Physicians and Specialties in the Veterans Health Administration's Community Care Network.

This cross-sectional study of data from the US Veterans Health Administration examines the availability of services provided through community care networks by specialty and clinical characteristics.

Modeling Microbial Community Networks: Methods and Tools for Studying Microbial Interactions.

Microbial interactions function as a fundamental unit in complex ecosystems. By characterizing the type of interaction (positive, negative, neutral) occurring in these dynamic systems, one can begin to unravel the role played by the microbial species. Towards this, various methods have been developed to decipher the function of the microbial communities. The current review focuses on the various qualitative and quantitative methods that currently exist to study microbial interactions. Qualitative methods such as co-culturing experiments are visualized using microscopy-based techniques and are combined with data obtained from multi-omics technologies (metagenomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics). Quantitative methods include the construction of networks and network inference, computational models, and development of synthetic microbial consortia. These methods provide a valuable clue on various roles played by interacting partners, as well as possible solutions to overcome pathogenic microbes that can cause life-threatening infections in susceptible hosts. Studying the microbial interactions will further our understanding of complex less-studied ecosystems and enable design of effective frameworks for treatment of infectious diseases.

Study protocol: improving response to malaria in the Amazon through identification of inter-community networks and human mobility in border regions of Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding human mobility's role in malaria transmission is critical to successful control and elimination. However, common approaches to measuring mobility are ill-equipped for remote regions such as the Amazon. This study develops a network survey to quantify the effect of community connectivity and mobility on malaria transmission. METHODS: We measure community connectivity across the study area using a respondent driven sampling design among key informants who are at least 18 years of age. 45 initial communities will be selected: 10 in Brazil, 10 in Ecuador and 25 in Peru. Participants will be recruited in each initial node and administered a survey to obtain data on each community's mobility patterns. Survey responses will be ranked and the 2-3 most connected communities will then be selected and surveyed. This process will be repeated for a third round of data collection. Community network matrices will be linked with each country's malaria surveillance system to test the effects of mobility on disease risk. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol has been approved by the institutional review boards of Duke University (USA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Peru) and Universidade Federal Minas Gerais (Brazil). Results will be disseminated in communities by the end of the study.

Sustainability Planning for a Community Network to Increase Participation in Evidence-Based Lifestyle Change Programs: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

Community-based chronic disease prevention programs can have long-term, broad public health benefits. Yet, only 40 to 60% of evidence-based health programs are sustained. Using established frameworks and evidence-based tools to characterize sustainability allows programs to develop structures and processes to leverage resources effectively to sustain effective program activities and systems. This study used a mixed-methods, partner-engaged approach to identify barriers and facilitators to sustaining a community network (the Alliance program) aimed to increase participation in evidence-based lifestyle change programs delivered in the community. Surveys and qualitative interviews were conducted with the Alliance partners based on the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Overall, partners felt Alliance had a high capacity for sustainability. Strategic planning, communication, and partnerships were areas partners prioritized to improve the potential for sustaining the program. Results informed the co-development of a sustainability action plan. This paper furthers our understanding of factors critical for the sustainability of community-based programs for chronic disease prevention and health equity and presents a process for developing action plans to build sustainability capacity.

Stability analysis of a SAIR epidemic model on scale-free community networks.

The presence of asymptomatic carriers, often unrecognized as infectious disease vectors, complicates epidemic management, particularly when inter-community migrations are involved. We introduced a SAIR (susceptible-asymptomatic-infected-recovered) infectious disease model within a network framework to explore the dynamics of disease transmission amid asymptomatic carriers. This model facilitated an in-depth analysis of outbreak control strategies in scenarios with active community migrations. Key contributions included determining the basic reproduction number, $ R_0 $, and analyzing two equilibrium states. Local asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium is confirmed through characteristic equation analysis, while its global asymptotic stability is investigated using the decomposition theorem. Additionally, the global stability of the endemic equilibrium is established using the Lyapunov functional theory.

