All posts by Alireza FakhriRavari

🎥 Watch the Full Workshop Series

📌 Part 1: https://youtu.be/ozOfDbbs69o

📌 Part 2: https://youtu.be/MltYW2QKJOY

Introduction

In today’s data-driven world, effectively visualizing data is a critical skill for anyone presenting research, business reports, or scientific findings. However, poorly designed charts can mislead your audience, hide key insights, or create confusion. This guide, based on my two-part Better Data Visualization workshop, walks you through the best practices, common pitfalls to avoid, and effective techniques to create impactful data visualizations.

By the end of this article, you’ll know which chart types to use, when to use them, and how to optimize your visuals for clarity and accuracy.

🔹 Part 1: The Fundamentals of Data Visualization

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1️⃣ Why Data Visualization Matters

Raw numbers in a table are difficult to process visually. Our brains process images faster than text, so an effective visualization allows your audience to:

• ✅ Identify patterns and trends 🔍
• ✅ Compare different data points easily 📊
• ✅ Avoid misinterpretations 🚫
• ✅ Focus on key insights quickly 🎯

For example, consider Anscombe’s Quartet—a set of four datasets with identical statistical properties (mean, variance, correlation), but when plotted, they reveal very different distributions. This highlights why visualization is essential for accurate data interpretation.

2️⃣ The Core Principles of Visual Perception

Our brains interpret visual information based on gestalt principles, which include:

• ✔ Proximity – Elements close together are perceived as related
• ✔ Similarity – Elements with similar color, shape, or size form a group
• ✔ Enclosure – Boundaries create distinct visual groups
• ✔ Closure – Our brains fill in missing information in a pattern
• ✔ Continuity – The eye follows smooth paths
• ✔ Connection – Lines connecting elements imply relationships

Using these principles intentionally in your charts can enhance readability and insight clarity.

3️⃣ How to Direct Audience Attention in Your Charts

• ✔ Use color strategically – Highlight key data points with color contrast, but don’t overdo it.
• ✔ Remove distractions – Unnecessary grid lines, legends, and excessive data points add clutter.
• ✔ Use labels wisely – Directly label important values instead of using a separate legend.
• ✔ Limit the number of colors – Too many colors create confusion instead of clarity.

📌 Example: Instead of an overwhelming color-filled bar chart, gray out less important data and only highlight the key trend.

4️⃣ Avoid These Common Mistakes in Data Visualization

• ❌ Never use 3D charts – They distort perception and make accurate comparisons difficult.
• ❌ Avoid spaghetti charts – Too many overlapping lines create clutter. Use small multiples instead.
• ❌ Reduce legend dependency – Directly label lines and bars where possible.
• ❌ Use effective titles – A title should summarize the key insight of the chart, not just describe the data.
• ❌ Don’t use dual y-axes – It can mislead interpretation by making unrelated data appear correlated.

5️⃣ Pie Charts: Should You Ever Use Them?

• 📌 Pie charts are problematic because humans struggle to compare angles and areas accurately. A bar chart is almost always a better alternative.
• ✅ When to use a pie chart: Only when comparing two or three categories, with a clear dominant value (e.g., “90% of cases are caused by E. coli”).

🚀 Better Alternatives:

• ✔ Bar Charts – Easier to compare values directly
• ✔ Tree Maps – Useful for hierarchical proportions
• ✔ Donut Charts – Only when emphasizing a single category

🔹 Part 2: Advanced Data Visualization Techniques

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6️⃣ Visualizing Data Over Time

Best charts for time-series data:

• ✔ Line charts – The best for showing trends over time 📈
• ✔ Slope graphs – Great for comparing two time points 📊
• ✔ Sparklines – Small, inline charts for quick trend analysis 🔍

🚨 Common Pitfalls:

• ❌ Avoid using bar charts for time-series data – Line charts work better for trends.
• ❌ Avoid dual-axis line charts – They often mislead by forcing unrelated scales into comparison.

7️⃣ Showing Data Distribution

To analyze variability in data, use:

• ✔ Histograms – Show frequency distributions 📊
• ✔ Box plots (box-and-whisker plots) – Display median, quartiles, and outliers 📦
• ✔ Violin plots – Combine box plots with kernel density estimates 🎻
• ✔ Bee swarm plots – Show the exact distribution of individual data points 🐝
• 📌 Box plots are underutilized in research but extremely powerful for comparing multiple groups.

