Community Resources Research Articles

The analysis of factors influencing patient choice of healthcare providers between tertiary hospitals and community clinics

BackgroundThe uneven distribution of medical resources in China has led to persistently low utilization rates of primary healthcare institutions. The tiered healthcare delivery system aims to optimize resource allocation and strengthen primary care, yet patient preferences for tertiary hospitals hinder its effective implementation. Understanding the factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviors is crucial for improving policies and promoting system efficiency.ObjectiveTo analyse the factors influencing patient choices between a tertiary hospital and a community health service center in Chengdu and provide recommendations for advancing the tiered healthcare system.MethodsA random sampling method was used in August 2023 to survey patients at a tertiary hospital (Group A) and a community health service center (Group B). The survey assessed demographics, health status, factors influencing provider choice, and awareness of the family doctor system. Chi-square, t-tests, or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for group comparisons, while logistic regression identified factors associated with primary care visits.ResultsAmong 865 valid responses (Group A: 420; Group B: 445; 92.02% response rate), Group A had significantly higher education levels and household incomes (p < 0.001), while Group B had higher chronic disease prevalence and family doctor contract rates (71.5% vs. 59.3, 44.5% vs. 25.5%; both p < 0.01). Positive factors for choosing community healthcare included better equipment and medication availability (46.9%), lower costs with higher reimbursement (45.0%), and convenient transport (41.2%). Negative factors included distrust in community care quality (39.1%) and limited familiarity with family doctors (32.8%). Logistic regression indicated that being over 60 years old (OR: 1.94, CI: 1.02–3.69) and awareness of the tiered healthcare system (OR: 2.48, CI: 1.56–3.96) were significant factors for seeking primary care.ConclusionPatients with higher education and income prefer tertiary hospitals, while chronic disease patients are more likely to utilize community care. Low family doctor contract rates and trust in community healthcare quality remain barriers. Strengthening community resources and promoting the tiered healthcare system could improve patient participation and alleviate pressure on tertiary hospitals.

V. I. VERNADSKY'S NOOSPHERE AND THE CONDITION FOR PROVIDING THE «DICTATORSHIP OF MIND» IN HUMAN COMMUNITIES OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF UKRAINE

The article, based on the analysis of the existing experience of using management technologies of involvement, participation and inclusion of human resources in the processes of development, adoption and implementation of management decisions important for the development of territorial communities (TC) of Ukraine, demonstrates that these technologies are still used in practical management to a very limited extent. This is caused by residual manifestations of the traditions of command-administrative management, inherent in the institutional structure of the Soviet period and the long-term impact on the formation of the consciousness of human resources on the principles of collectivism, centralized management and the laws of a non-market economy. It is shown that the radical changes taking place in Ukrainian society require adequate changes in public management technologies at all levels of the state management hierarchy and, first of all, at its basic level – territorial communities, for which it is necessary to intensify the use of the main resource of their population – social, integral or collective intelligence, capable and must ensure the «dictatorship of mind» in the management of the life of communities. A method, tool and conditions have been proposed, under which only people mentally oriented and prepared to work for the benefit of the community, and not personal or group interests and goals, will be included in the leadership and staff of a local government body. The results and conclusions obtained can potentially be used to manage the necessary changes in individual and group intellectual portraits of human resources of communities, which will require a number of additional experimental studies.

Teaching English Without An LMS: Creative Approaches to EFL Curriculum Implementation

This research examines the creative strategies used by English lecturers at Lakidende Unaaha University in delivering the EFL curriculum without the support of a Learning Management System (LMS). Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected through interviews and classroom observations to explore how lecturers overcome challenges arising from limited technological infrastructure. Findings show that lecturers have successfully implemented student-centered strategies by incorporating local cultural content, encouraging collaboration, utilizing offline tools, and involving community resources. These approaches have improved learning outcomes, motivation, and cultural pride among students. Despite the absence of an LMS, this method fosters motivation, cultural pride, and social skills while providing alternative assessments and reflective practices for tracking student progress. However, these approaches require a lot of time and expertise, highlighting the need for institutional support in providing technological infrastructure and professional development. This research shows that even without an LMS, effective and meaningful education can be achieved, but continued progress requires greater support for educators and students to ensure long-term success.

Availability of community resources reduces the association among community violence exposure, negative emotionality, and substance use disorders.

