Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kosuke Kawai, Alison Tse Kawai
Summary: Racial and ethnic disparities in vaccine uptake persisted over the last decade, while socioeconomic disparities narrowed among adults aged 18-64 years but persisted among adults aged >= 65 years.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Juliana de Oliveira Roque e Lima, Valeria Pagotto, Barbara Souza Rocha, Paulo Sergio Scalize, Rafael Alves Guimaraes, Marcio Dias de Lima, Leandro Nascimento da Silva, Michele Dias da Silva Oliveira, Winny Eveny Alves Moura, Sheila Araujo Teles, Claci Fatima Weirich Rosso, Karlla Antonieta Amorim Caetano
Summary: This study aimed to estimate vaccination coverage for children living in quilombola communities and rural settlements in the central region of Brazil. The overall vaccination coverage was 52.8%, with no significant differences between the groups. However, children who did not receive a visit from a healthcare professional had lower vaccination coverage. Urgent strategies are needed to ensure health equity for this unique group.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Adit Doza, Gail A. Jensen, Wassim Tarraf
Summary: The study found that mortality rates among Blacks and Hispanic-Spanish have risen since the mid-1990s, and Hispanic-Spanish may be losing their advantageous lower risk of mortality, long known as the Hispanic Paradox.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Rosa Nouvini, Patricia A. Parker, Charlotte D. Malling, Kendra Godwin, Rosario Costas-Muniz
Summary: This systematic review explores interventions aimed at improving cancer clinical trial enrollment for racial and ethnic minorities, showing potential benefits of patient navigation/coaching and other interventions in increasing recruitment rates.
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Christina Dorismond, Zainab Farzal, Rupali N. Shah, Charles S. Ebert, Robert A. Buckmire
Summary: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) has a lower representation of underrepresented minorities compared to other surgical subspecialties. The study found that using Step 2 scores and Alpha Omega Alpha membership as application screening methods negatively affected the chances of underrepresented minorities. Therefore, alternative application review methods, such as holistic evaluation, should be considered to promote equitable distribution of interview opportunities.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew F. Daley, Liza M. Reifler, Jo Ann Shoup, Jason M. Glanz, Allison L. Naleway, Jennifer C. Nelson, Joshua T. B. Williams, Huong Q. Mclean, Gabriela Vazquez-Benitez, Kristin Goddard, Bruno J. Lewin, Eric S. Weintraub, Michael M. Mcneil, Hilda Razzaghi, James A. Singleton
Summary: This study assessed the contribution of vaccine-related attitudes to racial and ethnic disparities in influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women in the United States. The results showed that vaccine-related attitudes played a significant role in the observed differences among racial and ethnic groups.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Russyan Mark Mabeza, Briana Christophers, Sophia A. Ederaine, Emily J. Glenn, Zachary P. Benton-Slocum, Jasmine R. Marcelin
Summary: Racially and ethnically minoritized individuals are underrepresented in graduate medical education, and there is a lack of consensus on strategies to improve representation across specialties.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Wendy S. Post, Karol E. Watson, Spencer Hansen, Aaron R. Folsom, Moyses Szklo, Steven Shea, R. Graham Barr, Gregory Burke, Alain G. Bertoni, Norrina Allen, James S. Pankow, Joao A. C. Lima, Jerome Rotter, Joel D. Kaufman, W. Craig Johnson, Richard A. Kronmal, Ana Diez-Roux, Robyn L. McClelland
Summary: Despite improvements in population health, significant disparities in longevity and cardiovascular disease mortality persist among different racial and ethnic groups. This study demonstrates the impact of socioeconomic status and other factors on these disparities, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing systemic factors that contribute to health differences across different racial and ethnic groups.