Salud, género y reciclaje: un encuentro impostergable / Health, gender and recycling: a meeting that cannot be put off

Introducción. En Asunción existe una zona geográfica llamada Bañados, en esta zona se conforman los llamados «cinturones de pobreza», donde el trabajo informal se impone como principal medio de sustento. El oficio del reciclaje corresponde a uno de los trabajos informales más practicados. Objetivos. Describir aspectos de la zona donde desarrollan su vida trabajadora de la recolección. Incorporar elementos de resignificación positiva acerca del trabajo de reciclaje a mujeres recicladoras organizadas o no del Bañado Sur de la ciudad de Asunción, Paraguay. Material y métodos. Se realizaron 28 encuentros con 153 mujeres agrupadas en 7 grupos, durante el período del 2019 al 2022. La muestra fue seleccionada fue por conveniencia. Se eligió la modalidad de «taller» debido a las prácticas ya conocidas y aceptadas por la comunidad. Resultados. Se realizó conjuntamente la clasificación de la basura o residuos urbanos en sus categorías orgánica/inorgánica/tóxica, pero también en una clasificación más cercana a su realidad concreta. Se identificó cómo son las relaciones familiares y comunitarias, las preocupaciones por los hijos e hijas, el cambio climático, las inundaciones, las viviendas precarias, el acceso al agua, la inseguridad en el barrio y la problemática de drogas en la comunidad. Conclusión. Las jornadas se desarrollaron con mujeres recicladoras organizadas, miembros de una organización civil, que residen en el Bañado Sur – Tacumbú, Asunción (Paraguay). Durante el proceso se logró acercar a los grupos de mujeres que han podido participar de la experiencia, una resignificación positiva del trabajo y su rol en la sociedad, mediante el diálogo. (AU)

Introduction. In Asunción there is a geographic area called Bañados. They make up the so-called “poverty belts”, where informal work is laid down as the main means of support. The job of recycling is one of the most performed informal jobs. Aims. To report aspects of the area where collection workers go about their lives. Incorporate elements of positive new meaning about the recycling work to organized or disorganized women recyclers from Bañado Sur in the city of Asunción, Paraguay. Methods. In total 28 meetings were held with 153 women grouped into seven groups, during the period from 2019 to 2022. The sample was selected by convenience. The “workshop” modality was chosen due to the practices already known and accepted by the community. Results. Garbage or urban waste could be classified together in its organic/inorganic/toxic categories but also in a classification more akin to its specific reality. Family and community relationships, concerns for children, climate change, floods, precarious housing, access to water, insecurity in the neighbourhood and drug problems in the community were all identified. Conclusion. The sessions were held with organized women recyclers, members of a civil organization residing in Bañado Sur – Tacumbú, Asunción, Paraguay. During the process, it was possible to bring together the groups of women who were able to take part in the experience, a positive new meaning for work and their role in society, by means of dialogue. (AU)

Iniciación en el mapeo de activos en un centro de salud urbano de Zaragoza / Initiation in asset mapping in a Zaragoza primary care health centre

Introducción. La salud comunitaria basada en activos es un modelo donde se promociona la salud con políticas y entornos que favorecen que las personas puedan tomar decisiones sobre su salud. El mapeo de activos es el mejor método para conocer los activos. En Aragón existe la estrategia comunitaria que favorece la implantación y el conocimiento de estos conceptos poco conocidos por la población y por los profesionales sanitarios. Objetivos. El objetivo principal fue la búsqueda e identificación de los activos de salud disponibles tras el proceso de mapeo por parte de la ciudadanía de 5 distritos urbanos de Zaragoza durante 1 año. Desarrollar un blog donde profesionales de la educación y de la sanidad, y la ciudadanía puedan acceder al mapa de activos. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo sobre la identificación y recogida de activos identificados por la población pertenecientes a un centro de salud. Las técnicas participativas utilizadas en el grupo de activos fueron mapas mudos y registro mediante fichas. Resultados. Se identificaron 57 activos, fundamentalmente el 28% relacionados con la actividad física. Las actividades de cultura y ocio, y las relacionadas con enfermedades crónicas fueron las siguientes más frecuentes. No se encontró ningún recurso para la deshabituación de tóxicos. El 47% de los activos se encontraban en uno de los 5 distritos adscritos. Conclusiones. Realizar un mapa de activos es fundamental para la prevención y la promoción de la salud. La colaboración ciudadana resulta clave para hacer este proceso con éxito, ofreciéndonos a las/los profesionales de la sanidad una información valiosa para fomentar y llevar a cabo una verdadera atención comunitaria. (AU)