8️⃣ Visualizing Relationships Between Variables

For exploring correlations between two or more variables, use:

• ✔ Scatter plots – The go-to chart for relationship analysis 🔵
• ✔ Bubble charts – Add a third variable with bubble size 🔴
• ✔ Chord diagrams & Sankey diagrams – Show relationships between categories 🌐
• 🚨 Key Tip: Use color and size effectively in scatter plots to encode extra variables without overwhelming the audience.

9️⃣ Optimizing Data Tables for Readability

Not all data needs to be visualized—sometimes a well-designed table is the best option.

• 📌 Tips for effective tables:
• ✅ Bold headers and left-align text for readability
• ✅ Right-align numbers for easy comparison
• ✅ Reduce grid lines – Use subtle dividers instead
• ✅ Use color shading to guide the audience’s focus
• ✅ Add heatmaps or sparklines to highlight patterns
• 📌 Pro Tip: People naturally scan down a table—adjust spacing to guide them row by row, not column by column.

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🔹 Key Takeaways & Best Practices

• ✔ Prioritize clarity – Choose the simplest chart that conveys your message
• ✔ Highlight key insights – Use color, labels, and layout intentionally
• ✔ Avoid 3D effects – They distort perception and reduce accuracy
• ✔ Minimize clutter – Every element should serve a purpose
• ✔ Choose the right chart type – Match the visualization to the data type
• ✔ Be intentional with tables – Guide the reader’s focus with structure
• 🚀 Final Rule: Make your data easy to understand, not just easy to create.

📌 Watch the Full Workshop Series

📽 Part 1: Fundamentals of Data Visualization → https://youtu.be/ozOfDbbs69o

📽 Part 2: Advanced Techniques & Best Practices → https://youtu.be/MltYW2QKJOY

💬 What’s your favorite chart type? Have you spotted bad data visualization in research or media? Drop a comment below! 🚀

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on data visualization, research communication, and effective presentations!

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is Department Chair and Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

In the world of data-driven decision-making, the ability to present data effectively has become a crucial skill. Whether you’re presenting to a board of directors, a team of researchers, or a group of students, how you communicate your data can make or break your message. This post will explore the key takeaways from the “Better Presentations 2024” lecture, providing insights into how to transform data-heavy slides into clear, engaging, and persuasive presentations.

The Problem: Complex Data, Confusing Visuals

Too often, presentations get bogged down in complexity. The challenge isn’t just about including all relevant data, but ensuring that the audience can understand and engage with that information quickly and intuitively. While it’s tempting to showcase all of the work behind your findings, cluttered and overly complex visuals can lead to confusion rather than clarity.

The solution? Simplifying data visuals, focusing on key messages, and selecting the right charts to communicate those messages effectively.

1. Visualize Relevant Data: The Power of Simplicity

One of the core principles from the lecture was the importance of visualizing only the most relevant data. Instead of cramming every available statistic onto a slide, focus on the data that supports your key takeaway. This approach ensures that the audience’s attention is directed where it needs to be.

For instance, consider the classic mistake of adding too many variables to a single chart. This might turn into what we call a “spaghetti chart,” where lines overlap and the audience loses track of what matters. A better strategy is to break the data into multiple simpler charts, each highlighting one aspect of the data story. This way, your audience can process information one step at a time without feeling overwhelmed.

Key takeaway: Each slide should answer a single question and deliver a clear, concise message.

2. Avoid 3D Charts: A Misleading Trap

3D charts, while visually striking, can distort data interpretation. They often exaggerate certain aspects of the data while minimizing others, creating an illusion that can mislead the audience. The lecture strongly recommended avoiding 3D charts altogether.

For example, a 3D pie chart may make some segments appear larger or smaller than they actually are, leading to incorrect conclusions. Instead, stick to flat, 2D visualizations that maintain the integrity of your data.

Key takeaway: Avoid 3D charts, which can distort your data. Stick to 2D visuals for clarity.

3. Reconsider Pie Charts: Limited Utility

While pie charts can be useful for showing parts of a whole, they often fall short when comparing multiple data points. The human eye struggles to differentiate between similar slice sizes, and pie charts become especially ineffective when there are more than four or five segments.

In most cases, a simple bar chart will communicate the same information more effectively. Bar charts allow for easier comparison between categories and are generally more readable.

Key takeaway: Use pie charts sparingly, and only when they clearly convey the message. Otherwise, opt for a bar chart.

4. Integrating Graphics and Text: A Cohesive Message

Another valuable lesson from the lecture was the importance of integrating graphics with text. Too often, presenters rely solely on visuals or, conversely, on text-heavy slides. The best presentations use a balance of both.

