Medical and Research Library News

Training opportunities
Websites and reports on trending topics
Journal articles of note

Training opportunities

The webinars and online classes listed here are shared solely as opportunities to learn more information of interest to public health personnel. All times listed are in Central Time.

June 5, 2026; 1–2:30 p.m. Defining Ultraprocessed Foods: A Roadmap for U.S. Policy Action.
This Healthy Eating Research webinar will present findings from the HER Expert Panel report Ultraprocessed Foods in the U.S.: Recommended Definitions and Policies. Speakers will discuss recommended definitions of ultraprocessed foods, methods to operationalize the definitions for policy purposes, and practical policies to reduce widespread availability and consumption of UPFs.

Jun 10, 2026 1–2:30 p.m. How PubMed Works: Introduction.
If you’re new to PubMed or just want a refresher this online class from the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) is designed for you. You’ll learn what PubMed is and what it contains, how to find the original research behind a news article, locate articles by a specific author, and search for articles on a particular subject. The course also covers how to narrow your results to a more focused set and introduces the Advanced Search Builder and Search History tools.

June 17, 2026; 11 a.m.–12 p.m. My Health Beyond Pregnancy: Supporting Patients and Caregivers Postpartum.
This webinar from the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living will explore maternal health beyond pregnancy, with a focus on postpartum cardiometabolic health and the importance of supporting both patients and caregivers after delivery. Dr. Ann Celi will discuss why maternal heart health matters after childbirth, common postpartum health risks, and strategies to improve long-term outcomes through patient-centered care. The session will also highlight the importance of listening to and amplifying the patient voice to better understand individual experiences, address barriers to care, and promote equitable and compassionate healthcare practices.

June 24, 2026; 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Medical-Dental Integration and Prenatal Care.
This webinar is offered by the DSHS Grand Rounds program. DSHS Grand Rounds explores the science and practice of population health and awards continuing education credits/contact hours for various disciplines. Visit the Grand Rounds calendar to see information on upcoming sessions. Held monthly on the fourth Wednesday, sessions last 90 minutes with the final 
20 minutes reserved for Q&A.

Websites and reports on trending topics

ASABE Technical Library from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), a professional and technical organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems, provides online access to ASABE standards, meeting and conference papers, textbooks, and monographs. 

FastStats A to Z provides quick access to statistics on topics of public health importance and is organized alphabetically. Links are provided to publications that include the statistics presented, to sources of more data, and to related web pages. From the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National Technical Reports Library (NTRL) is a repository hosted by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) that provides free access to thousands of U.S. government-funded technical reports across disciplines including environmental health, engineering, and biomedical research.

State Public Health Legislation Database covers topics related to public health including infectious disease prevention and treatment, public health reporting and workforce and vaccines. It includes all introduced legislation from 2021 to the present and is updated at least twice per month as legislation is identified by National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) staff.

