Health Research Research Articles

Developing a master of science in health research ethics program in Northern Nigeria: a needs assessment

BackgroundNigeria is an emerging hub of biomedical research, requiring additional trained bioethicists for ethical oversight of research studies. There are currently two graduate-level health research ethics programs in Nigeria. However, both are in the southern part of the country and no such training programs exist in the north. Strengthening the health research ethics skills and knowledge of Nigerian researchers across the country is necessary given the growing genetics research infrastructure.MethodsTo inform the creation of a Master of Science in Health Research Ethics program in northern Nigeria, we conducted a needs assessment comprised of semi-structured interviews with nine Nigerian bioethics experts. We used the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method to analyze interview transcriptions. Two authors independently read and coded each respondent’s transcript to identify emergent themes that represented each respondent’s answers. Within these overarching themes, the data points were grouped into subthemes.ResultsFour primary themes emerged with ten subthemes. Respondents believed that the program can fill a gap and strengthen capacity in health research ethics. They emphasized that the curriculum should be developed with an interdisciplinary lens and locally contextualized, and that students should be taught how to think critically through ethical scenarios. Respondents stressed that program leaders should recruit faculty and students locally who have the bandwidth to participate in the program. Finally, respondents noted the program should have university support to be sustainable.ConclusionOur findings will guide the creation of a master’s degree program that aims to build capacity in health research ethics in northern Nigeria and enhance the country’s growing prominence in global biomedical research. Through our needs assessment, we identified structural and content factors that can guide us in leveraging the strengths of the local institution and leaders in health research ethics while mitigating challenges in establishing this program.

Prevalence and predictors of permanent pacemaker implantation in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe primary objectives were to identify the predictors of new permanent pacemaker implantation in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The secondary objectives were to...

Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in bovine respiratory disease prevention, diagnosis, and classification.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading infectious disease in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses and welfare concerns in beef and dairy production systems. Traditional diagnostic methods for BRD typically rely on clinical observations and diagnostic laboratory tests, which can be time consuming with moderate diagnostic sensitivity. In recent years, machine learning (ML) and AI have emerged as powerful tools in animal health research, offering opportunities for improving BRD diagnostics and management. This review explores the current landscape of published literature on the use of ML and AI in BRD prevention, diagnostics, and classification. First, disease classification and pathogen identification models leveraging supervised models and metagenomic sequencing have identified specific community structure information in classifying specific BRD cases. From epidemiological datasets tracking disease outbreaks and risk factors, user-friendly platforms for producers and veterinarians are capable of being generated and deployed, providing customized scenarios, potential economic impacts, and pathogenic effects as a decision-support tool. Veterinarian-operated technologies, such as computer-aided lung auscultation stethoscopes, can automatically calculate lung scores and associated BRD severity likelihoods. Prediction and detection models used to leverage physical characteristics and feed consumption data provide novel methods of categorizing BRD risk. Finally, sensor technology monitoring behavioral or motion-based information provides continuous data on animal health and can enable early automated detection of BRD symptoms. Through synthesizing research in these key areas, this narrative review highlights the transformative potential of AI and ML in improving the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of BRD diagnostics, enhancing disease control and cattle welfare.

Designing participation-promoting digital health literacy : Experiences from developing acourse programme for people with chronic diseases

Patient organisations are increasingly calling for aparticipatory approach to health research. In the "KundiG- Klug und digital durch das Gesundheitswesen" project, the perspective of chronically ill people was included in the development of atraining programme for digital health literacy (dGK). The aim of this work is to show the personal effort involved in the participatory development of atraining programme and the prerequisites for this. During the project period (April 2021 to March 2023), abasic concept was developed by the researchers and continuously refined in astructured participatory process with regard to content, depth of topics, procedure, didactics and course materials. Aparticipation model was created for this purpose. Aformative evaluation took place as part of eightpilot courses. Atotal of 20people were involved in the working groups and the evaluation, including 6from organised self-help, 3from BARMER and 11from the Hannover Medical School. The participatory collaboration was labour intensive and tightly scheduled, meaning that not all members were able to participate to the same extent. The result was an internet-based training programme that received positive feedback and suggestions for improvement from the participants in the pilot courses. The result was a15-hour online course to promote dGK, a300-page course manual and sixdigital, accessible booklets. Participation meant the active involvement of all participants in the entire process, ahigh number of appointments, the consideration of different perspectives and aconstant endeavour to reach aconsensus. Prior training of the participants could be helpful in future projects. The roll-out of the programme and continuous evaluation in the context of self-help are in preparation.

