Adult obesity treatment and prevention: A trans-agency commentary on the research landscape, gaps, and future opportunities.

Given the high and growing prevalence of obesity among adults in the United States, obesity treatment and prevention are important topics in biomedical and public health research. Although researchers recognize the significance of this problem, much remains unknown about safe and effective prevention and treatment of obesity in adults. In response to the worsening obesity epidemic and the many unknowns regarding the disease, a group of key scientific and program staff members of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal and non-government agencies gathered virtually in September 2021 to discuss the current state of obesity research, research gaps, and opportunities for future research in adult obesity prevention and treatment. The current article synthesizes presentations given by attendees and shares their organizations' current initiatives and identified gaps and opportunities. By integrating the information discussed in the meeting and current initiatives, we identify potential targets and overlapping priorities for future research, including health equity and disparities in obesity, the heterogeneity of obesity, and the use of technological and innovative approaches in interventions.

Effects of canopy gaps on microclimate, soil biological activity and their relationship in a European mixed floodplain forest.

Forest canopy gaps can influence understorey microclimate and ecosystem functions such as decomposition. Gaps can arise from silviculture or tree mortality, increasingly influenced by climate change. However, to what degree canopy gaps affect the buffered microclimate in the understorey under macroclimatic changes is unclear. We, therefore, investigated the effect of forest gaps differing in structure and size (25 gaps: single tree gaps up to 0.67 ha cuttings) on microclimate and soil biological activity compared to closed forest in a European mixed floodplain forest. During the investigation period in the drought year 2022 between May and October, mean soil moisture and temperature as well as soil and air temperature fluctuations increased with increasing openness. In summer, the highest difference of monthly means between cuttings and closed forest in the topsoil was 3.98 ± 9.43 % volumetric moisture and 2.05 ± 0.89 °C temperature, and in the air at 30 cm height 0.61 ± 0.35 °C temperature. For buffering, both the over- and understorey tree layers appeared as relevant with a particularly strong influence of understorey density on soil temperature. Three experiments, investigating soil biological activity by quantifying decomposition rates of tea and wooden spatulas as well as mesofauna feeding activity with bait-lamina stripes, revealed no significant differences between gaps and closed forest. However, we found a positive significant effect of mean soil temperature on feeding activity throughout the season. Although soil moisture decreased during this period, it showed no counteracting effect on feeding activity. Generally, very few significant relationships were observed between microclimate and soil biological activity in single experiments. Despite the dry growing season, decomposition rates remained high, suggesting temperature had a stronger influence than soil moisture. We conclude that the microclimatic differences within the gap gradient of our experiment were not strong enough to affect soil biological activity considerably.

Groundwater systems under siege: The silent invasion of microplastics and cock-tails worldwide.

Microplastics (MPs) contamination is one of the significant escalating environmental concerns worldwide, and this stems from the increasing production and unlawful disposal of plastic materials. Regretfully, the synthesis of plastic materials is expected to triple in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, MPs pollution in marine, aquatic, and terrestrial settings has received much attention, unlike in groundwater systems. This study exhaustively reviewed varying degrees of recent publications in various search engines and provided a detailed state of current knowledge and research progress vis-à-vis MPs and cock-tail pollution in groundwater systems. Evidently, groundwater sources are severely contaminated as a result of growing anthropogenic activities and vertical movement of MPs and cock-tails from the atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments, however, fewer researchers have fixated their attention on estimating the occurrence of MPs in groundwater resources, while sufficient information regarding their sources, sampling methods, abundance, transport pathways, fate, modeling techniques, appropriate and adequate data, sorption properties, separation from other environmental media, toxicity, and remedial measures are extensively lacking. In addition, MPs may combine with other toxic emerging contaminants to improve migration and toxicity; however, no research has been conducted to fully understand cock-tail migration mechanisms and impacts in groundwater systems. Over time, groundwater may be regarded as the primary sink for MPs, if effective actions are neglected. Overall, this study detected a lack of concern and innumerable voids in this field; hence, vital and nascent research gaps were identified for immediate, advanced, and interdisciplinary research investigations.