Journal articles of note

McGee-Avila JK, Haas CB, Shing JZ, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma survival in people with and without HIV in the United States, 2001-2019. Clin Infect Dis. Published online April 9, 2026. doi:10.1093/cid/ciag137
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk is elevated among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH), but survival disparities are poorly understood.
Methods: We used data from the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study, a U.S. population-based linkage of 12 HIV and cancer registries during 2001-2019. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for HIV and HCC-specific and all-cause mortality among people with HCC, and to estimate aHRs for factors associated with HCC-specific and all-cause mortality among PWH.
Results: A total of 71 516 cases of HCC including 1610 PWH occurred during 2001-2019. Compared to people with HCC without HIV, a higher proportion of PWH were men, younger at time of cancer diagnosis, and were Black or Hispanic. Overall, 1279 deaths occurred among PWH (62.5% of deaths from HCC). HIV was associated with 34% higher all-cause mortality (aHR 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.41), and slightly increased HCC-specific mortality (aHR 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.16). Male sex, older age at HCC diagnosis, and nonreceipt of cancer treatment modalities were associated with increased all-cause and HCC-specific mortality among PWH. Increased HCC-specific mortality was also observed among men who have sex with men, compared to people who inject drugs. All-cause and HCC-specific mortality declined across calendar periods from 2001-2003 to 2016-2019 (Ptrends & .0002 and .06, respectively).
Conclusions: HIV is associated with 34% higher all-cause and 8% higher HCC-specific mortality among PWH with HCC compared to those without HIV. As PWH are now living longer, and are at higher risk of HCC, research should prioritize opportunities for HCC prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ovuegbe S, Collier A, Forrest D, McKieran L, Tsai J. Access to care during COVID-19: A qualitative study of healthcare system resilience in San Antonio, Texas. J Public Health Res. 2026;15(2):22799036261441334. Published 2026 Apr 14. doi:10.1177/22799036261441334
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic challenged healthcare systems across the United States. It had distinct effects in rapidly growing cities like San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio, one of the fastest-expanding metropolitan areas, faces high rates of uninsured residents and a mix of urban and semi-rural healthcare landscapes. This makes it a valuable case for understanding health system responses to access challenges during public health crises. This qualitative study examined how healthcare system leaders, frontline providers, and policymakers in San Antonio navigated three major challenges during COVID-19: system-level disruptions in healthcare delivery, telehealth access, and health insurance coverage.
Methods: From February to April 2023, data came from 2 focus groups (n = 20) and 12 key informant interviews. These were analyzed thematically using a grounded theory approach to identify barriers and evidence-based resolutions.
Results: Participants identified three core challenges: First, disruptions in healthcare delivery due to workforce shortages, reduced preventive care access, and discharge delays. Second, barriers to telehealth access related to the digital divide and health literacy. Third, instability in health insurance coverage following the rollback of pandemic-era Medicaid protections. Participants also shared practice-based recommendations. These included standardized screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) with linked referrals to resources, culturally responsive food assistance programs, and hybrid care models that integrate telehealth with in-person care.
Conclusion: This project shows that engaging local leadership and coordinating strategies can make systems more resilient. These actions improve healthcare access during public health crises and offer practical lessons for other urban healthcare systems.

Sheriff FR, Benjamin RH, Xiao Q, et al. Neighbourhood social vulnerability and preterm birth risk among infants with trisomy 21: a statewide analysis. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. Published online April 24, 2026. doi:10.1111/ppe.70143
Abstract
Background: Residing in socioeconomically vulnerable areas is known to be associated with increased preterm birth (PTB) risk in the general population. However, the relationship between social vulnerability and PTB remains unexplored among infants with trisomy 21, who experience more than twice the PTB rate of the general population.
Objectives: The primary objective was to examine the association between maternal socioeconomic vulnerability, as measured by the SVI, and PTB among infants with trisomy 21.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among infants with trisomy 21 born in Texas (1999-2018). We examined the association between neighbourhood vulnerability, measured by Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) quartiles, and PTB utilising data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. Using Poisson regression, we estimated crude and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), accounting for maternal demographic characteristics and health factors.
Results: Of the 8823 eligible infants included in the analysis, 2269 (25.7%) were born preterm. Maternal residence in the highest vulnerability quartile was associated with an increased risk of PTB (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04, 1.32) and moderate to late PTB (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05, 1.35), compared to the least vulnerable quartile. In secondary analyses stratified by race/ethnicity, the association with high vulnerability was particularly strong among non-Hispanic Black women (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.00, 2.07).
Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of neighbourhood social vulnerability in influencing perinatal health risks, particularly PTB among infants with trisomy 21.