The bergen 4-day treatment for panic disorder: a longer-term follow-up

IntroductionBergen 4-Day treatment (B4DT) is a form of concentrated exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in which patients receive treatment over four consecutive days. Previous studies have shown B4DT to be a promising treatment format for panic disorder (PD), although the long-term stability of treatment gains requires additional study.AimThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the longer-term effectiveness of B4DT for patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. This study extends a previously published study by providing a long-term follow-up of the same cohort (n = 30), initially assessed at three months post-treatment.MethodThirty patients with panic disorder were consecutively included in a retrospect open trial. The primary outcome measure was the Panic Disorder Severity Scale. The secondary outcome measures were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Outcomes were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, 3-month follow-up, and longer-term follow-up (with a mean time of 18 months).ResultsThere was a significant reduction in panic disorder symptoms from pretreatment to longer-term follow-up (d = 5.03, 95% CI [18.55, 21.12] to [1.33, 3.87]). The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) mean decreased from 19.83 (SD = 0.64, 95% CI [18.55, 21.12]) before treatment, to 4.37 (SD = 0.64, 95% CI [2.98, 5.76]) post-treatment, followed by further decreases at the 3-month follow-up to a mean of 2.84 (SD = 0.64, 95% CI [1.45, 4.22]), and at the longer-term follow-up to 2.60 (SD = 0.64, 95% CI [1.33, 3.87]). There was no significant difference in symptom severity between the 3-month and 18-month assessments, indicating a sustained improvement (p <.001). At the 18-month follow-up, 90% of the patients were classified as being in remission. There were also significant reductions in symptoms of depression (d = 1.44) and generalized anxiety (d = 1.62) that were maintained at the longer-term follow-up assessment.ConclusionThe results from the current study indicated that the treatment effects of B4DT are stable over time and that the treatment format appears to be promising for PD. Confirming these preliminary results in rigorous study designs is needed.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics of Northern Norway (REK Nord-2021/209619).

A Comparative Analysis of Three Large Language Models on Bruxism Knowledge.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been widely used in health research, but the effectiveness of large language models (LLMs) in providing accurate information on bruxism has not yet been evaluated. To assess the readability, accuracy and consistency of three LLMs in responding to frequently asked questions about bruxism. This cross-sectional observational study utilised the Google Trends tool to identify the 10 most frequent topics about bruxism. Thirty frequently asked questions were selected, which were submitted to ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4 and Gemini at two different times (T1 and T2). The readability was measured using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKG) metrics. The responses were evaluated for accuracy using a three-point scale, and consistency was verified by comparing responses between T1 and T2. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, chi-squared tests and Cohen's kappa coefficient considering a p value of 0.5. In terms of readability, there was no difference in FRE. The Gemini model showed lower FKG scores than the Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT)-3.5 and GPT-4 models. The average accuracy of the responses was 68.33% for GPT-3.5, 65% for GPT-4 and 55% for Gemini, with no significant differences between the models (p = 0.290). Consistency was substantial for all models, with the highest being in GPT-3.5 (95%). The three LLMs demonstrated substantial agreement between T1 and T2. Gemini's responses were potentially more accessible to a broader patient population. LLMs demonstrated substantial consistency and moderate accuracy, indicating that these tools should not replace professional dental guidance.

Identifying strategies for disseminating research to patients with chronic kidney disease and caregivers: a workshop report.

Health research results are primarily disseminated through scientific peer-reviewed journals and are not readily accessible to patients and caregivers, which can impede informed decision-making and limit the impact of research on patient outcomes. The aim of the workshop was to identify strategies to disseminate research in chronic kidney disease (CKD) to patients and caregivers. The workshop involved patients, caregivers (n=27), and health professionals (n=54) from Australia (ten breakout groups). The transcripts were thematically analysed. Three themes (strategies) were identified. Generating interest encompassed emphasising the benefits and impacts of research, using engaging modes of delivery, increasing visibility in clinical settings, and harnessing popular culture. Eliminating barriers to access included ensuring free access to journal articles, translating into different languages, providing plain-language summaries, considering convenience in the context of CKD-related burdens, and maximising exposure. Demonstrating trustworthiness and repute entailed filtering for high-quality information and propagating through familiar networks and community-based channels. Ensuring ease of access to research; drawing attention; and prompting motivation; to engage in research, and instilling confidence in patients about the quality of research may support effective dissemination. Adopting patient prioritized models to increase translation of research may support shared decision-making in practice and improve care and patient outcomes.