For example, placing text directly on or next to a chart helps the audience understand what the visual is representing without having to mentally bridge the gap between the chart and a separate text box. This makes the flow of information smoother and reduces cognitive load.

Key takeaway: Combine graphics and text to tell a cohesive story. Don’t leave your audience guessing what the chart represents.

5. Data Storytelling: Crafting a Narrative

Data on its own rarely tells a compelling story. It’s the presenter’s job to weave a narrative around the data. The lecture emphasized the importance of creating a storyline that ties together your data points, leading your audience through a logical sequence of ideas.

To do this effectively, start by identifying the core message of your presentation. What do you want your audience to walk away with? Then, build your presentation around that message, using each data point as a stepping stone in the narrative.

For example, rather than simply listing statistics about market growth, you could frame the data as a story of how the market has evolved over time, identifying key drivers and moments of change.

Key takeaway: Use data to support a narrative, not as a standalone element. Every data point should contribute to the overarching story.

6. Remove Clutter: The Zen of Data Visualization

Clutter is the enemy of clarity. The lecture advocated for removing all unnecessary elements from your slides, such as gridlines, excessive labels, and decorative elements that don’t add value to the message.

Minimalism in data presentation helps ensure that the audience focuses on the most important aspects of the chart. One method to achieve this is through the “data-ink ratio” principle, which encourages maximizing the amount of data ink on a slide while minimizing non-essential ink. In other words, make every visual element count.

For example, instead of showing every data point in a time series, you might highlight only the key moments of change, allowing the audience to focus on the trend rather than getting lost in the noise.

Key takeaway: Less is more. Remove any elements that don’t serve a purpose in telling your data story.

7. Color Choice and Accessibility: Be Intentional

Color can be a powerful tool in data visualization, but it must be used intentionally. The lecture stressed the importance of choosing colors that are not only visually appealing but also accessible to all audience members, including those with color blindness.

A good rule of thumb is to limit your color palette to two or three main colors, using them consistently throughout the presentation. Avoid overuse of bright or clashing colors, which can distract from the data.

In addition, make sure that your charts are legible in grayscale. This ensures that your visuals are accessible to those who are colorblind or those viewing your presentation in black and white.

Key takeaway: Use color purposefully, and ensure that your visuals are accessible to all viewers.

8. Know Your Audience: Tailoring Your Presentation

Perhaps one of the most important lessons from the lecture was understanding your audience. The complexity of your data and the level of detail you provide should be tailored to the knowledge level of your audience.

For example, if you’re presenting to a group of experts, you might dive deeper into technical details. But if your audience is made up of general stakeholders or clients, you’ll want to focus on high-level trends and key takeaways, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complex data points.

Key takeaway: Tailor your presentation to the needs and knowledge level of your audience.

Conclusion: Better Data, Better Presentations

In 2024, effective presentations are about more than just showing data. They’re about crafting a narrative, simplifying complex information, and delivering a clear message that resonates with your audience. By following the principles outlined in this lecture, you can transform your data-heavy presentations into powerful stories that not only inform but also inspire action.

Whether you’re presenting in a boardroom, classroom, or conference, these strategies will help ensure that your message is heard, understood, and remembered.

Key Takeaways:

1. Visualize only the most relevant data.
2. Avoid 3D charts and be cautious with pie charts.
3. Integrate graphics and text for a smoother flow of information.
4. Craft a narrative around your data.
5. Remove unnecessary clutter to enhance clarity.
6. Use color with intention and accessibility in mind.
7. Tailor your presentation to your audience’s needs.

By mastering these techniques, you can elevate your presentations, making data easier to understand and your message more impactful. The future of data visualization lies not in more complexity, but in the art of simplicity and clear communication.

References:

• Schwabish J. Better Data Visualizations: A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks. New York: Columbia University Press; 2021.
• Schwabish J. Better Presentations: A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks. New York: Columbia University Press; 2017.

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is Department Chair and Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

8/9/2024

In today’s fast-paced work environments, meetings are a fundamental component of organizational success. However, they often fall into predictable patterns that can stifle creativity, productivity, and engagement. Drawing on Steven G. Rogelberg’s insightful book, The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance, this article explores innovative strategies to rejuvenate meetings, making them more effective and engaging for participants.

The Habitual Nature of Meetings

Humans are creatures of habit, and this inclination extends to our meeting practices. Research suggests that nearly 45% of our daily behaviors are repeated in the same context. This tendency manifests in our meetings, which often follow a monotonous routine in terms of process, composition, and setup. Recognizing and addressing this habitual nature can lead to more dynamic and productive meetings.