Wolters R, Tark JY, Chambers TM, et al. Increased risk of sarcomas in children with congenital anomalies: findings from the genetic overlap between anomalies and cancer in kids (GOBACK) registry linkage study. Pediatr Blood Cancer. Published online May 22, 2026. doi:10.1002/1545-5017.70415
Abstract
Background: Pediatric sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors that contribute disproportionately to cancer mortality in children. Although congenital anomalies are among the strongest known risk factors for childhood cancer, the risk of specific sarcoma subtypes among affected individuals has not yet been thoroughly evaluated.
Procedure: We obtained data on maternal and perinatal characteristics, congenital anomalies, and pediatric sarcoma diagnoses for all live births in nine states. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of sarcoma (overall and by subtype) among children with non-syndromic congenital anomalies. We considered all non-syndromic anomalies collectively, and when sample size allowed, we also evaluated specific anomaly-sarcoma associations.
Results: We evaluated 21,933,884 children, including 641,770 (2.9%) with major non-syndromic congenital anomalies. Compared to children without a congenital anomaly, children with a non-syndromic anomaly had a two-fold higher hazard for any soft tissue sarcoma (95% CI: 1.7-2.5), including rhabdomyosarcoma (HR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.7-3.0) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (HR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.8-3.6), as well as non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (HR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5). The hazard of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was markedly increased in children with central nervous system anomalies (HR 7.9, 95% CI: 3.9-15.9), obstructive genitourinary defects (HR 4.6, 95% CI: 2.2-9.7), and limb reduction deformities (HR 3.8, 95% CI: 1.6-9.3).
Conclusions: Children with non-syndromic congenital anomalies are at increased risk of sarcomas, especially soft tissue sarcomas. Future studies should clarify shared developmental pathways and evaluate implications for sarcoma risk prediction and surveillance.

For more information, employees may email the Medical and Research Library at library@dshs.texas.gov to receive research assistance, learn how to access electronic materials, or to obtain the full text of articles mentioned in this month’s news.

The Medical and Research Library News is sent out once a month or when important library news or events occur. Recent issues of the MRL News are online. If any of the links do not open for you, please email library@dshs.texas.gov and we will send you what you need. Thank you!

If you would like to subscribe, please send an email to library@dshs.texas.gov with Subscribe in the subject line. 

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Medical and Research Library News                

Training opportunities
Websites and reports on trending topics
Journal articles of note
New ebooks

Training opportunities

The webinars and online classes listed here are shared solely as opportunities to learn more information of interest to public health personnel. All times listed are in Central Time.

May 11, 2026; 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Humanizing Public Health: Rebuilding Trust in an Age of Misinformation.
Join The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) for a webinar that will explore how public health leaders can rebuild trust and counter misinformation by rethinking how we engage with communities. Drawing on lessons from past and ongoing public health crises, the discussion will examine how psychological, cultural, and structural factors shape how people interpret and act on health information.

May 21, 2026 1–3 p.m. Public Health Communications for Impact: Approaches to Strengthening Infrastructure. 
Effective communication is not just about messaging. It depends on strong systems, resourcing, and coordination behind the scenes. As health departments face increasing demands to demonstrate impact, communicate value, and navigate complex environments, communications stands as a foundational public health capability. This webinar from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) will explore how public health agencies can strengthen their communications infrastructure to improve reach, effectiveness, and sustainability.

May 26, 2026; 12–1 p.m. Data for Everyone: An Introduction to Spreadsheets.
Join this webinar from the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) for an introduction to learning about data and spreadsheets. Topics will include a review of data terminologies, data types, and the basic concepts involved in working with a spreadsheet. Upon completion of this class, students will be able to define common terms related to health data, prepare a spreadsheet for creating a simple data visualization and identify further learning opportunities for working with data.  

May 27, 2026; 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The Long Game: Leveraging new prevention and treatment modalities to reduce the burden of HIV.
This webinar is offered by the DSHS Grand Rounds program. Barbara Saatkamp Taylor, MD, MS will cover current data on the HIV epidemic and standards for HIV care and prevention, based on guidelines and evidence-based medicine. Attendees will receive updates on new long-acting therapies for HIV prevention and treatment, advances in comprehensive HIV care, and the next steps in HIV research. Visit the Grand Rounds calendar to see information on upcoming sessions. Held monthly on the fourth Wednesday, sessions last 90 minutes with the final 20 minutes reserved for Q&A.