Exploring auditory temporal resolution and dichotic listening skills among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The study aimed to explore the auditory temporal resolution and dichotic listening skills in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and identify associated health-related factors. Using a cross-sectional design, 87 adults with T2DM and 48 non-diabetic controls, all with normal hearing, participated. The two central auditory processing (CAP) skills were assessed through the Gaps-In-Noise (GIN) and Dichotic-Digits Listening (DDL) tests. T2DM participants underwent blood tests to measure various health-related factors. In the GIN test, the shortest gap threshold (GapTh) obtained across both ears was significantly higher in the diabetic group (9.1 ± 2.4 ms) compared to the non-diabetic group (7.5 ± 1.5 ms), and the score of correctly identified gaps (GapSc) in the diabetic group (45±11 %) was significantly lower than GapSc in the non-diabetic group (52±9 %), p < 0.001. In the DDL test, the free-recall score (73.8 ± 18.5 %) across both ears and the right-ear advantage (-1.3 ± 20.6 %) in the diabetic group were significantly lower than the free-recall score (85.8 ± 11.9 %) and right-ear advantage (6.9 ± 11.9 %) in the non-diabetic group, p < 0.005. Furthermore, the duration of diabetes, eGFR level, retinopathy, carotid plaque, fasting blood glucose level, and HDL-C (good cholesterol) level were factors significantly associated with performances in the GIN and/or DDL tests for T2DM participants. In conclusion, individuals with T2DM are at risk of reduced auditory processing skills in temporal resolution and dichotic listening, impacting their speech understanding. Six health-related factors were identified as significantly associated with CAP skills in T2DM patients.

Five aspects of research waste in biomedicine: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The number of published journal articles has grown exponentially during the last 30 years, which may have led to some wasteful research. However, the terminology associated with research waste remains unclear. To address this, we aimed to identify, define, and categorize the aspects of research waste in published biomedical reports. METHODS: In this scoping review, we systematically searched for biomedical literature reports from 1993 to 2023 in two databases, focusing on those addressing and defining research waste. Through data charting, we analyzed and categorized the aspects of research waste. RESULTS: Based on 4285 initial records in the searches, a total of 832 reports were included in the analysis. The included reports were primarily narrative reviews (26%) and original reports (21%). We categorized research waste into five aspects: methodological, invisible, negligible, underreported, and structural (MINUS) research waste. More than half of the reports (56%) covered methodological research waste concerning flaws in study design, study conduct, or analysis. Invisible research waste covered nonpublication, discontinuation, and lack of data-sharing. Negligible research waste primarily concerned unnecessary repetition, for example, stemming from the absence of preceding a trial with a systematic review of the literature. Underreported research waste mainly included poor reporting, resulting in a lack of transparency. Structural research waste comprised inadequate management, collaboration, prioritization, implementation, and dissemination. CONCLUSION: MINUS encapsulates the five main aspects of research waste. Recognizing these aspects of research waste is important for addressing and preventing further research waste and thereby ensuring efficient resource allocation and scientific integrity.

Frailty evidence-practice gaps in acute care hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: Frailty is common in hospitalised older people. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of frailty provide recommendations for identification and management; however, adoption into practice in hospitals is limited. This study identified and quantified the evidence-practice gap between frailty guidelines and clinical practice in two hospitals using an audit tool. METHODS: A cross-sectional audit of medical records of frail older patients admitted to two hospitals was conducted. Data were collected using an audit tool based on the Asia Pacific Clinical Practice Guidelines for frailty management. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inter-rater reliability of the tool was assessed. RESULTS: Auditing of n = 70 electronic medical records showed that assessment of frailty in the acute setting did not regularly occur (17%). Few participants received guideline-recommended interventions. Physiotherapy treatment was limited, with 23% of participants receiving progressive resistance strength training. Gaps exist in provision of nutritional supplementation (26%) with limited recordings of weight during the admission for 10% of participants. Pharmacy review of medications was consistently documented on admission (84%) and discharge (93%). Vitamin D was prescribed for 57% of participants. Inter-rater reliability showed a high level of agreement using the audit tool. CONCLUSIONS: An audit tool was feasible to assess frailty evidence-practice gaps in the hospital setting. Further understanding of the contextual barriers is needed to inform implementation strategies (dedicated staffing, education and training and ongoing audit of practice cycles) for the uptake of frailty guidelines in hospital settings.

(Single-stranded DNA) gaps in understanding BRCAness.