The Impact of Seating Arrangements

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to revitalize meetings is by altering seating arrangements. The way attendees are positioned around the table can significantly influence their experience and the meeting’s effectiveness. Here’s how:

1. Leadership Perception: The physical location of seats can affect perceptions of leadership and communication flow. For instance, the head of the table is often seen as the leadership position. Changing this setup can help distribute participation more evenly.
2. Communication Dynamics: Seating arrangements influence who communicates most frequently and who may remain quieter. Those at the head or foot of the table (e.g., Persons A and F in Figure 1) often dominate conversations. Conversely, those sitting directly next to one another (e.g., Persons C and D) are less likely to disagree compared to those sitting across from each other.
3. Encouraging Participation: Regularly changing seating arrangements can foster a more inclusive environment. For instance, rotating seating or using techniques such as name placards or different table setups can alter interaction patterns and enhance engagement.
4. Symbolic Empty Chair: Introducing an empty chair as a physical cue can remind attendees to consider external perspectives, such as the customer’s viewpoint. This strategy can enrich discussions and broaden the scope of deliberations.

Figure 1: Seating Arrangement Influence on Meeting Dynamics

Innovative Meeting Formats

To further disrupt habitual meeting practices and boost effectiveness, consider incorporating these alternative formats:

1. Walking Meetings: Research highlights several benefits of walking, including improved creativity and focus. Walking meetings are ideal for small groups (two to four people) and should ideally involve an outdoor, circular route. They offer a refreshing change from traditional seated meetings and can stimulate new ideas and perspectives.
2. Standing Meetings: Standing meetings, which work well for larger groups, have been shown to increase satisfaction and efficiency. Keeping these meetings brief (around fifteen minutes) can maintain energy levels and focus, while also promoting physical health.

Balancing Innovation with Habit

While introducing variety into meetings can yield significant benefits, it’s important to avoid overusing any single technique. Consistent change can itself become a new routine. The key is to use these strategies judiciously to keep meetings fresh and effective without falling into another pattern of predictability.

Conclusion

By rethinking traditional meeting practices and incorporating strategies like altering seating arrangements, using walking or standing meetings, and balancing innovation with habitual routines, leaders can enhance the effectiveness of their meetings. These adjustments not only improve engagement and productivity but also foster a more dynamic and collaborative work environment. Embracing these insights from Rogelberg’s book can lead to more impactful meetings and, ultimately, greater success in both industry and academia.

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

April 3, 2024

As the flu season of 2023-2024 unfolds, understanding the nuances of influenza activity, the effectiveness of vaccines in recent years, and the distinction between egg-based and recombinant influenza vaccines becomes crucial. With a focus on equipping the public and healthcare professionals with up-to-date information, this article delves into these critical aspects, shedding light on what has been learned from the past and what the future holds for flu prevention.

Influenza Activity and Vaccine Composition

The 2023-2024 flu season has witnessed a notable update in the vaccine composition, particularly concerning the Influenza A H1N1 strain. This change reflects the continuous efforts of health organizations to adapt to the evolving nature of flu viruses. The vaccines, now uniformly quadrivalent, protect against four virus strains, two Influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and two Influenza B viruses (Victoria and Yamagata lineages), providing broad coverage against the flu.

Interestingly, this season’s update (just like most seasons) was primarily influenced by the dominant strains identified in the previous year, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and research in anticipating future flu activity. Despite these efforts, the flu season’s dynamics, including the timing and peak of activity, continue to pose challenges, underscoring the need for timely vaccination and public health strategies.

Vaccine Effectiveness: A Retrospective Analysis

Evaluating vaccine effectiveness is a complex, yet vital component of public health efforts to combat the flu. Studies from previous seasons have shown varying levels of protection offered by the flu vaccine, influenced by factors such as age, immune status, and the match between vaccine strains and circulating viruses. The analysis reveals a concerning trend of mismatch between the vaccine and circulating strains, particularly with the Influenza A H3N2 virus, leading to lower vaccine effectiveness in certain populations.

The retrospective analysis underscores the necessity for continuous improvement in vaccine formulation and the adoption of more advanced manufacturing technologies, such as cell-based and recombinant vaccines, to enhance effectiveness. Additionally, the role of antiviral agents in managing flu cases, especially in the face of vaccine mismatch, highlights the multifaceted approach required to address influenza effectively.