"I Am the Minority of the Minority of the Minority, I Can't Help Thinking About My Brothers": An Intersectional Approach to Self-Care Strategies Developed by LGBTQIA+ Adolescents and Young People During COVID-19 Quarantine in Brazil.

We aimed to understand how COVID-19 impacted LGBTQIA+ adolescents' and young people's well-being and to explore self-care strategies developed by them to address such effects. A qualitative investigation was conducted with adolescents and young people including 39 men who have sex with men and transgender women aged 15-22years in Brazil. Data collection comprised digital-based diaries and semi-structured interviews and occurred during physical distancing measures. We adopted an iterative thematic analysis from an intersectional lens to examine how participants' multiple social identities-such as gender, sexuality, race, and class-influenced their self-care practices. The process of reflecting on and adapting to COVID-19-related restrictions prompted participants to recognize experiences that impacted their well-being throughout their lives, such as stigma, discrimination, and violence. Social class emerged as the primary factor in social differentiation, rather than race, leading to varied effects of the pandemic on participants' lives. In their quest for a sense of wholeness, participants became more critical of their relationships, often choosing to end toxic and abusive connections while seeking new sources of social support as a key strategy for protecting their well-being. Transgender participants noted that certain aesthetics within the transgender community could be oppressive rather than emancipatory. Engaging with new social media circles and participating in volunteer work were important forms of community engagement, particularly among Black participants. Future research on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the well-being of adolescents should prioritize articulating structural drivers of inequality in qualitative health research.

Development of a Health Impact Assessment Implementation Model: Enhancing Intersectoral Approaches in Tackling Health Inequalities- A Mixed Methods Study Protocol

Public health research presents compelling evidence that health is socially determined. To address structural inequalities and inequities in health, public policies require intersectoral development and implementation. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an established approach for analysing potentially detrimental health impacts of policies, programmes, and projects, as well as potentially positive impacts and opportunities. National public health policy, Healthy Ireland (2013–2025), endorses an intersectoral whole-of-system approach to ensure that health is a central part of all relevant policy areas. HIA is endorsed in this policy as one way to drive this agenda. Synergising with this policy commitment for HIA, the all-island Institute of Public Health Ireland produced revised HIA guidance in 2021. Two HIAs will be carried out as part of this project, including one at a local policy level, addressing the Cork City Development Plan (2022–2028), and the second HIA at a national policy level, addressing the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan (2024). The updated HIA guidance will be used in the conduct of these HIAs. This research project involves a co-creation of a Health Impact Assessment Implementation Model by employing an action research approach with implementation science frameworks to the conduct of the two HIAs. Therefore, the process of doing the HIAs will form the basis for the research study. In order to enhance meaningful community involvement in HIA in Ireland, the project will co-create a Community Engagement Toolkit for HIA. This Model will strengthen researcher, policy actor, practitioner, community, and voluntary sector capacity to collaboratively develop and implement intersectoral and equitable policy responses to major population health issues.

Protocol on a systematic review of nomenclature and outcomes in children with complex critical illness in Paediatric Critical Care: The basis for consensus definition.

