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New policy governs gain-of-function and "dual-use" studies.

A recent study takes a step in that direction., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective. To evaluate the familiarity of the editors of journals indexed in the LILACS database with the guidelines for reporting on and publishing research— promoted by the EQUATOR Network (Enhancing QUAlity and Transparency Of Health Research)—, the journals' requirements for use of the guidelines, and the editors' opinions regarding the reasons for the low rate of use. Methods. LILACS editors were surveyed by e-mail about the guidelines and their availability at the EQUATOR website, and about the requirements and difficulties in using them. Results. Of 802 editors, 16.4% answered the survey. More than half said they were not aware of the guidelines (especially STROBE and PRISMA) and 30% were familiar with the EQUATOR Network. Conclusions. The first Latin American and Caribbean study on LILACS editors' familiarity with the guidelines revealed that more than half of them were not familiar either with the guidelines or the EQUATOR Network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underpinning the global commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) is the fundamental role of health for well-being and sustainable development. UHC is proposed as an umbrella health goal in the post-2015 sustainable development agenda because it implies universal and equitable effective delivery of comprehensive health services by a strong health system, aligned with multiple sectors around the shared goal of better health. In this paper, we argue that social determinants of health (SDH) are central to both the equitable pursuit of healthy lives and the provision of health services for all and, therefore, should be expressly incorporated into the framework for monitoring UHC. This can be done by: (a) disaggregating UHC indicators by different measures of socioeconomic position to reflect the social gradient and the complexity of social stratification; and (b) connecting health indicators, both outcomes and coverage, with SDH and policies within and outside of the health sector. Not locating UHC in the context of action on SDH increases the risk of going down a narrow route that limits the right to health to coverage of services and financial protection. INSET: BOX 1. World Health Organization (WHO)/ World Bank (WB).... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To systematically review and analyze various ways that health systems frameworks interact with the social determinants of health (SDH), as well as the implications of these interactions. Methods. This was a review of the literature conducted in 2012 using predetermined criteria to search three comprehensive databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, and the World Bank E-Library) and grey literature for articles with any consideration of the SDH within health systems frameworks. Snowball sampling and expert opinion were used to include any potentially relevant articles not identified by the initial search. In total, 4 152 documents were found; of these, 27 were included in the analyses. Results. Five main categories of interaction between health systems and SDH emerged: Bounded, Production, Reciprocal, Joint, and Systems models. At one end were the Bounded and Production models, which conceive the SDH to be outside the health system; at the other end, the Joint and Systems models, which visualize a continuous and dynamic interaction. Conclusions. Considering the complex and dynamic interactions among different kinds of organizations involved in and with the health system, the Joint and Systems models seem to best reflect these interactions, and should thereby guide stakeholders in planning for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A workshop with 20 experts of diverse backgrounds from five countries in the Americas was convened for two- and-a-half days in March 2012 to discuss and develop a standardized methodology for assessing the economic cost of dengue. This article discusses a number of factors that contributed to the workshop's success, including: engaging the experts at various stages of the process; convening a multidisciplinary group to reduce expert bias and provide a more comprehensive and integrated approach; facilitating guided small- and large-group discussions; developing effective cross-cultural collectivism, trust, communication, and empathy across the expert panel; establishing clear lines of responsibilities within each group of experts; breaking down the complex issues into smaller and simpler ideas; providing ample background materials in multiple languages prior to the workshop. Challenges and areas for improvement are also covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among controversial new recommendations: doing away with categorical food bans., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The American Academy of Pediatrics targets antibiotic resistance.

New guidance for the intranasal vaccine and for those allergic to eggs.

The CDC addresses a common and significant health concern.

Watching whales and dolphins is big business and, as Georgina Mills explains, experts have now published guidance to reduce the impact of this tourist activity., (British Veterinary Association.)