Websites and reports on trending topics

AGRICOLA is a bibliographic resource produced by the National Agricultural Library with millions of citations relating to the field of agriculture for journal articles, book chapters, theses, patents, and technical reports to support agricultural research. 

DSHS Acronym List is a compilation of acronyms and abbreviations maintained by the DSHS library. Please email the library if you have suggestions to add to this list.

eCLIPSE Ultimate Access provides access to The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) full library of standards. eCLIPSE Ultimate Access is an enhanced, premium platform with advanced features to help you access standards quickly and easily. Log in to this library resource using your DSHS email address.

Portal to Texas History is a digital gateway to primary-source collections from Texas libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, and private collections. Resources include agency‑produced annual reports, newsletters, pamphlets, and other materials documenting Texas history.

Journal articles of note

Carreño A, Aguilera MP, Ibañez L, et al. Analysis of prevalence and mortality among neonates and children with intestinal atresia: a multinational study, 1974-2015. Birth Defects Res. 2026;118(4):e70032. doi:10.1002/bdr2.70032

Abstract
Introduction: Small intestinal atresia (SIA) consists of a congenital obstruction of the lumen of the duodenum, jejunum, or ileum with varying severity. The aim of the investigation was to analyze the prevalence and mortality of SIA, using data from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR).
Methods: Data on SIA cases were collected from 25 ICBDSR members' surveillance programs in 17 countries over 1974-2015. All pregnancy outcomes were included, but terminations of pregnancy were not available for 11 programs. Statistical analysis is descriptive, and the prevalence is established by the total of SIA cases divided by the total of births. The survival time was calculated, and mortality was analyzed individually using the Kaplan-Meier method for comparison.
Results: The total prevalence of SIA was 2.1 per 10,000 births. Iran had the highest prevalence with 11.5 per 10,000 total births (95% CI: 9-14.1); on the other hand, the lowest prevalence of SIA was in Mexico-Nuevo Leon with 0.5 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 0.3-0.8), and Cali-Colombia had zero cases. In South America, a higher prevalence of SIA was estimated compared to what was reported in 2000. Most deaths occurred between Day 2 and 6, except in Bogotá-Colombia, Spain, UK-Wales, and Mexico, where the deaths occurred on Day 1. The mortality in the first year was 4.3%, but the specific causes of death were not determined in this study.
Conclusion: The prevalence of SIA was about 2.1 per 10,000 births during a 41-year period in 25 centers, with variations in prevalence according to geographical locations. Future research is suggested to analyze changes in trends and the impact of early diagnosis and treatment in mortality.

Kneubehl AR, Rehm DP, Curtis MW, et al. Geographically distinct circulation of genotype II and III St. Louis encephalitis virus, Texas, USA, 2009-2024. Emerg Infect Dis. 2026;32(4):521-532. doi:10.3201/eid3204.250934
Abstract
We conducted a retrospective genomic surveillance study of St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) in Texas, USA, to determine the genotypes circulating in the region. By using a custom tiled-amplicon assay with Oxford Nanopore sequencing, we generated 63 genomes from SLEV-positive mosquito pools and viral isolates collected during 2009-2024. Phylogenomic analysis revealed temporal overlap of genotype II and III circulation, but with distinct geographic segregation. Genotype II was confined to Gulf Coast counties with sustained local transmission, whereas genotype III was only in north and west Texas, but with persistent circulation and repeated introductions. We identified the earliest known US genotype III sequences, although their phylogenetic placement leaves the entry point of genotype III into the United States unresolved. Our findings emphasize the need for clinical vigilance in West Texas, where SLEV and West Nile virus co-circulate, and suggest the Gulf Coast may be buffered against foreign genotype introduction.