Introduction. Asset-based community health is a model where health is promoted with policies and settings that encourage people to make health-related decisions. Health assets is the best method to get to know the assets. In Aragon there is a community strategy that promotes the implementation and knowledge of these concepts unknown both by the population and health professionals. Aims. The main aim of the study was to search and identify health assets available after the mapping process by the citizens of five Zaragoza urban districts over one year. Moreover, to start a blog where educators, health workers and citizens can access the assets map. Methods. Descriptive study on the identification and collection of assets identified by the population belonging to an urban health centre in Zaragoza. The participatory techniques used in the assets group were blank maps and recording by means of cards. Results. A total of 57 assets were identified, most of which related to physical activity (28%). This was followed by cultural, leisure activities and chronic diseases. No resource was detected for the cessation of toxic substances; 47% of assets were located in one of the five affiliated districts. Conclusions. Drawing up an assets map is essential for correct prevention and health promotion. Neighbourhood citizen collaboration is key to performing this process successfully. This also offers health professionals valuable information to promote and carry out actual community care. (AU)

Caring for older adults with cancer in Canada: Views from healthcare providers and cancer care allies in the community.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is common and disproportionately impacts older adults. Moreover, cancer care of older adults is complex, and the current Canadian cancer care system struggles to address all of the dimensions. In this project, our goal was to understand the barriers and facilitators to caring for older adults with cancer from perspectives of healthcare professionals and cancer care allies, which included community groups, seniors' centers, and other community-based supports. METHODS: In collaboration with a patient advisory board, we conducted focus groups and interviews with multiple local healthcare professionals and cancer care allies in British Columbia, Canada. We used a descriptive qualitative approach and conducted a thematic analysis using NVivo software. RESULTS: A total of 71 participants of various disciplines and cancer care allies participated. They identified both individual and system-level barriers. Priority system-level barriers for older adults included space and staffing constraints and disconnections within healthcare systems, and between healthcare practitioners and cancer care allies. Individual-level barriers relate to the complex health states of older adults, caregiver/support person needs, and the needs of an increasingly diverse population where English may not be a first or preferable language. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified key barriers and facilitators that demonstrate aligned priorities among a diverse group of healthcare practitioners and cancer care allies. In conjunction with perspectives from patients and caregivers, these findings will inform future improvements in cancer care. Namely, we emphasize the importance of connections among health systems and community networks, given the outpatient nature of cancer care and the needs of older adults.

Regional patient transfer patterns matter for the spread of hospital-acquired pathogens.

Pathogens typically responsible for hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) constitute a major threat to healthcare systems worldwide. They spread via hospital (or hospital-community) networks by readmissions or patient transfers. Therefore, knowledge of these networks is essential to develop and test strategies to mitigate and control the HAI spread. Until now, no methods for comparing healthcare networks across different systems were proposed. Based on healthcare insurance data from four German federal states (Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Saxony and Thuringia), we constructed hospital networks and compared them in a systematic approach regarding population, hospital characteristics, and patient transfer patterns. Direct patient transfers between hospitals had only a limited impact on HAI spread. Whereas, with low colonization clearance rates, readmissions to the same hospitals posed the biggest transmission risk of all inter-hospital transfers. We then generated hospital-community networks, in which patients either stay in communities or in hospitals. We found that network characteristics affect the final prevalence and the time to reach it. However, depending on the characteristics of the pathogen (colonization clearance rate and transmission rate or even the relationship between transmission rate in hospitals and in the community), the studied networks performed differently. The differences were not large, but justify further studies.