Paediatric Critical Care (PCC) supports the recovery of children with severe illness. In the UK, there are 30 PCC units with a total of approximately 400 beds. There is constant demand for these beds with a mean five-day length of stay and admissions increasing at a greater rate than age-specific population growth. Prolonged stay patients account for approximately half of all PCC patient bed days. Children with complex critical illness (CCI) need input from multiple different teams alongside support for their family. CCI often become prolonged PCC-stay patients too. Internationally, there is variation in the definition of CCI, this creates service variation and tensions around what resources can be provided including discharge planning, provision, and support. Objective: The face of Paediatric Critical Care, in the UK and internationally has changed over the last ten years with a growing cohort of complex critically ill patients. This systematic review aims to look at current nomenclature, criteria, and outcome measures of priority in this undefined patient population. Inclusion criteria: All types of studies examining children with complex critical illness (age <18 years) admitted to any paediatric critical care. The review is registered on Prospero. Medline, Embase, Maternity and Infant care, The Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Trip database will be searched from 2014 to May 2024. The search was limited to ten years as children with complex critical illness are a relatively new concept within PCC. Therefore, the timeline was limited to increase the accuracy and applicability of the review. Search limits included all languages, excluded the setting of neonatal intensive care, and age>18 years old. The final search strategy was developed in Medline and peer-reviewed by a health research librarian not involved in the study. This was translated to other databases as appropriate. Four independent reviewers will screen citations for eligible studies and perform data extraction. A systematic review methodology has been used to develop a broad understanding of the literature which will be used to develop further work in this area. Using a rigorous and stepwise approach, the whole spectrum of scientific publications on children with complex critical illness in paediatric intensive care will be reviewed, ensuring this study is as comprehensive as possible. This includes quantitative, qualitative, theoretical, and grey literature. A limitation of this systematic review is the use of many terms to describe children with complex critical illness in the literature resulting in a high number of publications on this topic.

In Vivo Time-Resolved Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals Chemotherapy-Induced Transcriptional Dynamics in Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) using metabolic RNA labeling enables detailed analysis of dynamic gene expression within single cells. However, most studies are limited to in vitro settings, restricting the exploration of in vivo transcriptomic dynamics. To address this, we developed scDyna-seq, a time-resolved scRNA-seq method for in vivo applications using 4-thiouridine (4sU) labeling. scDyna-seq efficiently captures nascent RNA, allowing for precise tracking of gene expression in both in vitro and in vivo contexts, including crossing the blood-brain and blood-fetal barriers. It is also compatible with other single-cell multiomics approaches. In a mouse bladder cancer model, scDyna-seq revealed that cisplatin (cis-diaminodichloroplatinum, CDDP) induced significant dynamic changes in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, particularly in genes related to costimulation, effector functions, and exhaustion, which were not detected by conventional methods. When coupled with scTCR-seq, scDyna-seq showed increased TCR clonal expansion linked to CDDP-induced immunogenic death and neoantigen production. In conclusion, scDyna-seq offers safe, precise in vivo RNA labeling as well as single-cell analysis, expanding our understanding of cellular dynamics and facilitating research in health and disease.

Sustainable development goals and corporate sustainability reporting: a bibliometric analysis

Objective: This study analyses corporate sustainability reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2016, identifying trends, gaps, and areas for development in corporate practices and academic research. It addresses five research questions concerning the development of research, productive authors, emerging subtopics, relevant regions and institutions, and conceptual gaps in this field. Methodology: A bibliometric analysis of 589 publications from 2017 to 2022 was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection to map the research community and citation trends. Results: The analysis revealed a highly interconnected research community with significant citation growth, indicating expanding interest, especially in regions like Wales, Denmark, and Switzerland. Interdisciplinary engagement is increasing with contributions from environmental sciences and health research. Limitations: The study is limited to publications within the Clarivate database and may not capture all global research activities. Rapid changes in corporate reporting may outpace academic documentation. Practical implications: Corporations need more integrated and empirically supported sustainability indicators. Exploring blockchain technology to enhance reporting reliability offers a novel approach. The study serves as a reference for practitioners aligning corporate strategies with SDG targets and for policymakers strengthening reporting frameworks.

Two-Eyed Seeing and other Indigenous perspectives for neuroscience.

The integration of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge with biomedical approaches in neurosciences can significantly broaden the understanding of the human brain and mind. Drawing upon the writings of Elders in Canada, we refer to this integration as Two-Eyed Seeing or Etuaptmumk. We discuss how Two-Eyed Seeing and other dual perspectives can bring both breadth of knowledge and humility to the development of research and clinical practices for brain health. In this forward-looking discussion, we include both traditional academic and non-academic traditions and the work of Indigenous scholars on methodologies, life, health, culture, language and history. To describe challenges and consider solutions, we offer broad strategies for allyship, humility and universalism and situate them in four specific examples pertaining to disability, suicide, migration and the environment. We further advance the power of Two-Eyed Seeing in the context of new considerations for communication and public engagement. Two-Eyed Seeing, per se, is only one approach, but as neuroscience becomes ever more global, inclusive and ethically proactive, it must universally see the world of brain and mental health through the eyes of both reductionism and holism.