Egg-based vs. Recombinant Influenza Vaccines

The traditional egg-based vaccine manufacturing process, despite its extensive use, has faced criticism due to potential mutations that can decrease vaccine effectiveness. In contrast, recombinant and cell-cultured vaccines offer promising alternatives, potentially circumventing the limitations associated with egg-based production. A comparative analysis suggests that recombinant vaccines, in particular, may provide enhanced protection against influenza, attributed to their ability to closely match circulating virus strains without the risk of egg-induced mutations.

The availability of recombinant vaccines, especially for certain age groups, marks a significant advancement in flu prevention efforts. However, the ultimate choice between egg-based and recombinant vaccines should consider individual health profiles, vaccine availability, and potential allergic reactions, emphasizing a personalized approach to flu vaccination. This season in particular saw a challenge with availability of recombinant vaccine due to manufacturing issues.

Looking Forward

As we navigate through the remainder of the flu season, the lessons learned from vaccine effectiveness studies and the ongoing comparison between different vaccine types will be instrumental in shaping future flu prevention strategies. The goal remains to enhance vaccine match, improve public health outcomes, and reduce the burden of influenza through informed decision-making and innovative vaccine development.

In conclusion, the fight against influenza is an evolving battle, requiring a concerted effort from healthcare providers, researchers, and the public. By staying informed and engaged in flu prevention measures, including timely vaccination and the adoption of healthier practices, we can collectively mitigate the impact of flu seasons to come.

For more information see: https://youtu.be/94zNp2BVW0w

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

November 23, 2023

In my role as a male department chair at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy with predominantly female faculty, I have witnessed the additional hurdles women face in the professional realm. This perspective is bolstered by comprehensive studies, including those from the University of Pittsburgh Experimental Economics Laboratory, which reveal a stark disparity: only seventy-two women are promoted to managerial roles for every one hundred men. This gap is further accentuated when considering that women make up only 7.6% of Fortune 500 CEOs and 21% of C-suite executives.

The crux of this issue lies in the concept of non-promotable tasks (NPTs). These are tasks crucial to an organization’s functioning but often do not contribute to career progression. Research indicates that women, particularly in academia and other sectors, are more likely to take on these NPTs. This trend is concerning as it not only affects women’s career trajectories but also undervalues their skills and potential within the organization. The issue is compounded for women of color, who face even greater challenges in this regard.

Addressing this imbalance requires a conscious effort to understand the dynamics of task allocation and to challenge the ingrained biases and practices within our organizations. As a leader, I recognize the need to advocate for equitable distribution of promotable tasks and to ensure that women’s contributions are valued and recognized. By sharing these findings and experiences, I aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all our faculty members, ensuring that their paths to success are as unencumbered and equitable as their male counterparts. The following nine rules are essential in creating a work environment that not only acknowledges but actively champions gender equity.

1. Call Her by Her Name

The importance of a name in professional interactions cannot be overstated. It is a core part of our identity, and correctly using a person’s name is the most basic form of respect in any interaction. This rule goes beyond mere correctness; it is about actively listening and making the effort to pronounce and spell names accurately. Creating a policy that focuses on this aspect conveys respect and recognition for each team member. It involves discouraging the use of terms of endearment, such as “sweetheart” or “honey,” which can be perceived as patronizing and detract from a professional atmosphere. This practice is more than just avoiding errors; it is a demonstration of active engagement and respect for every individual on the team.

2. Be Someone She Can Relate To

Building relatable connections with team members transcends gender barriers and is essential for a supportive work environment. Utilizing personality assessments like DiSC can aid in understanding and appreciating the diverse communication styles within a team. More than that, it’s about opening up and sharing personal experiences and interests to find common ground. This strategy enables managers to adapt their leadership style to each team member’s unique needs, fostering a positive and supportive work atmosphere. It’s about recognizing that relatability isn’t constrained by gender differences; it’s nurtured through shared experiences, authenticity, and mutual understanding.

3. Don’t Ask, “What Does Your Husband Do?”

Questions about personal life, especially regarding marital status, can inadvertently perpetuate gender stereotypes and biases. Standardizing recruitment and management processes to focus on professional qualifications and experiences is crucial in ensuring fair and unbiased treatment. This means not allowing an employee’s life events, such as marriage or parenthood, to alter perceptions of her commitment and capabilities. It’s about focusing on her skills, achievements, and potential, rather than on assumptions based on her personal life. This rule emphasizes the importance of respecting personal boundaries and evaluating individuals based solely on their professional merits.