Participation of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in veteran-centric community-based service navigation networks: A mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the determinants and benefits of cross-sector partnerships between Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) and geographically affiliated AmericaServes Network coordination centers that address Veteran health-related social needs. DATA SOURCES AND SETTING: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with AmericaServes and VAMC staff across seven regional networks. We matched administrative data to calculate the percentage of AmericaServes referrals that were successfully resolved (i.e., requested support was provided) in each network overall and stratified by whether clients were also VAMC patients. STUDY DESIGN: Convergent parallel mixed-methods study guided by Himmelman's Developmental Continuum of Change Strategies (DCCS) for interorganizational collaboration. DATA COLLECTION: Fourteen AmericaServes staff and 17 VAMC staff across seven networks were recruited using snowball sampling and interviewed between October 2021 and April 2022. Rapid qualitative analysis methods were used to characterize the extent and determinants of VAMC participation in networks. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: On the DCCS continuum of participation, three networks were classified as networking, two as coordinating, one as cooperating, and one as collaborating. Barriers to moving from networking to collaborating included bureaucratic resistance to change, VAMC leadership buy-in, and not having VAMCs staff use the shared technology platform. Facilitators included ongoing communication, a shared mission of serving Veterans, and having designated points-of-contact between organizations. The percentage of referrals that were successfully resolved was lowest in networks engaged in networking (65.3%) and highest in cooperating (85.6%) and collaborating (83.1%) networks. For coordinating, cooperating, and collaborating networks, successfully resolved referrals were more likely among Veterans who were also VAMC patients than among Veterans served only by AmericaServes. CONCLUSIONS: VAMCs participate in AmericaServes Networks at varying levels. When partnerships are more advanced, successful resolution of referrals is more likely, especially among Veterans who are dually served by both organizations. Although challenges to establishing partnerships exist, this study highlights effective strategies to overcome them.

A case study on variations in network structure and cross-sector alignment in two local systems serving pregnant and parenting women in recovery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe network structure and alignment across organizations in healthcare, public health, and social services sectors that serve pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorder (SUD) in an urban and a rural community. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTINGS: Two community networks, one urban and one rural with each including a residential substance use treatment program, in Kentucky during 2021. STUDY DESIGN: Social network analysis measured system collaboration and cross-sector alignment between healthcare, public health, and social services organizations, applying the Framework for Aligning Sectors. To understand the alignment and structure of each network, we measured network density overall and between sectors, network centralization, and each organization's degree centrality and effective size. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted to document alignment around shared purpose, data, financing, and governance. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: On average, overall and cross-sector network densities in both communities were similar. However, alignment was highest for data sharing and financing in the urban community and for shared purpose and governance in the rural community. Cross-sector partnerships involving healthcare organizations were more prevalent in the rural county (44% vs. 38% for healthcare/public health, 44% vs. 29% for healthcare/social services), but more prevalent for those involving public health/social services organizations in the urban county (42% vs. 24%). A single healthcare organization had the highest degree centrality (Mdn [IQR] = 26 [26-9.5]) and effective size (Mdn [IQR] = 15.9 [20.6-8.7]) within the rural county. Social services organizations held more central positions in the urban county (degree centrality Mdn [IQR] = 13 [14.8-9.5]; effective size Mdn [IQR] = 10.4 [11.4-7.9]). CONCLUSIONS: Cross-sector alignment may strengthen local capacity for comprehensive SUD care for pregnant and parenting women. Healthcare organizations are key players in cross-sector partnerships in the rural community, where one healthcare facility holds the central brokerage role. In contrast, public health agencies are key to cross-sector collaboration with social services in the urban community.

Return to sender: Unraveling the role of structural and social network ties in patient sharing networks.