Exposure to community violence is associated with increased occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD). The self-medication hypothesis states that heightened negative emotionality may underlie the link between exposure to community violence and SUD. However, it is not well-understood if access to community resources, a broader public health approach, influences the purported psychological mechanisms underlying the link between community violence exposure and SUD. We examined whether negative emotionality mediates the association between youth-onset community violence exposure and having a SUD and whether community resources (i.e., density of social services, health care services, healthy food) moderate the relationship between negative emotionality and having a SUD. Moderated mediation analyses were used to test the indirect effect of negative emotionality and the moderating role of community resources on the association between negative emotionality and having a SUD. A sample of 376 participants was collected from New Haven (ages 18-73, 45.7% Black, 44.1% White, 7.6% Hispanic). There was a significant indirect effect of negative emotionality on the association between youth-onset community violence and having a substance use disorder (indirect effect=0.22, SE=0.07, p=.001, 95% CI [0.11, 0.38]; proportion mediated=0.24). Further, increased density of community resources reduced the relationship between negative emotionality and having a substance use disorder (β=-0.23, SE=0.07, p=.001, 95% CI[-0.36, -0.10]). Increasing availability of community resources may play a role in alleviating the suffering resulting from violence exposure.

Distribution of organic matter and diatom frustules (diversity, flux) along the western Indian continental shelf related to contrasting physicochemical settings.

The western Indian continental shelf (eastern Arabian Sea) exhibits contrasting biogeochemical features. This area becomes highly productive due to summer monsoon-driven coastal upwelling in the south and winter monsoon-induced convective mixing in the north. Additionally, in the northern self, the eastern boundary of the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) persists but is absent in the south. Phytoplankton blooms are dominated by diatoms that contribute to sedimentary phytodetritus flux supplying major elements (C, N, Si) and food for benthic biota and hence important to address. Here we present the data on organic matter content, diatom frustule flux, abundance, and diversity using surface sediments (core tops collected using a multicorer) from 6 locations (11-21° N) along the shelf in a 2° interval at 200m isobaths. The organic matter retrieved from the core top was relatively fresh (nearly ∼4.5 years old) as evident from 210Pb profiles. Frustule abundance and diversity (the maximum at 15° N and minimum at 19° N) varied from 0.10-18.46×104 valves g-1 and 0.79-2.32, respectively. A total of 36 diatom genera were found with two centric (Thalassiosira and Coscinodiscus), and one pennate (Nitzschia) diatoms as major contributors. The higher contribution of Thalassiosira was observed throughout the shelf dominating the south (11, 13, 15° N), whereas, in the north (17, 19, 21° N) Coscinodiscus was dominant. The highest organic matter content (3.4%) and frustule abundance (18.46×104 valves g-1) were seen at 15° N despite low diatom valve flux (3.3×103 valves cm-2 yr-1) and could be due to the influence of OMZ, where organic matter is well preserved. Contrarily, the upwelling-influenced station in the south (at 11° N) exhibited the highest diatom valve flux (10.14×103 valves cm-2 yr-1), however low organic matter content (1.6 %) and frustule abundance (4.99×104 valves g-1) were attributed to faster mineralization. This study suggested that the preservation potential of organic matter varies across the shelf and is likely to control its recycling, impacting nutrient release and resources for the benthic community.

The neighborhood walk: introducing first-year medical students to social determinants of health in underserved neighborhoods