Article
Orthopedics
Austin M. Meadows, Madelyn M. Skinner, Majd T. Faraj, Alaa A. Hazime, Russell G. Day, Jessi A. Fore, Charles S. Day
Summary: Diversity in orthopaedic surgery leadership has made some progress, particularly in terms of gender diversity among chairpersons. However, there has been a significant decrease in minority and gender representation among orthopaedic faculty and orthopaedic leadership in 2019/2020 (p < 0.05), which is a trend seen in other specialties as well. These findings may suggest a more widespread issue of diversity in medical leadership that goes beyond orthopaedic surgery.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY-AMERICAN VOLUME
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tiffany L. Carson, Michelle Cardel, Takara L. Stanley, Steven Grinspoon, James O. Hill, Jamy Ard, Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, Fatima Cody Stanford
Summary: This study assessed the racial/ethnic diversity of obesity-focused professional organizations in the United States and found that some organizations do not systematically track data. Results showed underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minorities in membership and leadership positions, highlighting the need for greater diversity and inclusion efforts.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ibraheem M. Karaye
Summary: This study examined suicide trends by race and ethnicity in the United States from 1999 to 2020. It found that the suicide rate has been decreasing among Non-Hispanic Whites but increasing among Non-Hispanic Blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Hispanics. The study also identified changes in suicide mechanisms, with increases in firearm and suffocation suicides, and decreases in drug poisoning suicides.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yuri Jang, William E. Haley, Eun Young Choi, Yujin Franco
Summary: This study examined the role of race/ethnicity in the corresponding subjective and objective ratings of cognitive impairment. The findings showed that Blacks and Hispanics were more prone to wrongly perceive their cognitive function as positive in the presence of cognitive impairment, while non-Hispanic Whites were more likely to manifest negative ratings even in the absence of cognitive impairment. The study highlights the importance of tailored efforts in promoting dementia diagnosis and care.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Viliane Vilcant, Carlos Ceron, Gagan Verma, Roman Zeltser, Amgad N. Makaryus
Summary: Non-White racial and ethnic groups have been traditionally underrepresented in cardiology research studies, despite the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in these groups. A review of major cardiovascular trials between 1986 and 2019 found that only about half of the trials reported any racial or ethnic information, and there has been no significant improvement in the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups over time.
HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Elizabeth Crouch, Elizabeth Radcliff, Melinda A. Merrell, Monique J. Brown, Lucy Annang Ingram, Janice Probst
Summary: The study found that children from racial/ethnic minority groups are less likely to have mentors for guidance, live in safe neighborhoods, or live in supportive neighborhoods compared to their Non-Hispanic White counterparts, highlighting the negative disparities faced by racial/ethnic minority populations.
CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
(2021)
Review
Computer Science, Information Systems
Mandy Truong, Ladan Yeganeh, Olivia Cook, Kimberley Crawford, Pauline Wong, Jacqueline Allen
Summary: This systematic review examines the use of telehealth consultations for racial/ethnic minority populations. The findings suggest that telehealth can effectively treat/manage physical and mental health conditions and improve access to care. However, technological difficulties and limited health literacy remain significant barriers.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL INFORMATICS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Zhong-Jie Li, Lin-Jie Yu, Hai-Yang Zhang, Chun-Xi Shan, Qing-Bin Lu, Xiao-Ai Zhang, Xiang Ren, Cui-Hong Zhang, Yi-Fei Wang, Sheng-Hong Lin, Qiang Xu, Bao-Gui Jiang, Tao Jiang, Chen-Long Lv, Jin-Jin Chen, George F. Gao, Wei-Zhong Yang, Li-Ping Wang, Yang Yang, Li-Qun Fang, Wei Liu
Summary: The study found that nonpharmaceutical interventions implemented during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced respiratory viral infections. However, lifting these interventions may lead to a resurgence of infections, especially among children.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Thomas S. Murray, Amyn A. Malik, Mehr Shafiq, Aiden Lee, Clea Harris, Madeline Klotz, John Eric Humphries, Kavin M. Patel, David Wilkinson, Inci Yildirim, Jad A. Elharake, Rachel Diaz, Chin Reyes, Saad B. Omer, Walter S. Gilliam
Summary: This study found that early adoption and continued use of child masking in childcare programs were associated with a lower risk of program closure due to COVID-19 cases, suggesting important implications for public health policies and families relying on childcare services.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kavin M. Patel, SarahAnn M. McFadden, Salini Mohanty, Caroline M. Joyce, Paul L. Delamater, Nicola P. Klein, Daniel A. Salmon, Saad B. Omer, Alison M. Buttenheim
Summary: The study examined the impact of SB 277 on homeschooling rates in California, finding that the elimination of nonmedical exemptions for mandatory vaccinations did not lead to a significant increase in homeschooling enrollment. The results suggest that the legislation did not result in a shift away from traditional brick-and-mortar schooling.