Logan N, Birhane MG, McDonald SL, et al. Emergence of extensively drug-resistant shigellosis - United States, 2011-2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2026;75(13):173-178. Published 2026 Apr 9. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7513a1
Abstract
Shigellosis is a nationally notifiable diarrheal illness caused by gram-negative bacteria. Shigella infection is spread through fecal-oral transmission and sexual contact. Although most infections are self-limited, antibiotics are indicated for severe illness or to reduce transmission in settings with high risk for spread. Since 2015, a growing proportion of cases has been caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella species, defined as being resistant to ampicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. No Food and Drug Administration-approved oral antimicrobial agents are available to treat these XDR infections. To describe U.S. trends and epidemiologic characteristics of XDR shigellosis, CDC analyzed Shigella isolates submitted to PulseNet, CDC's molecular surveillance network for enteric pathogens, during January 1, 2011-October 20, 2023; antimicrobial resistance was characterized using whole-genome sequencing data and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Among 16,788 isolates with resistance data during this period, 510 (3.0%) were XDR. The percentage of XDR isolates increased from 0% during 2011-2015 to 8.5% in 2023. Species information was available for 505 (99%) of 510 XDR isolates; among those, 333 (65.9%) were Shigella sonnei and 172 (34.1%) were Shigella flexneri. Among patients with XDR shigellosis, the median patient age was 41 years (IQR = 31-54 years) and 86.2% were men. Among patients with available travel history, 76.2% (173 of 227) reported no recent domestic travel and 82.4% (169 of 205) reported no recent international travel. Among 116 persons with available HIV status, 54 (46.6%) reported HIV co-infection. Strengthened surveillance, timely reporting, and targeted prevention strategies are needed to limit transmission of XDR Shigella strains.

Silva-Espinoza JC, Farani PSG, Lopez MF, et al. Identification of Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi in bats captured in El Paso County, Texas. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2026;20(4):e0014169. Published 2026 Apr 3. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0014169
Abstract
Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi are protozoan parasites that cause leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively. In the United States, autochthonous transmission cycles of both Leishmania and T. cruzi have been documented, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions. Previous studies in El Paso, Texas, have identified dogs, cats, and several sylvatic mammals as infected hosts for these pathogens; however, the role of bats has remained largely unexplored. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of 29 wild bats, opportunistically collected from domestic and peridomestic urban environments in El Paso, Texas, as part of local rabies surveillance. DNA extracted from available heart, spleen, skin, and lung tissues was analyzed by quantitative PCR targeting T. cruzi satellite DNA and Leishmania 18S rDNA, followed by DNA sequencing for confirmation. PCR-based molecular detection identified Leishmania spp. in six bats (24.1%) and Trypanosoma cruzi in thirteen bats (44.8%). DNA sequencing analysis confirmed the presence of parasite-specific DNA in four Leishmania-positive samples and twelve Trypanosoma cruzi-positive samples. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis showed that the digestion patterns of the T. cruzi samples differed from those observed in the TcBat reference control. However, given the limited characterization and known genetic variability of the TcBat lineage, as well as the constraints of PCR-RFLP-based typing, these findings do not conclusively exclude the possibility that the detected strains belong to the TcBat genotype. Co-detection of both parasites was detected in 3 out of 18 Tadarida brasiliensis specimens. Mapping of capture sites showed infected bats occurring in both urban and suburban areas of El Paso County. This study provides evidence of the molecular detection of Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi in bats from El Paso, Texas. These findings highlight bats as sylvatic hosts for medically important trypanosomatids in the U.S.-Mexico border region and emphasize the need for expanded surveillance to assess zoonotic risk and its environmental drivers.

New eBooks at the Medical and Research Library

Analysis of Epidemiologic Data Using R by Robert Hirsch (2024)
This book addresses the description and analysis of occurrence data frequently encountered in epidemiological studies. Effort is made to emphasize concepts rather than mathematics. Subjects range from description of the frequencies of disease to the analysis of associations between the occurrence of disease and exposure. Those analyses begin with simple associations and work up to complex relationships that involve the control of extraneous characteristics.

Curriculum Development for Medical Education by Patricia A. Thomas (2022)
This new 4^th edition is a practical guidebook for faculty members and administrators responsible for the educational experiences of health professional students, residents, fellows, and practitioners. It includes chapters on each of the steps of curriculum development, with updated examples and questions to guide the application of the timeless principles.

