Comparative analysis of the incidence of enteroparasitosis andthe COVID-19 pandemic profile in the city of Bananeiras - PB / Análise comparativa da incidência de enteroparasitoses e doperfil pandêmico da COVID-19 na cidade de Bananeiras - PB

Enteroparasitosis are diseases caused by parasitic agents present in the environment and in the gastrointestinal tract of living beings. In addition, they are still considered neglected diseases, but of great importance for public health, especially when they are related to secondary infections and currently their co-infection profile with COVID-19. The interaction of protozoa and/or helminths with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is timely and its signs and symptoms are confused with other pathogen relationships. In this way, this study aims to correlate the incidence of enteroparasitosis and COVID-19, in the pandemic period from 2020 to April 2022. This is a documentary and exploratory study of secondary data from laboratory tests of patients who were treated and diagnosed with COVID-19 and enteroparasitosis at Hospital Doutor Cloves Bezerra Cavalcante, Municipal Hospital of Bananeiras, Paraíba, Brazil. In the analysis of the database, a significant increase of approximately 48.85% in the incidence of COVID-19 cases from 2020 to 2021 stands out, remaining high until 2022. In contrast, cases of enteroparasites peaked at 48.74% in 2021, followed by an average reduction of 23.12%, with a deviation of 1.49%, in relation to the years 2020 and 2022. It was concluded that COVID-19 is predominantly associated with an increase in secondary infections, highlighting the crucial need to promote health education, improve basic sanitation and guarantee access to health services as essential components in combating the increase in parasitic infections, especially those related to viral pathologies.

As enteroparasitoses são enfermidades originadas por agentes parasitários presentes no meio ambiente e no trato gastrointestinal dos seres vivos. Ademais, ainda são consideradas doenças negligenciadas, porém de grande importância para a saúde pública, em especial, quando estão relacionadas com infecções secundárias e atualmente seu perfil de coinfecção com a COVID-19. A interação de protozoários e/ou helmintos com o vírus SARS-CoV-2 é oportuna e seus sinais e sintomas são confundidos com outras relações de patógenos. Desta maneira, este estudo visa correlacionar a incidência de enteroparasitoses e COVID-19, no período pandêmico de 2020 a abril de 2022. Trata--se de uma pesquisa documental e exploratória, de dados secundários dos exames laboratoriais de pacientes que foram atendidos e diagnosticados com COVID-19 e enteroparasitoses no Hospital Doutor Cloves Bezerra Cavalcante, Hospital Municipal de Bananeiras, Paraíba, Brasil. Na análise da base de dados, destaca-se um aumento significativo de aproximadamente 48,85% na incidência de casos de COVID-19 de 2020 a 2021, mantendo-se elevado até 2022. Em contraste, os casos de enteroparasitas atingiram um pico de 48,74% em 2021, seguido por uma redução média de 23,12%, com um desvio de 1,49%, em relação aos anos de 2020 e 2022. Conclui-se que a COVID-19 está predominantemente associada ao aumento de infecções secundárias, destacando a necessidade crucial de promover a educação em saúde, melhorar o saneamento básico e garantir o acesso aos serviços de saúde como componentes essenciais no combate ao aumento de infecções parasitárias, especialmente aquelas relacionadas a patologias virais.

A Comparative Analysis of Drinking Water Provision and Hepatitis A Incidence in Uzbekistan in 2010-2023.

