in the overall incidence of eye diseases in Khabarovsk region. Against the background of a general trend towards a decrease in incidence, an increase in the incidence of ON and its pathways was revealed with a peak increase in indicators in 2020. In the structure of pathology of ON and visual pathways, the largest share is occupied by atrophy of ON. At the same time, it should also be noted that the incidence of multiple sclerosis in the region has increased by 1.6 times. Conclusion. Taking into account the increase in the incidence of diseases of ON and visual pathways, the outcome of which is atrophy of ON, it is necessary to pay attention to the development of clinical recommendations for the prevention, treatment and possible medical examination of patients with pathology of ON and visual pathways. Key words: epidemiology, morbidity, optic nerve, optic nerve atrophy

Customer Retention Methods in Automated Self-Service Technologies

his study aims to systematize existing theoretical and empirical data on customer retention methods in SSTs, focusing on a range of factors (convenience, trust, technological readiness, control, customer-to-customer interactions, and service recovery). Automated self-service technologies (SSTs) are becoming increasingly prevalent across various industries, yet ensuring long-term customer retention in these channels remains a significant challenge for businesses. The research was conducted as a systematic review of scholarly sources, including peer-reviewed articles indexed in international scientific databases. The analysis indicates that isolated measures (such as interface improvements or faster transaction speeds) rarely yield sustainable effects unless supported by mechanisms that foster trust, ensure security, and provide prompt compensation in the event of failures. The identified interdependence between convenience and trust underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to customer retention: even when convenience is high, users may abandon SST if they harbor doubts about the system’s security. A novel and important contribution of this work is its detailed examination of the role of customer-to-customer interactions, wherein positive and negative feedback from other consumers significantly influences the behavior of potential users. Practical implications include the opportunity for companies to optimally allocate resources: investing not only in technological upgrades but also in developing training programs, increasing transparency in data handling, and responding swiftly to disruptions. When the appropriate conditions are met, social outcomes include increased user satisfaction and engagement, though this also heightens demands for the accessibility of digital services to diverse population groups. Consequently, this work contributes to confirming and detailing the multifaceted nature of customer retention in automated self-service environments while identifying factors that can enhance customer loyalty and trust in such technologies. This article will be valuable to professionals and managers in the retail, banking, aviation, and hospitality sectors seeking to optimize self-service processes and increase customer loyalty by analyzing the impact of convenience, control, trust, technological readiness, and service recovery.