The tumour-suppressive roles of BRCA1 and 2 have been attributed to three seemingly distinct functions - homologous recombination, replication fork protection, and single-stranded (ss)DNA gap suppression - and their relative importance is under debate. In this review, we examine the origin and resolution of ssDNA gaps and discuss the recent advances in understanding the role of BRCA1/2 in gap suppression. There are ample data showing that gap accumulation in BRCA1/2-deficient cells is linked to genomic instability and chemosensitivity. However, it remains unclear whether there is a causative role and the function of BRCA1/2 in gap suppression cannot unambiguously be dissected from their other functions. We therefore conclude that the three functions of BRCA1 and 2 are closely intertwined and not mutually exclusive.

Contemporary Predictors of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Nationally Representative US Sample.

Background: Patient outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have improved over the last 30 years due to better techniques, therapies, and care processes. This study evaluated contemporary predictors of post-PCI major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and summarized risk in a parsimonious risk prediction model. Methods: The Cardiovascular Patient-Level Analytical Platform (CLiPPeR) is an observational dataset of baseline variables and longitudinal outcomes from the American College of Cardiology's CathPCI Registry® and national claims data. Cox regression was used to evaluate 2-6 years of patient follow-up (mean: 2.56 years), ending in December 2017, after index PCI between 2012 and 2015 (N = 1,450,787), to examine clinical and procedural predictors of MACE (first myocardial infarction, stroke, repeat PCI, coronary artery bypass grafting, and mortality). Cox analyses of post-PCI MACE were landmarked 28 days after index PCI. Results: Overall, 12.4% (n = 179,849) experienced MACE. All variables predicted MACE, with cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, four diseased coronary vessels, and chronic kidney disease having hazard ratios (HRs) ≥ 1.50. Other major predictors of MACE were in-hospital stroke, three-vessel disease, anemia, heart failure, and STEMI presentation. The index revascularization and discharge prescription of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitor, and lipid-lowering medication had HR ≤ 0.67. The primary Cox model had c-statistic c = 0.761 for MACE versus c = 0.701 for the parsimonious model and c = 0.752 for the parsimonious model plus treatment variables. Conclusions: In a nationally representative US sample of post-PCI patients, predictors of longitudinal MACE risk were identified, and a parsimonious model efficiently encapsulated them. These findings may aid in assessing care processes to further improve care post-PCI outcomes.

Enhancing Lung Cancer Care in Portugal: Bridging Gaps for Improved Patient Outcomes.

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and cancer-related mortality worldwide. In Portugal, it ranks as the fourth most common cancer, with nearly 6000 new cases being diagnosed every year. Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer-related death among males and the third cause of cancer-related death in females. Despite the globally accepted guidelines and recommendations for what would be the ideal path for a lung cancer patient, several challenges occur in real clinical management across the world. The recommendations emphasize the importance of adequate screening of high-risk individuals, a precise tumour biopsy, and an accurate final diagnosis to confirm the neoplastic nature of the nodule. A detailed histological classification of the lung tumour type and a comprehensive molecular characterization are of utmost importance for the selection of an efficacious and patient-directed therapeutic approach. However, in the context of the Portuguese clinical organization and the national healthcare system, there are still several gaps in the ideal pathway for a lung cancer patient, involving aspects ranging from the absence of a national lung cancer screening programme through difficulties in histological diagnosis and molecular characterization to challenges in therapeutic approaches. In this manuscript, we address the most relevant weaknesses, presenting several proposals for potential solutions to improve the management of lung cancer patients, helping to decisively improve their overall survival and quality of life.

Older workers and extended working life - Managers' experiences and age management.

BACKGROUND: In 2020 the Swedish Government started a gradual raising of the retirement age, but employers have been silent on the issue. Little is known about whether and how they reflect on what it will mean for their organization, or whether they already have, or are going to, make arrangements in order to facilitate and motivate older workers to stay longer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore and describe managers' experiences of older workers and age management in connection with the increase of the retirement age in Sweden. METHODS: Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with fourteen managers from a broad set of organizations in the public and private sectors, and from the Middle and East of Sweden. The transcribed material was analysed in line with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis ended up in seven main categories with associated sub-categories: Older Workers, Retirement Ages, Transition Initiatives, Competence Transfer, Competence Development, Increased Retirement Ages, Knowledge Gaps. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that there is an ambivalence in addressing the issue of age among the interviewed managers, what we have interpreted and labelled as "silent age discrimination", and it was shown that they do not have elaborated strategies for age management.