BackgroundSocial determinants of health (SDoH) contribute to up to 80% of an individual’s health, underscoring its importance in medical education. Research has shown that community exposure and engagement during undergraduate medical education increases the likelihood of students working in underserved areas in the future. Given the limited research on the feasibility and educational effects of SDoH experiences implemented at the early stages of medical education, this study presents a unique perspective on an interactive learning opportunity during the preclinical curriculum. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the educational impact of an immersive social determinants of health learning intervention for first-year medical students.MethodsFirst year medical students visited one of five underserved neighborhoods in Pittsburgh during Orientation Week. Students received materials about neighborhoods and community engagement etiquette prior to their visit. Visits spanned four hours with two groups of approximately 15 students for each neighborhood, led by at least one faculty member and two student facilitators. Students visited two to four community organizations in each neighborhood and participated in a debrief session. Students completed a feedback survey, and results were analyzed with Chi-square Test of Independence (p < 0.05).ResultsThe survey response rate was 58.2%. Students ranked the intervention as “Excellent” (77%), “Above Average” (14%), and “Good” (7%). When asked to rate the comfortability of helping patients obtain community resources on a scale of 1–5, 64.3% of students rated 4 or above. Similarly, 91.6% of students rated 4 or above when asked about knowledge of available resources in their neighborhood. The major learning outcomes from students were richness of community resources/history (35.7%), food insecurity (26.2%), and dissipation of previous stigma (23.8%). There was a significant association between growing up in Pittsburgh and self-rating of comfortableness with helping patients obtain community resources (p = 0.02). Students who completed pre-visit materials were more likely to rate the materials (p < 0.01) and debrief session as helpful (p < 0.01).ConclusionsPrior exposure to and information about communities was found to enhance the neighborhood learning experience. This initiative demonstrates the benefit of early engagement with community resources and neighborhood-based health disparities in undergraduate medical education.

How have interventions targeting pregnant women from refugee, migrant and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in high-income countries been developed or tailored to meet community needs? A systematic scoping review of stillbirth-related literature

BackgroundPeople from migrant, refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experience significant disparities in pregnancy outcomes compared to the general population, including a higher risk of stillbirth. This study aimed to identify stillbirth-related programs or interventions for pregnant women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and explore how these interventions have been developed and/or tailored for culturally and linguistically diverse women.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus for articles published from inception to 12 Jan 2023. We included studies that report on the development and/or evaluation of a program or intervention to reduce the risk of stillbirth which has been specifically developed or tailored for pregnant women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in high-income countries. Two independent reviewers conducted screening of the articles, data extraction, and quality appraisal. We first summarized the descriptive information of eligible studies using text and tables and then thematically grouped interventions based on approaches to meet community needs and synthesized data qualitatively.ResultsWe identified 1999 studies from the database search. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 9 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Studies were conducted in Australia, the UK, US and Denmark between 1986 and 2021, with multi-ethnic populations (n = 6) or specific cultural and language groups (n = 3) (e.g. Pakistani and Indian women; African American and Hispanic population groups). Approaches to tailoring included the use of interpreters and translated materials, linking women to existing community resources and networks and community outreach delivered to women outside of hospital settings. Training of staff in cultural competence and multi-component, multiagency interventions addressing the wider social determinants of health and system-based approaches to facilitate access to language services were also identified.ConclusionWhile there are currently few targeted interventions for pregnant women from migrant, refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, approaches to cultural tailoring identified in this review can be used as a starting point for effectiveness testing and wider application. Ongoing work is needed to continue to address significant disparities in pregnancy outcomes for minoritised community groups. Protocol registrationThe protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021289321).

Hospital in-reach family-centred social prescribing pilot for children with neurodisability: mixed methods evaluation with social return on investment analysis

BackgroundSocial prescribing link workers support individuals to engage with community resources, co-creating achievable goals. Most schemes are community-based, targetting adults. Vulnerable populations including hospitalized children with neurodisability and their families, could also benefit from social prescribing.AimsTo pilot a hospital-initiated social prescribing service for children with neurodisability and their families; to explore its feasibility, acceptability and undertake social return on investment (SROI) analysis.MethodsMixed-methods cohort study with SROI analysis. We recruited children aged < 16y with neurodisability, identified during inpatient stays, their parents/carers and siblings. Participants received link worker support for 6 months, extending beyond hospital discharge. Pre- and post-intervention pilot data covered profile of needs (Support Star), quality of life (EQ5D/CHU-9D), wellbeing (WEMWBS/CORS) and financial strain. We undertook 22 qualitative observations of family/link worker interactions and 39 in-depth interviews with families, link workers and healthcare professionals. Together these data were analysed within a SROI to establish the costs and social value generated.ResultsOf 48 families supported by the service, 25 were recruited to the evaluation (26 children, aged 10 m-15y; 4 siblings; 36 parents). Baseline quality of life and wellbeing indices averaged below population norms. Link workers were highly effective at supporting families (only 6/151 goals unmet). Unmet need decreased by 6 months (Support Star, p < 0.001).Families reported having felt overwhelmed when trying to adjust to new ways of life post diagnosis/discharge before link worker intervention, with little support to navigate non-medical needs. Parents, link workers and health care professionals found link worker support invaluable for making community services accessible. Families then felt more connected to their communities, and less isolated, with increased belief in their self-efficacy. Families and healthcare professionals felt that the duration of support, and eligibility criteria, should be extended. Inputs to deliver the service for 1 year (49 families) were estimated at £74,736: outcomes for the 18 families studied were estimated at a value of £205,861.ConclusionHospital in-reach social prescribing is feasible, acceptable, and addresses a range of otherwise unmet needs of children with neurodisability and their families, showing a positive SROI. Other vulnerable patient groups could also benefit from this approach.Trial registrationISRCTN23306751 (2.8.22).