Objective This study aims to analyze the relationship between access to safe drinking water and the incidence of hepatitis A in Uzbekistan from 2010 to 2023 to inform public health strategies for disease prevention. Methods We utilized hepatitis A incidence data from the Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-Being and Public Health Authority and drinking water provision data from the Government Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan. A linear regression analysis was performed using R 4.3.2 to investigate the correlation between these variables. The study examined hepatitis A cases per 100,000 population and the percentage of households with access to safe drinking water. Results Hepatitis A incidence fluctuated significantly over the study period, with a notable spike to 162 cases per 100,000 population in 2023, despite relatively stable access to safe drinking water (ranging from 67.4% to 77% of households). The analysis revealed a complex relationship between water access and hepatitis A incidence. The linear regression coefficient was 3.89 (adjusted R-squared: 0.3021, P-value: 0.02), indicating that each growing percent of water supply is raising the incidence of hepatitis 3.89 cases of hepatitis infection. Conclusion The reverse effect of water supply percentage and the incidence of hepatitis A incidence in Uzbekistan suggests that other factors play significant roles in disease transmission. These may include sanitation practices, hygiene behaviors, and vaccination coverage. The findings emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to hepatitis A prevention, incorporating improved water infrastructure, enhanced sanitation, public education, and comprehensive vaccination programs. Further research is needed to identify specific determinants of hepatitis A transmission in Uzbekistan to guide targeted interventions and public health policies.

Development and verification of community development index for improving functioning of aged people in rural districts (third report): data collection and analysis system on social mutual aid are desired for community development for elderly persons living in rural districts.

Objective: The author conducted a survey on social mutual aid and the social stimulative effect of older adults living in a rural district, and compared young old and old-old persons to clarify the roles of public health nurses in promoting community development. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study based on Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Care Utilization was conducted with 2,500 residents aged 65 years or older of City A in Akita Prefecture. The study was conducted from April 8 to May 15, 2017. Participants were administered a questionnaire containing items on "social mutual aid in the rural district". Responses were recorded on a Likert scale. Results: As a result of factor analysis, the following four factors were extracted; [Blessing of a rural district and mutual help and assistance unique to a rural district], [Closeness of healthcare welfare service and family doctors in conjunction with their own health], [Decline of culture and community unique to rural districts accompanied by depopulation] and [Closeness of the town where they live]. Differences were observed in the closeness of social mutual aid and local societal stimulative effects, even between generations of old and old-old persons. In young-old persons, a negative correlation was observed between [Closeness of the town where they live] and other factors. In old-old persons, a negative correlation was found between [Decline of culture and community unique to rural districts accompanied by depopulation] and other factors. Conclusion: Since not only individual health indices but also local social mutual aid, which relates to individuals' influence on the construction of a Community-based Integrated Care System in a rural district, the author posits that a data collection and analysis system on social mutual aid would be beneficial for community development for older adults living in rural districts.

Dispatch of replacement doctors from core hospitals to rural clinics in Japan.

Objectives: Core hospitals play an important role in rural healthcare, and the dispatch of replacement doctors (DRD) from core hospitals to rural clinics is included in medical care plans at the prefectural level in Japan. Material and Methods: The conditions of DRD implementation in core hospitals (n=345) were observed using national data from 2022. Results: DRD was present in 101 (29.3%) core hospitals. A greater number of doctors per 100 beds (median: 16.7) was observed when DRD was present than when it was absent (median: 11.0; P<0.05). Conclusion: More studies are warranted regarding the number of doctors and their functions in core hospitals to ensure DRD.

Comparative Evaluation of GC Gold Label IX with GC Gold Label IX Extra and GC Gold Label Hybrid in Cavitated Lesions Prepared by Hand Instrumentation Technique in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy of GC Gold Label IX, GC Gold Label IX Extra, and GC Gold Label Hybrid in occlusal surface cavities in primary molars prepared by hand instrumentation technique. Materials and methods: Ninety primary molars were selected from the children according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected teeth were randomly allocated into the following three groups, with 30 teeth in each group, according to the restorative material used: group I: GC Gold Label IX, group II: GC Gold Label IX Extra, and group III: GC Gold Label Hybrid. Occlusal cavities were prepared using hand instruments. Caries removal efficacy was verified using caries detector dye. The restorative materials were mixed and condensed into the prepared cavities. The restorations were assessed using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) evaluation criteria at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the Chi-squared test. No significant difference was found in terms of color match, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, surface roughness, and secondary caries, but a significant difference was observed in terms of retention and anatomic form between group I and group III. Conclusion: GC Gold Label Hybrid exhibited better clinical performance with respect to GC Gold Label IX and comparable clinical performance with respect to GC Gold Label IX Extra. Clinical significance: GC Gold Label Hybrid is a newly developed glass ionomer cement (GIC), and its clinical performance needs to be studied. How to cite this article: Mittal M, Bajaj N, Bhola M, et al. Comparative Evaluation of GC Gold Label IX with GC Gold Label IX Extra and GC Gold Label Hybrid in Cavitated Lesions Prepared by Hand Instrumentation Technique in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):570-575.