Exploring the Distribution of 3D-Printed Simulator Designs Using Open-Source Databases to Facilitate Simulation-Based Learning Through a University and Nonprofit Collaboration: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in technology have enhanced education, training, and application in health care. However, limitations are present surrounding the accessibility and use of simulation technology (eg, simulators) for health profession education. Improving the accessibility of technology developed in university-based research centers by nonprofit organizations (NPOs; eg, hospitals) has the potential to benefit the health of populations worldwide. One example of such technology is 3D-printed simulators. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to identify how the use of open-source databases for the distribution of simulator designs used for 3D printing can promote credible solutions for health care training while minimizing the risks of commercialization of designs for profit. METHODS: This scoping review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO will be searched with an applied time frame of 2012 to 2022. Additionally, gray literature will be searched along with reference list searching. Papers that explore the use of open-source databases in academic settings and the health care sector for the distribution of simulator designs will be included. A 2-step screening process will be administered to titles and abstracts, then full texts, to establish paper eligibility. Screening and data extraction of the papers will be completed by 2 reviewers (MS and SS) for quality assurance. The scoping review will report information on the facilitation of distributing 3D-printed simulator designs through open-source databases. RESULTS: The results of this review will identify gaps in forming partnerships with NPOs and university-based research centers to share simulator designs. The scoping review will be initiated in December 2024. CONCLUSIONS: The information collected will be relevant and useful for stakeholders such as health care providers, researchers, and NPOs for the purpose of overcoming the gaps in research regarding the use and distribution of simulation technology. The scoping review has not been conducted yet. Therefore, there are currently no findings to report on. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/53167.

Decision tree-based approach to extrapolate life cycle inventory data of manufacturing processes.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) plays a crucial role in green manufacturing to uncover the critical aspects for alleviating the environmental burdens due to manufacturing processes. However, the scarcity of life cycle inventory (LCI) data for the manufacturing processes is a considerable challenge. This paper proposes a novel approach to extrapolate LCI data of manufacturing processes. Taking advantage of LCI data in the Ecoinvent datasets, decision tree-based supervised machine learning models, namely decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting, and adaptive boosting, have been developed to extrapolate the data of GHG emissions, i.e., carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, and water vapor. Initially, a correlation analysis was conducted to derive the most influential factors on GHG quantities resulting from manufacturing activities. First, the collected data have been preprocessed and split into train and test sets (70% and 30%, respectively). Second, a five-fold cross-validation method was applied to tune the hyperparameters of the models. Then, the models were re-trained using the best hyperparameters and evaluated using the test set. The results reveal that the Gradient Boosting model has a superior predictive performance for extrapolating the GHG emission data, with average coefficients of determination (R2) on the test set <0.95. Moreover, the model predictions involve relatively low values of the average root mean squared error and an average mean percentage of error on the test set. The correlation and feature importance analyses emphasized that the workpiece material and manufacturing technology have a considerable effect on natural resource consumption, i.e., energy, material, and water inflows into the process. Meanwhile, energy consumption, water usage, and raw aluminum depletion were the most influential factors in GHG emissions. Eventually, a case study to extrapolate the inflows and the outflows for new manufacturing activities has been conducted using the validated models. The proposed GraBoost model provides a computational supplementary approach to estimate and extrapolate the GHG emissions for different manufacturing processes when LCI data are incomplete or don't exist within LCI databases.

The Arf-GAPs, AoAge1 and AoAge2, regulate diverse cellular processes, conidiation, trap formation, and secondary metabolism in Arthrobotrys oligospora.

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins of the ADP ribosylation factor (Arf) family and their activating proteins (Arf-GAPs) are essential for diverse biological processes. Here, two homologous Arf-GAPs, Age1 (AoAge1) and Age2 (AoAge2), were identified in the widespread nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Our results demonstrated that AoAge1, especially AoAge2, played crucial roles in mycelial growth, sporulation, trap production, stress response, mitochondrial activity, DNA damage, endocytosis, reactive oxygen species production, and autophagy. Notably, transcriptome data revealed that approximately 62.7% of the genes were directly or indirectly regulated by AoAge2, and dysregulated genes in Aoage2 deletion were enriched in metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and autophagy. Furthermore, Aoage2 inactivation caused a substantial reduction in several compounds compared to the wild-type strain. Based on these results, a regulatory network for AoAge1 and AoAge2 was proposed and verified using a yeast two-hybrid assay. Based on our findings, AoAge1 and AoAge2 are essential for vegetative growth and mycelial development. Specifically, AoAge2 is required for sporulation and trapping morphogenesis. Our results demonstrated the critical functions of AoAge1 and AoAge2 in mycelial growth, diverse cellular processes, and pathogenicity, offering deep insights into the functions and regulatory mechanisms of Arf-GAPs in nematode-trapping fungi.