Comorbidity Networks From Population-Wide Health Data: Aggregated Data of 8.9M Hospital Patients (1997–2014)

Comorbidity networks have become a valuable tool to support data-driven biomedical research. Yet, studies often are severely hindered by the availability of the necessary comprehensive data, often due to the sensitivity of health care information. This study presents a population-wide comorbidity network dataset derived from 45 million hospital stays of 8.9 million patients over 17 years in Austria. We present co-occurrence networks of hospital diagnoses, stratified by age, sex, and observation period in a total of 96 different subgroups. For each of these groups we report a range of association measures (e.g., count data, and odds ratios) for all pairs of diagnoses. The dataset provides the possibility to researchers to create their own, tailor-made comorbidity networks from real patient data that can be used as a starting point in quantitative and machine learning methods. This data platform is intended to lead to deeper insights into a wide range of epidemiological, public health, and biomedical research questions.

Physical Activity and Its Relationship With National-Based Examination Results Among Adolescents.

This study investigated the longitudinal relationship between self-reported physical activity and national examination results among adolescents in an upper-middle-income country. This study engaged in a secondary data analysis derived from a closed prospective cohort consisting of 579 students, who were recruited at the age of 13 in 2012 and followed up at ages 15 (2014) and 17 (2016) as part of the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team (MyHeART) study, which was conducted across three states in Peninsula Malaysia. Physical activity levels were evaluated using the Physical Activity Questionnaire, and outcomes were assessed based on the National-Based Examinations at ages 15 (Form 3, Year 9) and 17 (Form 5, Year 11) in Malaysia. A multivariate ordinal regression employing complex sample analysis was applied to ascertain the relationship between physical activity and national examination results. In Form 3 (Year 9), those physically active performed better in Malay Language, English Language, Mathematics and Science. Those physically active in Form 5 (Year 11), performed better in Modern Mathematics, Chemistry, and Principles of Accounting. Longitudinally, there was an increase in the overall percentage of those who were overweight and obese and an increase in those with suboptimal dietary and iron intake. This study has shown that those physically active students fared better in several subjects in the national-based examinations. Suitable physical activity intervention should be tailored accordingly to support adolescents' optimum achievement in academia.

Validation of a Swedish version of the National Institute of Health - Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index.

Chronic primary prostate pain syndrome (PPPS), usually referred to as chronic prostatitis with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), affects approximately 10% of all men. The National Institute of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was developed for clinical assessment and research evaluation of this patient category. The objective of this study was to translate the NIH-CPSI into Swedish, including cross-cultural adaptation and testing it for validity and reliability. Material and methods: Fifty men with chronic PPPS participated in the testing of a new Swedish questionnaire. The initial translation included forward and backward translation followed by a comprehensive review by anexpert committee. The preliminary Swedish translation was tested for face validity and test-retest reliability. In all steps of the translation, both medical experts and laymen participated. Results: The Swedish translation showed a high degree of consistency with the original version. A few cultural adaptations were jointly agreed upon. The questionnaire was assessed to be clear to understand and having good face validity. The test-retest reliability showed an intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82-0.94) which indicates good to excellent reliability. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were 2.5 and 7.0 respectively. A Bland Altman plot showed no systematic difference between test-retest. Conclusion: This study brings to health care providers and researchers a Swedish version of the internationally recognised NIH-CPSI questionnaire having good validity and reliability, a beneficial addition in the management of men suffering from chronic PPPS in Sweden.

Tailored Approach to Designing a Digital Research Platform for Adults Aged 95 and older: SuperAgers Family Study.