4. Don’t Sit in Her Chair

Recognizing and accommodating the unique needs and challenges that women face in the workplace can significantly impact their sense of belonging and value. This rule is about being mindful of personal spaces and belongings, especially for those returning from maternity leave. Ensuring that their workspace is respected and their reintegration is smooth and thoughtful shows consideration and appreciation for their role in the organization. This rule extends beyond physical space; it’s about acknowledging and supporting the whole person, including their life outside of work.

5. Watch the Clock

Managing time and respecting personal boundaries are crucial in the modern workplace. Implementing policies that allow for flexible working hours demonstrates an understanding of the various responsibilities employees may have outside of work. This includes punctually starting and ending meetings, avoiding scheduling meetings outside standard working hours, and fostering a culture that values work-life balance. Such policies reflect an understanding that productivity is not just about the hours logged but also about the well-being of team members.

6. Speak Up So She Doesn’t Have To

Active advocacy for women in meetings and discussions is essential. This involves ensuring equitable representation and immediately addressing any inappropriate behavior or comments. Creating a work culture where everyone feels comfortable and respected when expressing their opinions and ideas is vital. This rule is not merely about conflict avoidance; it’s about actively nurturing an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard and valued.

7. Don’t Make Her Ask Twice

Transparency and equity in negotiations and requests are critical. Prompt and clear responses to all requests, and avoiding gender biases in negotiations, are key practices. This also involves being proactive in offering competitive compensation and growth opportunities. It’s about ensuring that women, like their male counterparts, receive fair and respectful treatment in all professional interactions, particularly regarding compensation and career advancement.

8. Be an Equal Opportunity Asshole

Equality in the workplace means applying the same standards and expectations to everyone. Providing constructive criticism and challenges as part of professional growth, regardless of gender, fosters a culture of feedback and opportunity. This rule is not about harshness but about ensuring that all employees, including women, are given equal opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and grow professionally.

9. Tell Her That You See Her Potential

Recognizing and communicating a team member’s potential is a powerful motivator. Pairing promotions with executive coaching supports development and growth. It’s important to provide genuine compliments focused on skills and encourage women to take risks and apply for higher roles. This rule is about ensuring women are aware of their value and potential within the organization and encouraging them to aspire to higher achievements.

Creating a workplace where women feel supported, valued, and empowered requires deliberate action and commitment from leaders. Implementing these nine rules can significantly contribute to bridging the gender gap and fostering an environment of equity and growth. This endeavor extends beyond meeting diversity quotas; it’s about genuinely recognizing and nurturing the talents and contributions of all team members. As we strive for more inclusive workplaces, we must remember that these efforts benefit not only women but the entire organization by creating a more dynamic, respectful, and innovative work culture.

For more information see:

1. The Good Boss: 9 Ways Every Manager Can Support Women at Work (2021)
2. The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work (2022)

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

June 6, 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming many aspects of our lives, from healthcare to transportation to entertainment. But what about education? How can AI be used to enhance teaching and learning, and what are the potential risks and benefits?

These are some of the questions addressed in a recent report from the U.S. Department of Education titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning“. The report provides an overview of how AI is being used in education today, as well as recommendations for how educators, policymakers, and technology providers can work together to maximize its benefits.

One potential benefit of AI in education is personalized learning experiences. By analyzing data on student performance and behavior, AI systems can provide tailored recommendations for each student’s individual needs. This could help students learn more efficiently and effectively, while also freeing up teachers’ time to focus on other tasks.

Another potential benefit is improved student outcomes. By providing real-time feedback on student progress, AI systems can help identify areas where students need additional support or challenge. This could lead to better academic performance overall, as well as increased engagement and motivation among students.

However, there are also concerns about the use of AI in education. One major concern is data privacy – if sensitive information about students is being collected by AI systems, it must be protected from unauthorized access or misuse. Another concern is bias in algorithms – if an AI system is trained on biased data or programmed with biased assumptions, it could perpetuate existing inequalities or stereotypes.

To address these concerns and maximize the benefits of AI in education, the report recommends a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders working together to develop policies and practices that prioritize equity, transparency, and accountability. For example:

• Policymakers should invest in research on AI in education to better understand its potential impact.
• Educators should receive professional development opportunities to learn about AI and how to use it effectively.
• Technology providers should develop ethical guidelines for the use of AI in education, and ensure that their products are designed with equity and inclusion in mind.
• All stakeholders should work together to ensure that students have access to high-quality learning experiences regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Overall, the report emphasizes that while AI has great potential to transform teaching and learning, it must be implemented thoughtfully and with a focus on equity and inclusion. By working together, educators, policymakers, and technology providers can help ensure that AI is used in ways that benefit all students.