Loss of POLE3-POLE4 unleashes replicative gap accumulation upon treatment with PARP inhibitors.

The advent of PARP inhibitors (PARPis) has profoundly changed the treatment landscape of BRCA1/BRCA2-mutated cancers. Despite this, the development of resistance to these compounds has become a major challenge. Hence, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying PARPi sensitivity is crucially needed. Here, we show that loss of the POLE3-POLE4 subunits of DNA polymerase epsilon (Polε) strongly sensitizes cancer cells to PARPis in a Polε level-independent manner. Loss of POLE3-POLE4 is not associated with defective RAD51 foci formation, excluding a major defect in homologous recombination. On the contrary, treatment with PARPis triggers replicative gap accumulation in POLE3-POLE4 knockout (KO) cells in a PRIMPOL-dependent manner. In addition to this, the loss of POLE3-POLE4 further sensitizes BRCA1-silenced cells to PARPis. Importantly, the knockdown of 53BP1 does not rescue PARPi sensitivity in POLE3-POLE4 KO cells, bypassing a common PARPi resistance mechanism and outlining a potential strategy to sensitize cancer cells to PARPis.

Exploration of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor resistance in the treatment of BRCA1/2-mutated cancer.

Breast cancer susceptibility 1/2 (BRCA1/2) genes play a crucial role in DNA damage repair, yet mutations in these genes increase the susceptibility to tumorigenesis. Exploiting the synthetic lethality mechanism between BRCA1/2 mutations and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition has led to the development and clinical approval of PARP inhibitor (PARPi), representing a milestone in targeted therapy for BRCA1/2 mutant tumors. This approach has paved the way for leveraging synthetic lethality in tumor treatment strategies. Despite the initial success of PARPis, resistance to these agents diminishes their efficacy in BRCA1/2-mutant tumors. Investigations into PARPi resistance have identified replication fork stability and homologous recombination repair as key factors sensitive to PARPis. Additionally, studies suggest that replication gaps may also confer sensitivity to PARPis. Moreover, emerging evidence indicates a correlation between PARPi resistance and cisplatin resistance, suggesting a potential overlap in the mechanisms underlying resistance to both agents. Given these findings, it is imperative to explore the interplay between replication gaps and PARPi resistance, particularly in the context of platinum resistance. Understanding the impact of replication gaps on PARPi resistance may offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance the efficacy of targeted therapies in BRCA1/2-mutant tumors.

Real-Time Use of SGLT2i Verified in Pre-dialysis: The RSVP Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in nephrology practice is increasingly becoming standard of care in patients with diabetes or those with proteinuria. OBJECTIVES: The primary outcome was to identify the proportion of pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G3a, G3b, or G4 prescribed an SGLT2i and describe their characteristics. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicentric, cross-sectional study of patients with CKD followed at 4 pre-dialysis clinics in the province of Quebec, Canada. We collected data of multiple covariates associated with prescribing SGLT2i in patients over 18 years of age with CKD G3a, G3b, or G4. We then performed a multivariate logistic regression to assess their associations. RESULTS: Of the 874 patients included, 22.7% were prescribed an SGLT2i. Factors most strongly associated included male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 4.88, 95% CI = 2.38-10.03), being prescribed metformin (OR = 4.30, 95% CI = 2.23-8.31), having type 2 diabetes (OR = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.86-8.62), or having an albumin-to-creatinine ratio greater than 300 mg/g (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.08-3.14). The majority of patients (60.4%) had their SGLT2i initiated by the pre-dialysis clinic and the most frequent adverse event was an initial increase in serum creatinine 1 week after starting treatment (33.9%). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: An increasing number of patients with CKD are being prescribed SGLT2i. Nonetheless, significant disparities in sex, severity of disease, and comorbidities remain. We suggest that specific strategies be put in place to promote prescribing of SGLT2i in women and other at-risk populations, in particular among nephrology teams, to improve patient care.