Patterns of microbial contamination on Northumberland Strait shores.

The re-emergence of episodic faecal contamination of Parlee and Murray Corner beaches, on the Northumberland Strait of New Brunswick, Canada, in 2017, raised renewed community concerns on the health, environmental and tourism sustainability of these community resources, and led to creation of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Shediac Bay Watershed (October 2021). In response we have to date compiled, curated and made accessible 205,772 microbial water quality data records spanning over 80 years from Southeastern New Brunswick and the Northumberland Strait. This dataset derives in large part from Shellfish Surveys completed by Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with data generated by multiple government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and citizen science sources. Records derived from these multiple sources are now deposited in the Gordon Foundation's DataStream (https://atlanticdatastream.ca), an open access common platform for sharing structured information on fresh and marine water health, delivered on a pan-Canadian scale, in collaboration with regional monitoring networks. We herein outline our data assembly, curation and deposition, along with preliminary analyses of contamination patterns at three representative sites on the Northumberland Strait coast of New Brunswick. Our results suggest that cumulative rainfall over 48 h is useful in predicting contamination risk at the developed Parlee Beach, and thereby demonstrate how open data can be used to inform policy and management decisions.

Fostering college access literacy for students and educators in school-university partnerships: a culturally responsive approach

PurposeThis practitioner-based manuscript describes the development and implementation of Focus on College Understanding and Success (FOCUS), a school-university programmatic model to develop College Access Literacy (CAL) among both students and educators in a Professional Development School (PDS) network. With an emphasis on teacher training, supplemental learning opportunities for students, and faculty-student-parent mentor/partnerships, this model was designed to apply a culturally responsive approach to achieving equity in college readiness programming.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is conceptual in that it presents an innovative idea to stimulate discussion, generate new ideas, and advance thinking about a collective impact school-university partnership initiative focused on supporting underrepresented students in pursuing higher education goals through participation in the FOCUS program. A thematic analysis was completed on focus group data collected for both educators and students who participated in the project. Data focused on the identification of both strengths and challenges of program development and implementation.FindingsThe paper provides insights and ideas related to how to structure a college access and success program that focuses on the assets that underrepresented students bring to college readiness opportunities designed for them by centering their struggles while uplifting their personal, unique abilities. Our results validate a college readiness program design and implementation process that relies on asset-based theoretical frameworks including Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) model and Moll et al.’s (1992) Funds of Knowledge (FoK) framework.Originality/valueThis study shows how school-university partnerships are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the strengths of students and their families in designing college readiness programming. By considering the local context and culturally responsive approaches to program development and implementation, programs like FOCUS can build on community resources and the teacher-student relationship to increase College Access Literacy (CAL) in both students and their teachers.

P-1462. Utilization of a Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Test to Treat in People Experiencing Homelessness with Street Medicine Outreach