Healthcare is increasingly delivered through networks of organizations. Well-structured patient sharing networks are known to have positive associations with the quality of delivered services. However, the drivers of patient sharing relations are rarely studied explicitly. In line with recent developments in network and integration theorizing, we hypothesize that structural and social network ties between organizations are uniquely associated with a higher number of shared patients. We test these hypotheses using a Bayesian zero-dispersed Poisson regression model within the Additive and Multiplicative Effects Framework based on administrative claims data from 732,122 dermatological patients from the Netherlands in 2017. Our results indicate that 2.6% of all dermatological patients are shared and that the amount of shared patients is significantly associated with structural (i.e. emergency contracts) and social (i.e. shared physicians) ties between organizations, confirming our hypotheses. We also find some evidence that patients are shared with more capable organizations. Our findings highlight the role of relational ties in the way health services are delivered. At the same time, they also raise some potential anti-trust concerns.

Cattle grazing management affects soil microbial diversity and community network complexity in the Northern Great Plains.

Soil microbial communities play a vital role in the biogeochemical cycling and ecological functioning of grassland, but may be affected by common land uses such as cattle grazing. Changes in microbial diversity and network complexity can affect key ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling. However, it is not well known how microbial diversity and network complexity respond to grazing in the Northern Great Plains. Consequently, it is important to understand whether variation in grazing management alters the diversity and complexity of grassland microbial communities. We compared the effect of intensive adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing and conventional grazing practices on soil microbial communities using 16S/ITS amplicon sequencing. Samples were collected from grasslands in 13 AMP ranches and 13 neighboring, conventional ranches located across the Canadian prairies. We found that AMP grazing increased fungal diversity and evenness, and led to more complex microbial associations. Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Bacteroidetes were keystone taxa associated with AMP grazing, while Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Armatimonadetes were keystone taxa under conventional grazing. Besides overall grazing treatment effects, specific grazing metrics like cattle stocking rate and rest-to-grazing ratio affected microbial richness and diversity. Bacterial and fungal richness increased with elevated stocking rate, and fungal richness and diversity increased directly with the rest-to-grazing ratio. These results suggest that AMP grazing may improve ecosystem by enhancing fungal diversity and increasing microbial network complexity and connectivity.

O desamparo em Freud e a política como ruptura dos possíveis / Helplessness in Freud and politics as a rupture of the possible / Le délaissé chez Freud et la politique comme rupture du possible / Lo desamparo en Freud y la política como ruptura de lo posible

Este trabalho visa delinear o conceito de desamparo por meio da metapsicologia freudiana e como isso implica outra forma de pensar a política. Desse modo, o desamparo não é concebido unicamente como a vulnerabilidade do bebê ao nascer, mas, também, como a falta de respostas às excitações internas. Tal estado de desamparo é radicalizado a partir da concepção de pulsão de morte construída por Freud. A pulsão de morte gera processos de desabamentos, rupturas, desligamentos e despossessão, essenciais para a própria vida se complexificar. Nesse sentido, propomos o desamparo como afeto político central quando pensamos em transformação. A partir do desabamento de si e da abertura radical ao contato do outro, podemos experimentar outras formas de experiências, outras formas de afetação e, consequentemente, a construção de corpos políticos rumo à transformação política radical

This paper outlines the concept of helplessness through Freudian metapsychology and by doing so imply a new way of thinking about politics. Helplessness is not conceived simply as the newborn's vulnerability, but also as the lack of response to internal excitements. Such an estate is radicalized by Freud's concept of death drive, which generates processes of collapsing, ruptures, unplugging and dispossession that are essential for turning life complex. In this sense, we propose helplessness as a main political affection when referring to transformation. By the collapse of oneself and the radical opening to contact with others, one may experience other ways of experiencing and of being affected and, consequently, the construction of political bodies leading to the radical transformation of politics

Cet article présente le concept de délaissé à travers la métapsychologie freudienne et, ce faisant, lui imprime une nouvelle façon de penser la politique. Le délaissé n'est pas simplement conçu comme la vulnérabilité du nouveau-né, mais aussi comme une absence de réponse aux excitations internes. Tel état est radicalisé par le concept de pulsion de mort de Freud, qui produit des processus de glissement, de rupture, d'arrêt et de dépossession essentielles à la complexification de la vie. En ce sens, nous proposons le délaissé comme principale affection politique lorsqu'il est question de transformation. Par le glissement de soi-même et l'ouverture radicale au contact avec les autres, nous pouvons expérimenter d'autres façons de vivre et d'être affecté et, par conséquent, la construction de corps politiques vers à la transformation politique radicale