Environmental diseases, recognition for care: A qualitative study of nurses' perceptions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate hospital nurses' perceptions of illness due to environmental exposures. DESIGN: A qualitative exploratory study, designed in accordance with the specified reporting guidelines for qualitative research. SAMPLE: Nurses working in Italian hospitals. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, then evaluated using the framework analysis methodology. Data collection was from January to June 2022 and analysed from July to September 2022. RESULTS: Forty-two nurses were interviewed. Data analysis revealed three themes: 1) the concept of disease in relation to environmental exposure; 2) the dangers of chemical and physical substances; 3) environmental changes cause concern and a sense of helplessness for the future. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the need for specific training on topics related to environmental disease types, environmental exposure, preventive measures, health promotion, and environmental impact to support professional development and support nurses in the management of this important aspect of health care.

Modelling techniques in cholera epidemiology: A systematic and critical review.

Diverse modelling techniques in cholera epidemiology have been developed and used to (1) study its transmission dynamics, (2) predict and manage cholera outbreaks, and (3) assess the impact of various control and mitigation measures. In this study, we carry out a critical and systematic review of various approaches used for modelling the dynamics of cholera. Also, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each modelling approach. A systematic search of articles was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Taylor & Francis. Eligible studies were those concerned with the dynamics of cholera excluding studies focused on models for cholera transmission in animals, socio-economic factors, and genetic & molecular related studies. A total of 476 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria, with about 40% (32%) of the studies carried out in Asia (Africa). About 52%, 21%, and 9%, of the studies, were based on compartmental (e.g., SIRB), statistical (time series and regression), and spatial (spatiotemporal clustering) models, respectively, while the rest of the analysed studies used other modelling approaches such as network, machine learning and artificial intelligence, Bayesian, and agent-based approaches. Cholera modelling studies that incorporate vector/housefly transmission of the pathogen are scarce and a small portion of researchers (3.99%) considers the estimation of key epidemiological parameters. Vaccination only platform was utilized as a control measure in more than half (58%) of the studies. Research productivity in cholera epidemiological modelling studies have increased in recent years, but authors used diverse range of models. Future models should consider incorporating vector/housefly transmission of the pathogen and on the estimation of key epidemiological parameters for the transmission of cholera dynamics.

Gendered Parenthood-Employment Gaps from Midlife: A Demographic Perspective Across Three Different Welfare Systems.

Women's labor force participation has increased in Western countries, but gender gaps remain, especially among parents. Using a novel comparative perspective, we assess women's and men's employment trajectories from midlife onward by parity and education. We provide insights into the gendered parenthood-employment gaps examining the long-term implications of parenthood beyond the core childbearing ages by decomposing years lived between ages 40-74, in years of employment, joblessness, and retirement. Using multistate incidence-based life tables, we compare different cultural and institutional contexts: Finland, Italy, and the USA. Our results document large cross-national variation, with education playing a key role. In Finland, the number of years of employment increases with parity for women and men, and the gender gap is small; in the USA, the relationship between parity and years of employment is relatively flat, although a gender gap emerges among those with two or more children; in Italy, the number of years of employment decreases sharply for women as parity increases, while it increases for men. Notably, education has a similar positive impact on years of employment across all groups in Finland. In contrast, in the USA and Italy, the gender gap is only half as large among highly educated mothers as it is among low educated mothers. The employment trajectories of childless women and men differ greatly across countries.

Meeting Gaps in the Public Health Workforce During Emergencies: How a Nongovernmental Organization Supported Critical Staffing Needs in the COVID-19 Response.

The public health workforce continues to experience staff shortages, which hampered the ability of US state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded $45 million to the CDC Foundation to provide field assignees to support these health departments. To expand these efforts, the CDC provided an additional $20 million in May 2021 for vaccination efforts and $200 million in June 2021 to support COVID-19 response and general infrastructure support. The CDC Foundation worked with jurisdictions across the United States to develop job descriptions based on need and recruit nationally for positions. This expanded project, called the Workforce/Vaccine Initiative, hired 3,014 staff in 91 jurisdictions, with 2,310 (77%) hired by January 2022. Most assignments were fully remote (55%) or hybrid (28%). The largest number of staff (n=720) supported COVID-19 response work in schools. Other common functions included contact tracing/case investigation (n=456), program coordination (n=330), epidemiology (n=297), data and surveillance (n=283), and administrative support (n=220). To advance health equity and improve response efforts, 79 health equity staff were assigned to 30 jurisdictions. To support the needs of tribes, 76 field staff supported 22 tribal entities. This project demonstrated the important role of a flexible, centralized approach to rapid placement of staff in public health departments during an emergency response. While the goal of the Workforce/Vaccine Initiative was to meet short-term staffing needs, lessons learned could provide insights for building a sustainable and scalable public health workforce.