Resistance to anti-smoking messages related to the higher smoking stigma of Korean female smokers.

Introduction: The degree of perceived smoking stigma can differ, based on various factors such as gender; this may influence the effect of smoking cessation interventions, including denormalization. This study investigates the gender differences in smoking stigma recognized by Korean smokers and explores the effect of these differences on the success of smoking cessation messages that aim to initiate an identity crisis among smokers. It aims to contribute to effective smoking cessation intervention strategies for female smokers. Methods: The smoker-gender Implicit Association Test (IAT) was used to measure gender-based smoking stigma; the test comprised photos of people smoking, with positive and negative descriptors. Participants were 120 smokers aged 19-35 years (60 males and 60 females). Participants' cognitive attitudes toward smoking and cessation intentions were assessed at baseline. To investigate the effect of social stigmatization on smokers, participants were asked to watch anti-smoking campaigns that stigmatized either smoking behavior or smokers' self-identity. Cognitive attitudes and cessations intention were used to show differences in gender and message conditions. Results: The IAT D-score showed that female smokers perceived other female smokers significantly more negatively than they did male smokers, suggesting a higher level of smoking stigma. Female smokers in the socially stigmatizing condition reduced their negativity toward smoking less than those who were not stigmatized. Moreover, cessation intentions did not improve when female smokers received identity-threatening messages, indicating that female smokers tended to resist stigmatizing messages. Discussions: These findings provide empirical evidence that the gender of Korean smokers is significantly related to differences in smoking stigma. The negative perception and resistance responses of female smokers shown in this study are consistent with the findings of previous studies on the stigma of substance use disorders and addiction. High smoking stigma can also be a risk factor in anti-smoking interventions, including health communication; therefore, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

Assessing the reach and engagement with the 'How To Save A Life' mass media campaign on drug-related death prevention in Scotland.

'How To Save A Life' (HTSAL) was a mass media campaign on drug-related death prevention which ran in Scotland from August 2021 to January 2022. It aimed to increase awareness of how to respond to an opioid overdose, and the uptake of take-home naloxone (THN). The objective of this study was to determine the reach and engagement with the campaign. Methods included a descriptive analysis of data from media sources, the campaign website, and an online naloxone training course. A quantitative content analysis was conducted on media articles. The campaign generated 57,402,850 non-unique impressions (the total number of times the campaign was seen or heard), and unique reach (the number of people who were exposed to the campaign) figures of 2,621,450. Engagement with the campaign was positive, and 96% of print/digital media articles had a positive view of the campaign. There were 40,714 visits to the campaign website, leading to 8,107 clicks to the free naloxone training course, and 3,141 clicks to order a free naloxone kit. This study showed that mass media campaigns on drug policy topics can achieve high levels of reach and engagement. There was a clear progression from viewing campaign materials, to visiting the campaign website, to completing naloxone training. Our research suggests that mass media campaigns can be used to disseminate harm reduction messages to the general public.

Beyond the Badge: A Scoping Review Among Police Personnel in South India Exploring the Impact of Yoga and Health Education on Cardiovascular Health.