Este artículo pretende esbozar el concepto de desamparo a través de la metapsicología freudiana y cómo esto implica otra forma de pensar sobre política. De esa manera, la impotencia no solo se concibe como la vulnerabilidad del bebé al nacer, sino también debido a la falta de respuestas a las excitaciones internas. Tal estado de desamparo se radicaliza desde la concepción del impulso de muerte construido por Freud. El impulso de la muerte genera procesos de colapsos, rupturas, desconexiones y desposesión esenciales para que la vida misma se vuelva más compleja. En este sentido, proponemos lo desamparo como un afecto político central cuando pensemos en la transformación. Desde el colapso de uno mismo y la apertura radical al contacto con el otro, podemos experimentar otras formas de experiencias y otras formas de afectación y,en consecuencia, la construcción de cuerpos políticos hacia una transformación política radical

O trabalho em associações e cooperativas: os empreendimentos, redes de contato e saúde dos trabalhadores / Work in associations and cooperatives: enterprises, contact networks and workers’ health

Esta pesquisa buscou analisar o trabalho em associações e cooperativas de trabalho situadas no Nordeste do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo envolvendo doze instituições, investiga-das por meio de um questionário e seis entrevistas com associados. As respostas ao questioná-rio foram analisadas utilizando o método QCA (Análise Qualitativa Comparativa) e as entrevis-tas pela técnica de análise de conteúdo. Evidenciou-se a importância do apoio fornecido por atores sociais externos aos empreendimentos, mas também uma avaliação negativa da gestão. A criação desses empreendimentos se configura como uma oportunidade de trabalho e renda para a maioria dos entrevistados. Notou-se, no entanto, a falta de preocupação com a saúde dos associados e os cuidados necessários para reduzir os riscos de acidentes, incluindo a expo-sição frequente a materiais perigosos e contaminados, bem como incertezas, estresses no am-biente de trabalho, cargas de trabalho excessivas e conflitos interpessoais. Estes últimos po-dem contribuir para acidentes e doenças ocupacionais. (AU)

This research aimed to analyze the work in labor associations and cooperatives located in northeastern Brazil. This is a qualitative study involving twelve institutions, investigated through a questionnaire and six interviews with associates. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed using the QCA (Comparative Qualitative Analysis) method, and the interviews were conducted using the content analysis technique. The importance of the support provided by social actors external to the enterprises was highlighted, but also a negative evaluation of the management. The creation of these enterprises is configured as an opportunity for work and income for most of the interviewees. However, there was a lack of concern for the health of associates and the necessary care to reduce the risk of accidents, including frequent expo-sure to hazardous and contaminated materials, as well as uncertainties, stresses in the work environment, excessive workloads and interpersonal conflicts. The latter can contribute to oc-cupational accidents and illnesses. (AU)

Lessons Learned Implementing a Trauma-informed System of Care in Rural Communities.

BACKGROUND: The negative impact of trauma on health is devastating. Providers, especially those in rural areas, require support to implement trauma-informed care (TIC) on a systems level. OBJECTIVES: This paper describes a partnership of county behavioral health administrators, service providers, and a behavioral health managed care organization and steps taken over a 5-year initiative to enhance capacity and quality of community services to meet the needs of individuals in a rural setting to receive TIC. METHODS: The initiative included trainings in evidence-based and best practices in TIC, improved trauma screening, development of TIC centers, and development of community-based networks for ongoing support. Lessons learned were summarized through discussions between partnership members. LESSONS LEARNED: Shared ownership, opportunity to build networks, and continuous assessment of organizational strengths resulted in successful implementation and sustained practice. Challenges included turnover among staff and organizations. CONCLUSIONS: Building a TIC network across a rural health care system can be successful with long-term support and investment from multiple stakeholders.