Abstract Background Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) have disproportionately higher rates of untreated chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) than the public. Improved community funding and resources are needed to expand HCV rapid point-of-care (POC), confirmatory testing, treatment and follow-up. Given that PEH face competing priorities (unstable housing, food access, addiction, other infections), it is our role as clinicians to reduce barriers to HCV treatment, understand hesitancies for deferring treatment, and design programs to improve accessibility. This is the pilot project of a Street Medicine (SM) based initiative to use POC testing for HCV amongst PEH with linkage of care to a federally qualified health clinic (FQHC). Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment Protocol HCV- Hepatitis C Virus POC- Point of Care CHASS- Community Health and Social Services HbsAg- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen CBC- Complete Blood Count CMP- Complete Metabolic Panel Methods SM provides medical care to PEH outside of a hospital setting. Medical students and residents were recruited to form a HCV outreach team at Henry Ford Hospital and trained in HCV testing via OraQuick rapid antibody (Ab) test. During SM outreach, PEH were provided education on HCV and offered POC testing with a $10.00 grocery gift card. If a patient was identified as HCV Ab positive they were provided free transportation to a FQHC for confirmatory testing. If diagnosis was confirmed, they were evaluated for eligibility for simplified HCV treatment, check-ins to assess adherence and sustained virologic response (Figure 1). Results From February-April 2024, 103 PEH were tested using POC HCV testing on SM runs, with 4 positive results. 3 of 4 patients were confirmed for CHASS clinic appointments. 1 patient presented to clinic follow-up but deferred confirmatory testing bloodwork, demonstrating challenges in arranging for HCV clinic follow-up care. Conclusion Previous studies have shown that lack of insurance, prior authorization and referral process, active injection drug use or alcohol use, lack of knowledge of HCV treatment, and limited healthcare workforce and infrastructure have all contributed to the low treatment rate in the homeless. Using trusted community organizations with SM, this initiative aims to reduce testing and transportation barriers in order to eliminate HCV in PEH. Larger numbers of positive patients are needed to best assess the feasibility of the program, and if providing all testing and treatment at the point of care is needed to improve compliance. Disclosures Marcus Zervos, MD, Johnson and johnson: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Grant/Research Support Seema Joshi, MD, AbbVie: Grant/Research Support

Social inclusion programming for older adults living in age-friendly cities: a scoping review

ObjectivesCreating age-friendly cities (AFCs) is essential for supporting older adults’ well-being. The WHO’s 2007 guide outlines key features of AFCs, including social inclusion. Despite increasing numbers of AFC programmes, diverse...

Designing an online BCI forum: insights from researchers and end-users.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can support non-muscular communication and device control for severely paralyzed people. However, efforts that directly involve potential or actual end-users and address their individual needs are scarce, demonstrating a translational gap. An online BCI forum supported by the BCI Society could initiate and sustainably strengthen interactions between BCI researchers and end-users to bridge this gap. We interviewed six severely paralyzed individuals and surveyed 121 BCI researchers to capture their opinions and wishes concerning an online BCI forum. Data were analyzed with a mixed-method quantitative and qualitative content analysis. All end-users and most researchers (83%) reported an interest in participating in an online BCI forum. Rating questions and open comments to identify design aspects included what should be featured most prominently, how people would get engaged in the online BCI forum, and which pitfalls should be considered. Responses support establishing an online BCI forum to serve as a meaningful resource for the entire BCI community.

Invasion of temperate riparian forests by Acacia dealbata affects macroinvertebrate community structure in streams

The riparian forest determines many of the stream characteristics such as physicochemical variables and the availability and quality of food resources for aquatic communities. In central Portugal, native mixed deciduous forests are being heavily invaded by Acacia dealbata, which is an evergreen and nitrogen-fixing tree species, but effects on stream benthic macroinvertebrate communities are unknown. We assessed invasion effects on macroinvertebrate communities by comparing streams flowing through native forests (native streams) and streams flowing through forests heavily invaded by A. dealbata (invaded streams), in central Portugal. We did not find major differences in macroinvertebrate abundance, total taxa richness or diversity between native and invaded streams, due to high variation among native streams. However, taxonomic structure of macroinvertebrate communities differed between stream types, with invaded streams showing lower percentage of sensitive taxa. Macroinvertebrate communities structure based on functional feeding groups also differed between stream types, with a tendency for higher abundance of shredders and scrapers/grazers and lower abundance of filter feeders in native than invaded streams, probably due to altered composition of leaf litter inputs and canopy cover within invaded streams. Our findings suggest that invasion by A. dealbata affect macroinvertebrate community mostly in terms of taxonomic and functional structure. Since A. dealbata is rapidly spreading in all southern Europe, this study highlights the importance of enhancing the comprehension of its impact on aquatic communities to identify ecological risks and formulate effective mitigation strategies.