Source: https://www2.ed.gov/documents/ai-report/ai-report.pdf

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is an Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

May 2, 2023

The human body is a complex ecosystem of cells, tissues, and microorganisms, with trillions of bacteria residing in the gut alone. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the human body, and their importance is increasingly being recognized in the scientific community. Among these microorganisms, one bacterium that has recently garnered attention for its beneficial effects on human health is Akkermansia muciniphila.

A. muciniphila is a mucus-degrading bacterium that feeds on the glycoproteins, or mucins, which form a protective layer in the intestinal tract. Mucins are secreted in large amounts in the gut, providing a continuous source of carbon, energy, and nitrogen for the gut microbiota. A. muciniphila type strain MucT is highly abundant in healthy adults.

Research has shown that A. muciniphila is involved in various metabolic functions, and its abundance is affected by diet and medications. For instance, caloric restriction and starvation have been shown to increase the abundance of A. muciniphila in the gut (one reason that intermittent fasting is beneficial). Furthermore, the anti-diabetic drug, metformin, can stimulate the growth of A. muciniphila. Metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases, have been associated with a reduction in the abundance of Akkermansia spp. in rodent and human studies.

A. muciniphila has been linked to other conditions as well. In rodent and human studies, A. muciniphila has been linked to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Some discrepencies also exist in the literature. For example, correlation studies have shown higher amounts of A. muciniphila in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, yet the bacterium has been shown to improve cognitive function in mouse models of the disease.

In addition, A. muciniphila has been shown to be a propionate producer in the presence of vitamin B12, which has important implications for gut health. Even dead (i.e., pasteurized) A. muciniphila MucT has been shown to have beneficial effects on host health. Research has shown that live or pasteurized A. muciniphila MucT can improve several cardiometabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, without increasing circulating levels of GLP1 nor affecting DPP4 activity, an enzyme involved in the degradation of GLP1. A. muciniphila supplementation has also been shown to prevent the natural deterioration of parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in untreated patients.

While A. muciniphila shows great promise as a therapeutic target, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and how to optimize its use. Nonetheless, it is clear that this bacterium is an important player in gut health and has the potential to improve the health of those suffering from metabolic disorders and other conditions.

Reference: Cani PD, Depommier C, Derrien M, Everard A, de Vos WM. Akkermansia muciniphila: paradigm for next-generation beneficial microorganisms. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Oct;19(10):625-637. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-022-00631-9

Pendulum: https://pendulumlife.com/#featured-products

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is an Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

Pendulum Akkermansia For Gut Health

January 17, 2023

This influenza season activity started aggressively in October 2022 with positivity rates passing 5% of tested specimens in October and peaking over 25% in December. Fortunately, the rates are starting to decline rapidly in 2023. Whether the positivity rate continues to decline is questionable given that children are back to school now after the holidays break and social gatherings will increase throughout February due to football and Valentine’s day. And a late influenza B wave is still possible.

This influenza season seemed very concerning at the beginning due to much earlier peak of the cumulative rate of hospitalization compared to previous influenza seasons over the last decade. However, given that the rate of positivity is declining rapidly, it is likely that hospitalization rate will plateau and even decline over the next couple of weeks as long as the positivity rate continues to decline.

CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 24 million illnesses, 260,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths from influenza. Now, the good news is that the circulating influenza viruses seem to match the current influenza vaccines. Circulating influenza vaccines consisted of 98.6% influenza A and only 1.4% influenza B. Of influenza A viruses detected and subtyped during week 1, 77% were influenza A(H3N2) and 23% were influenza A(H1N1). Subclade 3C.2a1b, subgroup 2a.2 made up 99.9% of H3N2 subtype, and subclade 6B.1A, subgroup 5a.2 made up 98.6% of H1N1 subtype. The majority of influenza viruses tested are in the same genetic subclade as and antigenically similar to the influenza viruses included in this season’s influenza vaccine.

An annual influenza vaccine is the best way to protect against flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu. CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older without contraindications get an annual influenza vaccine as long as flu activity continues.

See more details at: https://youtu.be/Q3Gknp4Xpe4

Alireza FakhriRavari, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP is an Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy.

With recent outbreaks of the Monkeypox virus in Europe and the United States, interest in Monkeypox prevention and treatment has increased. Similar to Variola, the causative agent of smallpox, the Monkeypox virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. It is a large, complex, double-stranded DNA virus that can infect homo sapiens as well as non-human primates. In fact, it can infect a wide variety of mammalian species. Current evidence points to rodents as key reservoir hosts. Transmission occurs via saliva/respiratory excretions or contact with lesion exudate or crust material, either via contact with infected animals or person-to-person transmission. The secondary attack rate among unvaccinated contacts within households is about 9%, so it is much less transmissible than smallpox. Wearing a face mask and avoiding close contact can reduce the risk of transmission.