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Jad A. Elharake, Faris Akbar, Amyn A. Malik, Walter Gilliam, Saad B. Omer
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of children and college students, leading to increased anxiety, depression, fatigue, and distress. Factors such as living in rural areas, low family socioeconomic status, and having a connection to healthcare workers have been associated with worse mental health outcomes. Future strategies should prioritize social contacts to support students at higher risk of social isolation during the pandemic.
CHILD PSYCHIATRY & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Saad B. Omer, Sean T. O'Leary, Robert A. Bednarczyk, Mallory K. Ellingson, Christine I. Spina, Matthew Z. Dudley, Allison T. Chamberlain, Rupali J. Limaye, Sarah E. Brewer, Paula M. Frew, Fauzia A. Malik, Walter Orenstein, Neal Halsey, Kevin Ault, Daniel A. Salmon
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of a multi-component intervention package on maternal immunization uptake in obstetric care clinics. The intervention targets barriers at practice-, provider-, and patient-levels in order to increase vaccine uptake. The primary outcomes are the receipt of influenza and Tdap vaccines during pregnancy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florian B. Mayr, Victor B. Talisa, Alexander D. Castro, Obaid S. Shaikh, Saad B. Omer, Adeel A. Butt
Summary: Based on a retrospective analysis of matched veterans in the United States, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is associated with milder disease in high-risk populations compared to the Delta variant. Older individuals and those with more comorbidities are more likely to experience moderate or severe disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Douglas J. Opel, Noel T. Brewer, Alison M. Buttenheim, Timothy Callaghan, Richard M. Carpiano, Chelsea Clinton, Jad A. Elharake, Lisa C. Flowers, Alison P. Galvani, Peter J. Hotez, Jason L. Schwartz, Regina M. Benjamin, Arthur Caplan, Renee DiResta, Rekha Lakshmanan, Yvonne A. Maldonado, Michelle M. Mello, Wendy E. Parmet, Daniel A. Salmon, Joshua M. Sharfstein, Saad B. Omer
Article
Immunology
Matthew Z. Dudley, Erin E. Barnett, Alex Paulenich, Saad B. Omer, Holly Schuh, Tina M. Proveaux, Alison M. Buttenheim, Nicola P. Klein, Paul Delamater, SarahAnn M. McFadden, Kavin M. Patel, Daniel A. Salmon
Summary: In October 2021, Emergency Use Authorization was granted for COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11. California plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for school children once the vaccines receive full FDA approval. A survey conducted in California found that 26% of parents did not intend to vaccinate their child against COVID-19, indicating skepticism and potential pushback. However, 17% of parents were unsure, suggesting that public health messaging could influence vaccine confidence and uptake. Research and outreach efforts should target hesitant parents.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Mary E. Petrone, Carolina Lucas, Bridget Menasche, Mallery Breban, Inci Yildirim, Melissa Campbell, Saad B. Omer, Edward C. Holmes, Albert Ko, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Akiko Iwasaki, Craig B. Wilen, Chantal B. F. Vogels, Joseph R. Fauver
Summary: Developing a timely and effective response to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern is crucial for public health. Global health surveillance relies not only on genomic data but also on methods that utilize genomic data to estimate the epidemiological dynamics of emerging lineages. In this study, the differences in reporting delays among SARS-CoV-2 VOCs were analyzed, indicating that these delays may have delayed the global response to the Mu variant. The nonsystematic biases in the reporting of genomic data could impede the assessment of future emerging variants.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Adeel A. Butt, Peng Yan, Obaid S. Shaikh, Saad B. Omer, Florian B. Mayr, Victor B. Talisa