ExoSim 2: the new exoplanet observation simulator applied to the Ariel space mission

ExoSim 2 is the next generation of the Exoplanet Observation Simulator (ExoSim) tailored for spectro-photometric observations of transiting exoplanets from space, ground, and sub-orbital platforms. This software is a complete rewrite implemented in Python 3, embracing object-oriented design principles, which allow users to replace each component with their functions when required. ExoSim 2 is publicly available on GitHub, serving as a valuable resource for the scientific community. ExoSim 2 employs a modular architecture using Task classes, encapsulating simulation algorithms and functions. This flexible design facilitates the extensibility and adaptability of ExoSim 2 to diverse instrument configurations to address the evolving needs of the scientific community. Data management within ExoSim 2 is handled by the Signal class, which represents a structured data cube incorporating time, space, and spectral dimensions. The code execution in ExoSim 2 follows a three-step workflow: the creation of focal planes, the production of Sub-Exposure blocks, and the generation of non-destructive reads (NDRs). Each step can be executed independently, optimizing time and computational resources. ExoSim 2 has been extensively validated against other tools like ArielRad and has demonstrated consistency in estimating photon conversion efficiency, saturation time, and signal generation. The simulator has also been validated independently for instantaneous read-out and jitter simulation, and for astronomical signal representation. In conclusion, ExoSim 2 offers a robust and flexible tool for exoplanet observation simulation, capable of adapting to diverse instrument configurations and evolving scientific needs. Its design principles and validation results underscore its potential as a valuable resource in the field of exoplanet research.

Effectiveness of Decentralisation by Devolution Approaches in Public healthcare services Delivery in Ilala Municipal Council and Geita Town Council, Tanzania

This study investigates the effectiveness of Decentralisation by Devolution (D-by-D) in public healthcare service delivery within Ilala Municipal Council and Geita Town Council, Tanzania. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with local key informants, the research reveals critical insights into how D-by-D frameworks impact healthcare quality and accessibility. Findings indicate that while some approaches, such as project monitoring and budget allocation, are perceived as effective, others—particularly multi-stakeholder involvement, participation, and strategic planning—are regarded as ineffective. The average effectiveness score across both councils suggests a moderate perception of D-by-D functioning, yet significant gaps exist regarding community engagement, resource allocation, and local governance capabilities. Challenges include inadequate funding, personnel shortages, and a lack of transparency, which hinder the realization of Decentralisation’s intended benefits. The study underscores a prevalent sense of skepticism regarding healthcare quality in both councils and highlights the necessity for reforms to better align local health priorities with community needs. To enhance the effectiveness of D-by-D, the research recommends strengthening financial support to Local Government Authorities, enhancing human resource capacity, fostering community participation, and promoting accountability and transparency in healthcare governance. This research contributes to the understanding of local governance in Tanzania and offers essential insights for policymakers aiming to improve healthcare outcomes through decentralized frameworks.

Construction of Multi-Modal Transcriptome-Small Molecule Interaction Networks from High-Throughput Measurements to Study Human Complex Traits.

Small molecules (SMs) are integral to biological processes, influencing metabolism, homeostasis, and regulatory networks. Despite their importance, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding their downstream effects on biological pathways and gene expression, largely due to differences in scale, variability, and noise between untargeted metabolomics and sequencing-based technologies. To address these challenges, we developed a multi-omics framework comprising a machine learning-based protocol for data processing, a semi-supervised network inference approach, and network-guided analysis of complex traits. The ML protocol harmonized metabolomic, lipidomic, and transcriptomic data through batch correction, principal component analysis, and regression-based adjustments, enabling unbiased and effective integration. Building on this, we proposed a semi-supervised method to construct transcriptome-SM interaction networks (TSI-Nets) by selectively integrating SM profiles into gene-level networks using a meta-analytic approach that accounts for scale differences and missing data across omics layers. Benchmarking against three conventional unsupervised methods demonstrated the superiority of our approach in generating diverse, biologically relevant, and robust networks. While single-omics analyses identified 18 significant genes and 3 significant SMs associated with insulin sensitivity (IS), network-guided analysis revealed novel connections between these markers. The top-ranked module highlighted a cross-talk between fiber-degrading gut microbiota and immune regulatory pathways, inferred by the interaction of the protective SM, N-acetylglycine (NAG), with immune genes ( FCER1A , HDC , MS4A2 , and CPA3 ), linked to improved IS and reduced obesity and inflammation. Together, this framework offers a robust and scalable solution for multi-modal network inference and analysis, advancing SM pathway discovery and their implications for human health. Leveraging data from a population of thousands of individuals with extended longevity, the inferred TSI-Nets demonstrate generalizability across diverse conditions and complex traits. These networks are publicly available as a resource for the research community.