HBR Daily Leader : Everyday Wisdom for Exceptional Leadership by Harvard Business Review (2025)
This book provides 365 days' worth of insights and inspiration, an easy and enjoyable way to make your professional development a regular habit. Throughout the book, you'll find insights to spark your thinking, quotes to inspire you, and questions to reflect on. And each day presents you with an opportunity to take on topics such as communicating effectively, managing your time, expanding your influence, and cultivating new skills.

Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools : A Quick Reference Guide by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2019)
This fully revised and updated resource helps teachers and caregivers address the challenges of caring for children with chronic health conditions and special health care needs in child care and school settings. The health issues covered include chronic illnesses, acute situations, and selected developmental and behavioral problems, with a special emphasis on children with special health care needs.

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Guide by Gustavo Moraes (2022)
With its extensive set of tools and features for improving productivity and collaboration, Microsoft 365 is being widely adopted by organizations worldwide. This book will help not only developers but also business people and those working with information to discover tips and tricks for making the most of the apps in the Microsoft 365 suite.

For more information, employees may email the Medical and Research Library at library@dshs.texas.gov to receive research assistance, learn how to access electronic materials, or to obtain the full text of articles mentioned in this month’s news.

The Medical and Research Library News is sent out once a month or when important library news or events occur. Recent issues of the MRL News are online. If any of the links do not open for you, please email library@dshs.texas.gov and we will send you what you need. Thank you!

If you would like to subscribe, please send an email to library@dshs.texas.gov with Subscribe in the subject line. 

Return to top

Medical and Research Library News

Training opportunities
Websites and reports on trending topics
Journal articles of note
New ebooks

Training opportunities

The webinars and online classes listed here are shared solely as opportunities to learn more information of interest to public health personnel. All times listed are in Central Time.

National Library Week – April 20-24, 2026

In honor of National Library Week, please join the DSHS Library and Information Science program for a series of interesting and informative webinars.

DSHS IRB: What It Is & How It Works
April 20, 2-3 p.m.
Precious Ohemeng, DSHS IRB Administrator
Description: Designed to provide core information about the Texas DSHS Institutional Review Board (IRB) and its processes, this webinar will describe the responsibility, purpose, and composition of the Texas DSHS IRB, examine the three functions of the Texas DSHS IRB, review each step in the Texas DSHS IRB process, and provide an overview of DSHS IRB policies.

Grant Readiness: Moving Beyond Eligibility to Capacity
April 22, 10-11 a.m.
Betsy Cox, DSHS Grant Development Center Coordinator
Description: Are you constantly pursuing grant opportunities but not seeing results? Set your organization up for lasting success with a smart, funder-focused grants approach. This workshop welcomes government agencies and nonprofits who are new or looking to sharpen their grant skills.

Achieve Your Potential: Career & Workforce Resources at the DSHS Library
April 23, 10-11 a.m.
Anne Tarpey, MSIS, Senior Medical & Research Librarian
Description: The DSHS Library & Information Science program offers many resources to assist HHS employees with career growth and workforce advancement. Anne Tarpey, Senior Medical & Research Librarian, will discuss the resources freely available to HHS employees to help them achieve their career goals.

Power Up Your Team Huddles: Micro Learns That Stick in 5 Minutes or Less
April 24, 10-11 a.m.
Katy Glazebrook, MS, CHES, CWP, CTCM, Workforce Development Training Specialist
Description: Team huddles are prime real estate for quick, high‑impact learning—if used well. This webinar demonstrates how microlearning can be used effectively in team huddles, highlighting common formats, a simple design model, and lightweight ways to measure impact—without adding prep burden.