The incubation period is about 2 weeks (~7-17 days) and an initial febrile prodrome is followed by generalized headache and fatigue. A key distinguishing feature of monkeypox, when compared to smallpox and varicella-zoster, is the presence of lymphadenopathy in most patients (but not all). Fever usually declines up to 3 days after rash onset with subsequent development of lesions as first macular, then papular, then vesicular, and pustular. About 40% of patients develop complications such as bacterial skin infections, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and keratitis. The overall mortality rate is about 10%, up to 15% in unvaccinated children.

There are 2 distinct phylogenetic clades of Monkeypox viruses: the West Africa clade and the Congo Basin clade. The West Africa clade, endemic in West Africa, generally exhibits a less severe illness with a mortality rate of about 3-4%. The Congo Basin clade, which occurs in Central Africa, exhibits a more severe illness with a mortality rate of about 10-11%. Nextstrain.org is now tracking reported Monkeypox genome data. The recent outbreaks in Europe and the United States seem to be based on the West African clade.

The 2022 ACIP Guidelines for Preexposure Vaccination of Persons at Risk for Occupational Exposure to Orthopoxviruses was recently published. There are currently 2 orthopoxvirus vaccines available: ACAM2000, which is a live replication-competent vaccinia virus, and Jynneos, which is a replication-deficient modified vaccinia Ankara.

CDC recommends preexposure vaccination for persons at risk for occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses, persons who administer ACAM2000 or care for patients with infection with replication-competent viruses.

ACAM2000 is approved for anyone over the age of 1 year, in the absence of contraindications, and Jynneos is approved for persons over the age of 18 years. While Jynneos is recommended as an alternative to ACAM2000, it’s important to keep in mind contraindications to receipt of ACAM2000.

Full guideline text can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7122e1.htm

Treatment options for orthopoxviruses are limited. Acyclovir, ganciclovir, foscarnet, and HIV NRTIs and NNRTIs are inactive in vitro. Entecavir has in vitro activity, but there’s limited evidence for its use for poxviruses. Cidofovir has in vitro activity and established animal data but it’s limited to its severe toxicity profile with many black box warnings. Tecovirimat and brincidofovir are oral options that have recently been approved via FDA’s Animal Rule for the treatment of smallpox and may be used for the treatment of monkeypox.

The choice between brincidofovir (dosed twice daily for 14 days) and tecovirimat (dosed once weekly for 2 doses) is based on many factors including tolerability, adherence, potential risks of carcinogenecity, teratogenecity, and infertility. Overall, tecovirimat seems to have an advantage over brincidofovir due to its apparently better safety profile (based on very limited evidence, primarily driven by animal studies).

More information can be found here:

What is Omicron? The new B.1.1.529 variant (Omicron) clade 21K, which harbors many mutations, particularly in the spike protein, was first detected in South Africa. Unlike the other variants of concern, B.1.1.529 has emerged independently from mid-2020 strains of SARS-CoV-2.

Why South Africa? It is possible, but unlikely, that this variant emerged in South Africa. South Africa has excellent scientists, a great surveillance program, transparency, and sharing of data!

Anytime there’s a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, there are at least 4 concerning things to consider: 1) Is it more transmissible than currently circulating strains? 2) Does it evade neutralization by antibodies (i.e., antibodies from natural infection, immunization, or monoclonal antibodies)? 3) Does it evade immunity due to vaccination (i.e., antibodies, T cell response)? 4) Does it cause a more severe (or milder) disease?

1) Is it really more transmissible than Delta? It’s too soon to tell. Superspreader events, which are outliers, get noticed early and can result in a very high estimation of basic reproduction number (R0). However, it does seem like B.1.1.529 (Omicron) is outcompeting B.1.617.2 (Delta) in South Africa.

2) Does it evade neutralization by antibodies? Omicron seems to have many more S1 mutations than previously circulating variants, which might be very problematic. While we don’t know for sure yet, its mutation profile predicts significant immune evasion.

3) Does it evade immunity due to vaccination (i.e., antibodies, T cell response)? We don’t know yet.

4) Does it cause a more severe (or milder) disease? We don’t know yet.

We need more studies to understand this variant and its impact more. In the meantime, please get vaccinated and wear a mask!

[All images from IDTwitter]