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs During COVID-19 Through a Hospital-Based, Community Health Worker Program: A Case Study.

Background. Despite accounting for 34% of the population in Austin, Texas, Latinx individuals made up 50% of those who tested positive for coronavirus, 54% of COVID-related hospitalizations, and 51% of COVID-related deaths between March and June 2020. Of hospitalized Latinx patients, 40% had never seen a primary care provider and many had undiagnosed health conditions. A community health worker (CHW) pilot program was implemented based on these disparities. Method. This mixed-method implementation study describes a hospital-based, CHW program for Latinx patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at an academic medical center in Austin, Texas. The program included a social needs assessment, care coordination, and post-discharge follow-up. Patient data include demographics from the full sample (N = 57), social determinants of health (n = 24), and qualitative interviews (n = 6). Focus group data from health care professionals (n = 26) is also presented to describe the benefits of the CHW program. Results. Latinx patients in this study, two-thirds of who primarily spoke Spanish, reported high levels of satisfaction with the CHW program with fewer reported social needs after the CHW program. Health care providers underscored CHW expertise in addressing complex social needs, providing continuity of care within the hospital, and closing the loop through community resource navigation. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the capacity of CHWs to provide holistic care in hospital settings through trust building and increased capacity to address health-related social needs. Investment in hospital-based, CHW programs for vulnerable populations such as uninsured, Spanish-speaking patients is necessary to reduce health disparities beyond COVID-19.

Experiencing and Learning in the Community: A Qualitative Study of the "1.5km Experiential Learning Circle" in Hong Kong

This study explores how the "1.5km Experiential Learning Circle" (ELC) in Hong Kong enhances student engagement and fosters stronger connections with the local community. The ELC encourages students to actively learn by experiencing real-world locations within a 1.5km radius of their schools, including nearby businesses, cultural landmarks, historical sites, government premises, and natural sites. Teachers support this process by identifying local issues and leveraging community resources to enhance learning, including encouraging students to address social challenges and collaborate with external organizations to assist those in need. Through interviews and observations with students, teachers, and community members, this qualitative research investigates how the ELC enhances students’ learning performance, motivation, and attitudes while fostering social responsibility and community engagement. Teachers observed that students became more eager to apply classroom knowledge to real-life contexts through activities like analyzing local businesses, engaging with elders, and solving community issues. Students noted these experiences deepened their understanding, boosted motivation, and enhanced critical thinking. This study highlights the potential of the ELC as a model for experiential learning in urban communities, offering valuable insights for educators looking to create more practical and community-centered learning experiences.

CPI-Pred: A deep learning framework for predicting functional parameters of compound-protein interactions.

Recent advancements in deep learning have enabled functional annotation of genome sequences, facilitating the discovery of new enzymes and metabolites. However, accurately predicting compound-protein interactions (CPI) from sequences remains challenging due to the complexity of these interactions and the sparsity and heterogeneity of available data, which constrain the generalization of patterns across their solution space. In this work, we introduce CPI-Pred, a versatile deep learning model designed to predict compound-protein interaction function. CPI-Pred integrates compound representations derived from a novel message-passing neural network and enzyme representations generated by state-of-the-art protein language models, leveraging innovative sequence pooling and cross-attention mechanisms. To train and evaluate CPI-Pred, we compiled the largest dataset of enzyme kinetic parameters to date, encompassing four key metrics: the Michaelis-Menten constant ( K M ), enzyme turnover number ( k cat ), catalytic efficiency ( k cat /K M ), and inhibition constant ( K I ).These kinetic parameters are critical for elucidating enzyme function in metabolic contexts and understanding their regulation by compounds within biological networks. We demonstrate that CPI-Pred can predict diverse types of CPI using only the amino acid sequence of enzymes and structural representations of compounds, outperforming state-of-the-art models on unseen compounds and structurally dissimilar enzymes. Over workflow provides a valuable tool for tackling a range of metabolic engineering challenges, including the designing of novel enzyme sequences and compounds, such as enzyme inhibitors. Additionally, the datasets curated in this study offer a valuable resource for the scientific community, serving as a benchmark for machine learning models focused on enzyme activity and promiscuity prediction.