The SuperAgers Family study aims to investigate phenotypic and genetic mechanisms related to healthy aging in nonagenarians, centenarians, and their family members. A remote study design was tested to demonstrate the feasibility of using digital technology to conduct health research within this rare population of advanced age. This paper describes key design elements of the digital research platform developed to deliver consent, enrollment, and study data collection in a cohort of older adults. SuperAgers participants aged 95 years or older, their offspring, and offspring's spouses were invited to join the study via media and community outreach. Participants completed registration, consent, submitted study data, and completed remote biospecimen collection via the web-based study app. Platform design elements and functionality were adapted for use by older aged adults. Qualitative process evaluation assessed usability and participant data entry completion throughout the study workflow. Preliminary data from SuperAgers (n = 160) of average age 98 years (± 3 SD) and offspring/spouses (n = 127) of average age 69 years (± 5 SD) were evaluated. 97% of participants in both groups successfully used the platform to complete eligibility screening, eConsent, and study surveys. SuperAgers and offspring successfully used the digital research platform to complete eConsent and submit study data. This supports the feasibility of conducting digitally enabled research in older-aged populations using tailored platform design elements that increase usability and minimize entry errors. These findings may contribute to the development of best practices for digitally delivered research studies in aging populations.

Endovascular Treatment of Stroke Due to Medium-Vessel Occlusion.

Whether the large effect size of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for stroke due to large-vessel occlusion applies to stroke due to medium-vessel occlusion is unclear. In a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label trial with blinded outcome evaluation, we assigned patients with acute ischemic stroke due to medium-vessel occlusion who presented within 12 hours from the time that they were last known to be well and who had favorable baseline noninvasive brain imaging to receive EVT plus usual care or usual care alone. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin scale score (range, 0 [no symptoms] to 6 [death]) at 90 days, reported as the percentage of patients with a score of 0 or 1. A total of 530 patients from five countries were enrolled between April 2022 and June 2024, with 255 patients assigned to the EVT group and 275 to the usual-care group. Most patients (84.7%) had primary occlusions in a middle-cerebral-artery branch. A modified Rankin scale score of 0 or 1 at 90 days occurred in 106 of 255 patients (41.6%) in the EVT group and in 118 of 274 (43.1%) in the usual-care group (adjusted rate ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 1.15; P = 0.61). Mortality at 90 days was 13.3% in the EVT group and 8.4% in the usual-care group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.12). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 14 of 257 patients (5.4%) in the EVT group and in 6 of 272 (2.2%) in the usual-care group. Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke due to medium-vessel occlusion within 12 hours did not lead to better outcomes at 90 days than usual care. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and Medtronic; ESCAPE-MeVO ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05151172.).

Ten Simple Rules for Making a Career Transition from Basic Science to Public Health Research

It is not uncommon for basic scientists to switch into public health research. Such career transitions present a variety of challenges and opportunities and can reinvigorate a career, lead to new skills, and provide the chance to contribute to individual and community health and social justice. Based on our respective experiences switching from applied physics to infectious disease modelling and from evolutionary physiology to cancer prevention and control, we propose ten simple rules intended to help researchers from other disciplines think about a transition to public health research. Together, these rules are largely about navigating between pairs of extremes related to why you want to move in a new direction, how to balance old and new expertise, and balancing humility with the confidence that you are bringing something important to the table. A career transition can also fulfill some of the basic motivators for a research career, including curiosity and a passion to try to solve important problems. Our career transitions proved deeply satisfying. We hope yours will as well.

Tracking graduate outcomes of undergraduate physiology major students.

Physiology graduates are well-positioned to pursue a career path in the high-demand healthcare industry, but students may lack awareness of the available opportunities. At Monash University, there has been a marked increase in student completion of the Physiology Major for the Bachelor of Science degree. Despite the projected employment growth across health professions, medicine remains the prioritized career aspiration for many physiology students. Alumni career paths are insightful to understand career trends and possibilities but there is currently no published information on the employment outcomes of Physiology Major graduates. The professional networking LinkedIn platform was used to track Monash University Bachelor of Science alumni, who graduated with a Physiology Major in 2017 and 2018 (n=286). Searching the alumni by name on LinkedIn identified 63% of these graduates (n=180), each of whose further study and profession at the time of data collection in 2023 was noted and categorically analyzed using a coding protocol. Physiology graduates were most commonly employed in health professions (43%) followed by research-related careers (18%) and business or law practice (14%). Of the health professions, a quarter of graduates were studying or working in medicine while the rest were working in allied health areas, with physiotherapy being the most common. Among those in research-related careers, just over half pursued doctoral qualification followed by 24% in research assistant roles and 15% in clinical trial coordination. These findings will reinvigorate the undergraduate physiology curriculum to broaden student awareness of and preparedness for career opportunities within the health professions and research workforce.