Summary: In previously uninfected, nonhospitalized, high-risk persons with COVID-19, the use of molnupiravir does not significantly reduce the rate of hospitalization or death within 30 days of diagnosis. However, asymptomatic patients might experience a benefit.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Richard M. Carpiano, Timothy Callaghan, Renee DiResta, Noel Brewer, Chelsea Clinton, Alison P. Galvani, Rekha Lakshmanan, Wendy E. Parmet, Saad B. Omer, Alison M. Buttenheim, Regina M. Benjamin, Arthur Caplan, Jad A. Elharake, Lisa C. Flowers, Yvonne A. Maldonado, Michelle M. Mello, Douglas J. Opel, Daniel A. Salmon, Jason L. Schwartz, Joshua M. Sharfstein, Peter J. Hotez
Article
Cell Biology
Bruno Andraus Filardi, Valter Silva Monteiro, Pedro Vellosa Schwartzmann, Vivian do Prado Martins, Luis Eduardo Rosa Zucca, Gabriela Crispim Baiocchi, Amyn A. Malik, Julio Silva, Anne M. Hahn, Nicholas F. G. Chen, Kien Pham, Eddy Perez-Then, Marija Miric, Vivian Brache, Leila Cochon, Rafael A. Larocca, Roberto Della Rosa Mendez, Douglas Bardini Silveira, Aguinaldo Roberto Pinto, Julio Croda, Inci Yildirim, Saad B. Omer, Albert I. Ko, Sten H. Vermund, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Akiko Iwasaki, Carolina Lucas
Summary: The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages resulted in increased transmission rates and reduced vaccine protection. Homologous CoronaVac booster doses showed lower efficiency in enhancing immune response compared to heterologous BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 boosters, especially in individuals over 50 years old. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of heterologous vaccination strategies for older adults fully vaccinated with CoronaVac during the Omicron wave.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Anis Barmada, Jon Klein, Anjali Ramaswamy, Nina N. Brodsky, Jillian R. Jaycox, Hassan Sheikha, Kate M. Jones, Victoria Habet, Melissa Campbell, Tomokazu S. Sumida, Amy Kontorovich, Dusan Bogunovic, Carlos R. Oliveira, Jeremy Steele, E. Kevin Hall, Mario Pena-Hernandez, Valter Monteiro, Carolina Lucas, Aaron M. Ring, Saad B. Omer, Akiko Iwasaki, Inci Yildirim, Carrie L. Lucas
Summary: A study found that rare immune-mediated cardiac tissue inflammation can occur after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Contrary to early hypotheses, the underlying mechanisms of this pathology do not involve hypersensitivity myocarditis or hyperimmune humoral response. Instead, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteases were observed, along with expansion of activated T cells and NK cells, and inflammation and fibrosis in monocytes. These findings provide insights into the cytokine-dependent pathology of vaccine-associated myopericarditis and have implications for vaccine development and clinical care.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nour J. Youssef, Nadim K. Tfaily, Mohammad Bahij M. Moumneh, Celina F. Boutros, Jad A. Elharake, Amyn A. Malik, SarahAnn M. McFadden, Bayan Galal, Inci Yildirim, Kaveh Khoshnood, Saad B. Omer, Ziad A. Memish, Ghassan S. Dbaibo
Summary: Lebanese healthcare workers show relatively high acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are still barriers such as concerns about insufficient research. The WHO and healthcare providers are the most trusted sources of COVID-19 information. These findings are important for informing Lebanese health authorities in improving vaccine uptake.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muhammad Imran Nisar, Fyezah Jehan, Shahira Shahid, Sheraz Ahmed, Sadia Shakoor, Furqan Kabir, Aneeta Hotwani, Sahrish Muneer, Farah Khalid, Sajid Muhammad, Benjamin M. Althouse, Hao Hu, Cynthia G. Whitney, Asad Ali, Anita K. M. Zaidi, Saad B. Omer, Najeeha Iqbal
Summary: Pakistan introduced the PCV10 vaccine in 2013 and conducted a study on infants from 2014-2018. The study showed a significant decrease in carriage of vaccine-related serotypes and an increase in non-vaccine related serotypes. This highlights the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of existing vaccine formulations.