PHAR26: Call for Presentations and Poster Submissions 
Submissions due by April 17, 2026.
The Center for Public Health Policy and Practice is calling for presentations and poster submissions for the DSHS Public Health Analytics and Research Conference (PHAR26) to be held October 7-8, 2026, in Austin, TX. This free conference - open to all DSHS staff - will include skill building workshops taught by university faculty, learning sessions, brown bag mentoring, networking events, and a poster session. To submit a proposal or abstract, complete the appropriate submission form in Word and upload it online. 
Abstracts and proposals must be submitted by April 17. Contact CPHPP Office of Public Health Research Advancement with any PHAR26 conference questions at researchadvancement@dshs.texas.gov.

April 7, 2026; 2–3 p.m. Bridging the Gaps: Community Health Workers and Oral Health.
Community health workers (CHW) play an important role in bridging barriers to critical oral health services. To support CHWs with educating communities on oral hygiene and connecting to dental services, many state and community-based organizations have dedicated curricula to train CHWs on oral health topics. States have also made progress integrating CHWs in oral health initiatives and advancing funding strategies to reimburse for CHW work related to oral health services through Medicaid. This webinar from the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) will highlight innovative partnerships, programs, and approaches to collaborate with CHWs to improve community oral health and discuss how states can support these efforts through funding opportunities, community-based partnerships, and training development.

April 8, 2026; 10–11 a.m. When the Computer Sounds Confident: AI Literacy for Nurses and Health Professionals.
Health professionals are increasingly expected to use, teach, and share information in environments where some content may be generated or influenced by artificial intelligence (AI) rather than written directly by a person. Yet many nurses and healthcare-related professionals have received little preparation on how these systems work or how to evaluate their reliability. This webinar from the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) introduces practical AI literacy using the N.U.R.S.E.S. AI Literacy Framework, a nursing-centered approach for understanding and responsibly using generative AI. Participants will learn why AI responses can sound confident even when inaccurate and how to apply professional judgment to verify information, support evidence-informed practice, and maintain patient safety. 

April 29, 2026; 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Community Health Worker Utilization: A Comprehensive Approach to Community-Based Care.
This webinar is offered by the DSHS Grand Rounds program. DSHS Grand Rounds explores the science and practice of population health and awards continuing education credits/contact hours for various disciplines. Visit the Grand Rounds calendar to see information on upcoming sessions. Held monthly on the fourth Wednesday, sessions last 90 minutes with the final 
20 minutes reserved for Q&A.

Websites and reports on trending topics

Academic Video Online is a TexShare resource that provides unlimited remote access to more than 63,000 videos. The database includes scholarly video material of virtually every video type: documentaries, interviews, performances, news programs and newsreels, field recordings, commercials, demonstrations, original and raw footage including tens of thousands of exclusive titles. Please email the library for remote access instructions for this resource.

AMA Manual of Style Online provides search functionality across the full text of the manual, online only updates, quizzes, and options for downloading and sharing content. Please contact the library for remote access instructions.

The Annual Review of Public Health covers significant developments in the field of public health, including key developments and issues in epidemiology and biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, social environment and behavior, health services, and public health practice and policy.

Think. Check. Submit. Through a range of tools and practical resources, this international, cross-sector initiative aims to educate researchers, promote integrity, and build trust in credible research and publications. It guides users through deciding where to submit articles for publication and includes a checklist for assessing journal quality.

Journal articles of note

Harpavat S, Rabbani TA, Upton AM, Devaraj S, Hernandez JA, Shneider BL. A strategy to identify biliary atresia efficiently: a perspective from a Texas center. World J Pediatr Surg. 2026;9(2):e001142. Published 2026 Mar 16. doi:10.1136/wjps-2025-001142
Abstract
Infants with biliary atresia are often diagnosed after 60 days of life because the disease is difficult to detect in its early stages. However, infants treated before 30-45 days of life have the best long-term outcomes. To help accelerate the biliary atresia diagnosis, we have developed a streamlined strategy that involves two sequential tests: (1) direct or conjugated bilirubin measurements and (2) a feeding abdominal ultrasound exam. In this review, the strategy is shared to encourage others to provide feedback as well as to consider incorporating portions into their own clinical workflows.