Communicable diseases have been the primary cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting populations for decades. However, in recent times, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the primary cause of illness and premature death due to factors such as urbanization, longer life expectancy, and unhealthy lifestyles. In recent years, noncommunicable illnesses have emerged as the primary cause of morbidity and premature mortality, replacing infectious diseases as the leading cause of illness and death. Among the top five causes of NCD, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most important factor, comprising the major diseases with maximum mortality and morbidity. The burden of CVD is greatly increased by modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and excess body weight. CVD occurs particularly in certain occupational risk groups, such as doctors, police personnel, and persons working for prolonged hours, predisposing them to unhealthy dietary practices, improper sleeping patterns, and increased psychological stress. As members of this occupational group, police personnel are particularly at risk for cardiovascular diseases, making it imperative to implement preventive measures to reduce the burden of these diseases in this population. The primary objective was to assess the impact of yoga and health education interventions on cardiovascular health outcomes among police personnel in South India, and the secondary objective was to examine the changes in blood pressure levels and lipid profiles following yoga and health education programs among police personnel.

Trends and Patterns in Obesity-Related Deaths in the US (2010-2020): A Comprehensive Analysis Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) Data.

Obesity is a significant public health issue in the United States, contributing to a range of chronic conditions and premature mortality. This study analyzes patterns in obesity-related deaths from 2010 to 2020 using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database to identify trends and demographic disparities. A retrospective analysis was conducted using the CDC WONDER Database, focusing on mortality data associated with specific International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes for obesity (E66.0, E66.1, E66.2, E66.8, and E66.9). Data were extracted for the period from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020. Mortality rates per 100,000 population were calculated and analyzed across different demographic groups, including age, gender, and race/ethnicity. The analysis revealed an overall increase in obesity-related mortality rates, rising from 1.8 per 100,000 in 2010 to 3.1 per 100,000 in 2020. Age-specific mortality rates showed a significant increase in older age groups, with the highest rates observed in individuals aged 55-64 years (6.4 per 100,000) and 65-74 years (7.2 per 100,000). Gender disparities were evident, with higher mortality rates in males (3.4 per 100,000) compared to females (2.8 per 100,000) by the end of the study period. Racial disparities were also noted, with Black or African American individuals experiencing the highest mortality rates (4.3 per 100,000). The study highlights a concerning upward trend in obesity-related mortality in the United States over the past decade, with notable disparities based on age, gender, and race. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and policies aimed at reducing obesity prevalence and its associated mortality. Further research should explore the underlying causes and contributing factors to these trends to develop effective strategies for obesity management and prevention. Among the notable strengths of this study include the observation that it leveraged a comprehensive and decade-long countrywide database with detailed and up-to-date ICD-10 codes and demographic data to offer in-depth insights into obesity-related disparities and mortality trends in the United States. Nevertheless, the findings of this study have been limited by its increased focus on the United States' data, depending only on mortality records devoid of consideration of morbidity, alongside the lack of detailed data on lifestyle factors and comorbid conditions.

The inverse associations between composite-dietary-antioxidant-index and sarcopenia risk in US adults.

Background: It remains unknown whether composite-dietary-antioxidant-index (CDAI) is associated with the risk of sarcopenia. This study investigated the association of CDAI with sarcopenia risk among general US adults. Methods: A total of 10,093 participants were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 6 survey cycles (2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016 and 2017-2018). Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to examine the relationship between CDAI and the risk of sarcopenia. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were employed to analyze nonlinear relationships. Results: In a multi-variable logistic regression model adjusting for demographics, lifestyle, economic status and other dietary factors, higher CDAI score was related to a lower risk of sarcopenia among US adults. Compared the highest quartile of CDAI score with the lowest, the OR and 95%CI were 0.49 (0.31-0.75). Furthermore, the RCS demonstrated a linear dose-response relationship between CDAI and sarcopenia (P non-linearity=0.92). These results remained consistent across subgroups stratified by age, sex, physical activity, drinking status, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, energy intake, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score. In addition, the favorable associations of CDAI were primarily attributed to Vitamin E intake. Conclusion: A higher CDAI score was associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia. According to these results, a greater adherence to CDAI may benefit sarcopenia prevention in adults.

Understanding excess mortality in 2022: The dual impact of COVID-19 and heatwaves on the Italian elderly population.

In this study, we employ a comprehensive approach to model the concurrent effects of the COVID-19 epidemic and heatwaves on all-cause excess mortality. Our investigation uncovers distinct peaks in excess mortality, notably among individuals aged 80 years and older, revealing a strong positive correlation with excess temperatures (ET) during the summer of 2022 in Italy. Furthermore, we identify a notable role played by COVID-19 hospitalizations, exhibiting regional disparities, particularly during the winter months. Leveraging functional data regression, we offer robust and coherent insights into the excess mortality trends observed in Italy throughout 2022.

Signaling pathways in HPV-induced cervical cancer: Exploring the therapeutic promise of RNA modulation.

Cervical cancer, originating from the epithelial tissue of the uterine cervix, constitutes the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide. The predominant etiological factor underpinning cervical carcinogenesis is persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, notably HPV-16 and HPV-18. Oncoproteins encoded by high-risk HPV interfere with multiple essential cellular signaling cascades. Specifically, E5, E6, and E7 proteins disrupt the signaling pathways like p53, retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB), The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), and Wnt/ß-catenin, promoting HPV-mediated carcinogenesis. This dysregulation disrupts cell cycle control, apoptosis, and metastasis through modulation of microRNAs (miRNA) and key cellular processes. The novel therapeutic interventions for HPV prevention and detection are fundamental to patient management. RNA-based treatment modalities offer the potential for manipulating critical pathways involved in cervical carcinogenesis. RNA therapeutics offer novel approaches to drug development by targeting intracellular genetic elements inaccessible to conventional modalities. Additional advantages include rapid design, synthesis, and a reduced genotoxic profile compared to DNA-based therapies. Despite beneficial attributes, system stability and efficient delivery remain critical parameters. This study assessed the intricate relationship between HPV, cervical cancer, and various signaling pathways. The study explores miRNAs' diagnostic and therapeutic potential, mall interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)in cervical cancer management. The review highlights the prospect of RNA-targeted therapies to modulate specific cancer signaling pathways. This approach offers a novel strategy for cervical cancer treatment through precise regulation of cancer signaling. Future research should concentrate on developing RNA-targeted interventions to improve cervical cancer treatment outcomes through increased therapeutic efficacy and specificity.

Market survey of food product indicators and their credibility as a healthy food product in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of food product indicators may facilitate consumers in making informed healthy choices. However, it may also mislead consumers. This study aims to determine the prevalence of food products carrying food product indicators; the compliance of products bearing Malaysia's Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) and nutrition and health claims (NHC) towards the local regulations; and the credibility of the aforementioned products as healthy food products based on the international regulation in the Malaysian market. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional market survey conducted from February to May 2023 on 3428 products sold in Malaysian supermarkets. Product information including the brand, name, nutrition information panel, food product indicator (front-of-pack nutrition labelling, NHC, other claims), ingredients list and manufacturer or importer were collected. Compliance of products carrying NHC and HCL is evaluated against local guidelines. Credibility as a healthy product is evaluated against the WHO Nutrient Profile Model for the Western Pacific Region on a subsample (products with HCL and/or NHC). RESULTS: 53% of food products surveyed had food product indicators (n=1809). A total of 32% carried at least one NHC (n=1101), of which 47% had excellent overall compliance (n=522). Only 4% carried Malaysia's HCL (n=138), of which 48% had excellent nutrient compliance (n=66). Only 13% of the products carrying Malaysia's HCL and NHC could be identified as absolute healthy food products as defined by the WHO standard (n=147). CONCLUSION: Although half of the products surveyed had food product indicators, merely half of them had excellent compliance towards the standards. Only 13% of the subsample qualified as healthy food products. Voluntary application of the local HCL was low among food industries. Ensuring high standards of compliance and credibility of food products in the Malaysian market is crucial for food companies and government authorities.

Cohort profile: Understanding the influence of early life environments and health and social service system contacts over time and across generations through the Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey (WAACHS) Linked Data Study.