Killeen AL, Campbell SN, Jean N, et al. Walking the line: how social forces shape diabetic foot outcomes in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2026;43(2):287-301. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2025.12.015
Abstract
Diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley is highly prevalent, with nearly one-third of adults affected and rates of foot ulcers and amputations far exceeding state and national averages. Outcomes are strongly shaped by social drivers of health, including poverty, uninsurance, limited education, transportation barriers, and distance from specialty care, which delay treatment and increase complications. Living conditions in colonias further amplify risk, while gaps in social driver of health measurement hinder targeted interventions. Leveraging ZIP code-level data within electronic health records offers actionable pathways to reduce disparities, prevent amputations, and improve equity in care.

Turner H, Horter L, Welton M, et al. Qualitative assessment of a novel results-based partnership between national wastewater surveillance centers of excellence and utility companies, Houston (Texas), Colorado, Wisconsin, and California, 2023. BMC Public Health. Published online March 14, 2026. doi:10.1186/s12889-026-26919-y
Abstract
Background: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) in September 2020. Four initial Centers of Excellence (COEs) were established between 2021 and 2023 in Houston (Texas), Colorado, Wisconsin, and California to guide wastewater surveillance efforts for public health. Our objective was to increase understanding of factors that facilitated implementation of wastewater surveillance from the perspectives and experiences shared by health department COEs and wastewater utility partners.
Methods: We used purposive sampling to select one key respondents from each of the four COEs and four respective wastewater utility partners. We conducted eight in-depth interviews related to the implementation of wastewater surveillance and identified common experiences and key points from interview transcription files. Insights on WWS implementation from COEs and wastewater utility partners were distilled from the responses into lessons learned.
Results: Three primary themes emerged after we analyzed the interview responses: perceived community benefits from wastewater surveillance, collaboration and trust building among partners that helped program advancement, and sustainability strategies and considerations.
Conclusion: This analysis provides insights into novel collaborations between utility companies and the public health sector. It highlights the need to have leadership support for program continuation and to help showcase the public health importance of WWS.

New eBooks at the Medical and Research Library

Good Charts, Updated and Expanded: The HBR Guide to Making Smarter, More Persuasive Data Visualizations by Scott Berinato (2023)
The ultimate guide to data visualization and information design for business. Making good charts is a must-have skill for managers today. The vast amount of data that drives business isn't useful if you can't communicate the valuable ideas contained in that data—the threats, the opportunities, the hidden trends, the future possibilities. But many think that data visualization is too difficult—a specialist skill that's either the province of data scientists and complex software packages or the domain of professional designers and their visual creativity. Not so. Anyone can learn to produce quality 'dataviz' and, more broadly, clear and effective information design. Good Charts will show you how to do it.

Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues by Jonathan Kennedy (2024)
According to the accepted narrative of progress, humans have thrived thanks to their brains and brawn, collectively bending the arc of history. But in this revelatory book, Professor Jonathan Kennedy argues that the myth of human exceptionalism overstates the role that we play in social and political change. Instead, it is the humble microbe that wins wars and topples empires. Drawing on the latest research in fields ranging from genetics and anthropology to archaeology and economics, Pathogenesis takes us through sixty thousand years of history, exploring eight major outbreaks of infectious disease that have made the modern world.

Statistical Modelling for Evidence-Based Public Health Lawrence N. Kazembe ed. (2025)
This book presents a selection of statistical techniques and methods applied to analyze data arising from HIV/AIDS epidemiology, as well as child and maternal health. Evidence-based decision-making in public health interventions requires appropriate techniques applied to solve relevant statistical and epidemiological questions, which would, in turn, bring out relevant outputs for action.

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Microsoft 365 by Paul McFedries (2025)
An illustrated, A-to-Z, and newly updated guide to mastering Microsoft Office 365 this revised edition offers an easy-to-use and up-to-date visual walkthrough of Microsoft's office products. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to get up to speed on apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, offering crystal-clear, high-resolution screenshots that show you exactly how to get things done.

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