PURPOSE: Despite the volume of accumulating knowledge from prospective Aboriginal cohort studies, longitudinal data describing developmental trajectories in health and well-being is limited. The linkage of child and carer cohorts from a historical cross-sectional survey with longitudinal health-service and social-service administrative data has created a unique and powerful data resource that underpins the Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey (WAACHS) linked data study. This study aims to provide evidence-based information to Aboriginal communities across Western Australia, governments and non-government agencies on the heterogeneous life trajectories of Aboriginal children and families. PARTICIPANTS: This study comprises data from a historical cross-sectional household study of 5289 Aboriginal children from the WAACHS (2000-2002) alongside their primary (N=2113) and other (N=1040) carers, and other householders. WAACHS data were linked with Western Australia (WA) government administrative datasets up to 2020 including health, education, child protection, police and justice system contacts. The study also includes two non-Aboriginal cohorts from WA, linked with the same administrative data sources allowing comparisons of outcomes across cohorts in addition to between-group comparisons within the Aboriginal population. FINDINGS TO DATE: Linked data coverage rates are presented for all WAACHS participants. Child health outcomes for the WAACHS children (Cohort 1) are described from birth into adulthood along with other outcomes including child protection and juvenile justice involvement. FUTURE PLANS: Analysis of data from both the child and carer cohorts will seek to understand the contribution of individual, family (intergenerational) and community-level influences on Aboriginal children's developmental and health pathways, identify key developmental transitions or turning points where interventions may be most effective in improving outcomes, and compare service pathways for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. All research is guided by Aboriginal governance processes and study outputs will be produced with Aboriginal leadership to guide culturally appropriate policy and practice for improving health, education and social outcomes.

Overall and race-specific associations between state-level minimum wage policy and food insecurity in the United States.

BACKGROUND: In the USA, states can set higher minimum wages than the federal government. We investigated the association between state minimum wages and racial/ethnic inequities in food insecurity. METHODS: Household-level food insecurity and sociodemographic data were obtained from the cross-sectional Current Population Survey 2015-2019 (n=189 665 households) and merged by state and year with minimum wage and cost-of-living data obtained from the US Department of Labor and US Bureau of Economic Analysis, respectively. We fitted Poisson regression models with robust standard errors with 12-month or 30-day household food insecurity as the outcome, and minimum wage or inflation-adjusted minimum wage (ie, real wage) as the predictor, adjusting for cost of living, sociodemographic covariates and state fixed-effects. We tested interactions between minimum wage and race/ethnicity and ran race/ethnicity-stratified models. RESULTS: In adjusted models, the real wage was not associated with 12-month or 30-day food insecurity. Minimum wage was associated with 5% lower prevalence rate of 12-month food insecurity (PR 0.95, 95% CI=0.93 to 0.98) and 7% lower prevalence rate of 30-day food insecurity (PR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.96) for all households. The interaction p values for race/ethnicity with real wage and minimum wage were p<0.001. In stratified models, results were statistically significant for minimum wage and 12-month food insecurity among non-Hispanic (NH) white households (PR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.96) and Hispanic households (PR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98), and minimum wage and 30-day food insecurity among NH white (PR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.96), NH black (PR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99) and Hispanic (PR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.95) households. CONCLUSIONS: Higher state-level minimum wages, but not real wages, were associated with lower food insecurity prevalence overall and for racial/ethnic subgroups.

Gun violence exposure and population health inequality: a conceptual framework.

This essay establishes a conceptual framework to understand how direct, secondar and community exposures to gun violence converge to influence population health. Our framework asserts that persistent gun violence in structurally disadvantaged communities enacts broad consequences for mental, physical and behavioural health, operating as a key driver of racial and socioeconomic health disparities. We discuss the applications of this framework for research and improved data collection with a focus on establishing timely and accurate measures of gun violence alongside individual and community health measures. We then address the policy implications of the framework, emphasising the need for long-term, institutional investment in gun violence prevention and intervention, survivor service provision and evidence-based policies at all levels of government.

Seven insights from Albert Camus's Plague about epidemics, public health and morality.

For Albert Camus, plague was both a fact of life and a powerful metaphor for the human condition. Camus engaged most explicitly and extensively with the subject of plague in his 1947 novel, The Plague (La peste), which chronicles an outbreak of what is presumably cholera in the French-Algerian city of Oran. I often thought of this novel-and what it might teach us-during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, I discuss seven important insights from The Plague about epidemics, public health and morality.

Public perceptions related to healthcare preparedness to anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer's Disease in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The approval of lecanemab, an anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), necessitates addressing healthcare preparedness for disease-modifying treatment (DMT) to ensure appropriate, safe, and sustainable drug administration. Understanding public perceptions on this matter is crucial. We aimed to assess discrepancies and similarities in the perceptions of Japanese trial-ready cohort study ('J-TRC webstudy') participants and clinical specialists in the fields of dementia treatment and radiology, concerning affairs related to challenges in DMT preparedness. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional prospective observational study conducted in November-December 2023. The J-TRC webstudy participants were invited to participate in an online survey using Google Forms, and clinical specialists were invited to complete a mail-based survey. Main questionnaire items had been designed to be common in both surveys, and their responses were analyzed for participant attributes, interests, attitudes, expectations, and concerns about DMTs without specifying lecanemab. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from n = 2,050 J-TRC webstudy participants and n = 1,518 clinical specialists. Compared to specialists, more J-TRC respondents perceived the eligible proportion for DMT as smaller (59.1% versus 30.7%), perceived the eligible severity for DMT as more limited (58.0% versus 24.5%), and perceived the efficacy of DMT as slightly more encouraging (29.3% versus 34.8%). In terms of treatment prioritization, both J-TRC respondents and specialist respondents exhibited similar levels of acceptance for prioritizing patients to treat: e.g., approximately two-thirds endorsed patient prioritization under hypothetical resource constraints or other reasons. A medical rationale emerged as the most compelling reason for acceptance of patient prioritization across the surveys. In contrast, the need to address vulnerable populations was the reason that led to the least acceptance of prioritization, followed by economic considerations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings offer valuable insights into the discrepancies in knowledge and perception between patients and healthcare providers. This could enhance the delivery of patient information in clinical settings and inform the discussion surrounding patient prioritization strategies.

Drivers and barriers of seasonal influenza vaccination 2015/16 & 2019/20 to 2022/23 - a survey on why most Norwegians don't get the flu vaccine.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the reasons adults in the general population, influenza risk groups (RGs) and health care workers (HCWs) in Norway give for their vaccination choices and whether these reasons vary between groups or over time in order to further improve influenza vaccination coverage. METHODS: Respondents of a nationally representative telephone survey conducted by Statistics Norway were asked "What was the most important reason why you did/did not get vaccinated?". The question on influenza non-vaccination was included in 2016 and in 2020 to 2023 and the question on influenza vaccination in 2021 to 2023. RESULTS: The study included 9 705 individuals aged 18-79 years. Influenza vaccination coverage in the RGs increased from 20.6% in 2016 to 63.1% in 2022, before a reduction to 58.3% in 2023. Common reasons for non-vaccination were similar in all groups. The most cited reasons were "no need" for the vaccine and "no specific reason", followed by "not recommended/offered the vaccine", "worry about side effects" and "vaccine refusal". The most frequent reasons for vaccination among the general population and RGs were protection against influenza and belonging to a RG, while the most frequent responses among HCWs were being offered the vaccine at work/work in health care, followed by a desire for protection against influenza. Receiving a vaccine recommendation from a health professional was mentioned in all groups. We also observed that the proportion reporting "no need" for the vaccine decreased over time, especially among HCWs, and that the proportions reporting vaccine refusal and worry about side effects as reasons for non-vaccination were temporarily reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The general population and RGs cite protection against influenza as their primary incentive for vaccination, while HCWs mainly refer to their professional role or workplace vaccination. For non-vaccination we see a similar pattern in all groups, with "no need" and "no specific reason" as the main reasons. Of note, worry about side effects and vaccine refusal is as frequent among HCWs as in other groups. Continued efforts to maintain and increase vaccine confidence are needed.