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"Phenomenology and Pedagogy in Physical Education" by Oyvind Standal is a book that addresses the lack of studies on phenomenology and pedagogy in the context of physical education in schools. The book consists of 10 chapters that cover topics such as the role of practical knowledge in physical education, the teacher's role in the skills model, and the ethical dimensions of physical education. Standal argues that phenomenology can contribute to physical education by promoting critical movement literacy and accommodating marginalized groups. The book is intended for sports and education academics and provides a new perspective on understanding physical education. However, the discussion could benefit from more real-life examples. [Extracted from the article]

In 2021, New York City passed some of the most progressive nuclear disarmament legislation of any major city in the United States, supported by local activists from the New York Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (NYCAN). In this essay, two of the people behind this effort share some details of their success with local government as an example of what others can do to bring nuclear abolitionist activism home. They also give a sense of New York's long history as a nuclear city—and as a locus of action for disarmament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Philosophy of Mixed Martial Arts: Squaring the Octagons" is an academic book that explores philosophical ideas and concepts related to mixed martial arts (MMA) and combat sports. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history and nature of MMA, ethical aspects, cognitive and aesthetic aspects, violence and constraints in combat sports, and the gender debate in MMA. The authors come from diverse academic backgrounds and include practitioners and former athletes, providing a range of perspectives. While the book primarily focuses on MMA, it also extends to other martial arts and combat sports. It is a valuable resource for understanding the social and moral issues surrounding MMA and boxing, and it can be used for teaching and research purposes in various disciplines. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The United States is the only high-income country without a comprehensive national maternity leave policy guaranteeing paid, job-projected leave. The current study examined associations between maternity leave characteristics (duration of leave, payment status of leave) and postpartum depressive symptoms. Methods: This study used a sample of 3,515 postpartum women from the New York City and New York State Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) from 2016 to 2019. We used logistic regression to examine the association of leave duration and payment status with self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms between 2 and 6 months postpartum. Results: Compared to having at least some paid leave, having unpaid leave was associated with an increased odds of postpartum depressive symptoms, adjusting for leave duration and selected covariates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.93). There was no significant difference in postpartum depressive symptoms between those with partially and those with fully paid leave. In contrast to prior literature, leave duration was not significantly associated with postpartum depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97–1.02 for each additional week of leave). Discussion: This study suggests that unpaid leave is associated with increased risk of postpartum depression, which can have long-term health effects for both mothers and children. Future studies can help to identify which communities could most benefit from paid leave and help to inform paid leave policies. Significance: What is already known on this subject?: Postpartum depression can have long-term consequences for maternal and child health. Longer maternity leave duration and paid maternity leave have been linked with better maternal mental health, though more recent studies in the U.S. context are needed. What this study adds?: This study is one of the few investigations of postpartum mental health to examine leave duration and paid leave individually and in combination. We found that mothers with unpaid leave were 40% more likely to experience depression than those with paid leave and that payment status was more important than leave duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Beginning in February 2022, the United States faced an infant formula shortage that severely impacted access and affordability. Little is known about how this shortage impacted infant feeding intentions among expectant mothers. Our study sought to determine the impact of the formula shortage on prenatal feeding intentions and to understand expectant mothers' feelings and perceived stress related to the shortage. Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory, observational study of pregnant women (n = 57) residing in New York City utilized a self-administered online survey in May–July 2022. Results: The results indicate that ten (17.5%) respondents changed their feeding intentions during the infant formula shortage for months 0–3 or 3–6 of infancy to include more breastfeeding than originally intended. These mothers also reported significantly higher stress levels related to the shortage than their non-changing peers. Conclusions for practice: Our results suggest that the formula shortage influenced feeding intentions among a subset of surveyed expectant mothers. The stress associated with the shortage influenced prenatal feeding intentions to include more breastfeeding than intended prior to the shortage. Prenatal healthcare providers should consider the availability of infant formula as one of myriad factors that influence infant feeding intentions, and that the stress associated with whether infant formula is readily available may influence these intentions as well. Significance: Numerous factors, including social, cultural, and economic influences, can shape prenatal infant feeding intentions. Our results suggest that availability of infant formula may be an additional element in this decision-making process. Our study found that the 2022 infant formula shortage influenced expectant mothers to include more breastfeeding in their feeding plans than they had originally intended as a result of the shortage. To our knowledge, there has been no research published that examines the effect of an infant formula shortage on the feeding intentions of expectant mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current study is a Phase I clinical study with the goal of determining feasibility and the effectiveness of the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP) for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and comorbidities. We hypothesized that K-SLP intervention would result in improved outcomes and maintenance of treatment effect at 3–4 months postintervention. Method: Single-subject experimental design with multiple baselines across behaviors was replicated across a group of six children. Five out of six participants completed the study. The K-SLP intervention was administered in dyads four times a week for three consecutive weeks. Outcomes included assessment of word/syllable shapes, articulation accuracy, speech intelligibility, and functional communication. Treatment progress was measured through: (a) the administration of custom probe word lists and (b) assessments carried out at pretreatment, immediately following intervention and approximately 3–4 months after the study period. Results: Four out of five participants demonstrated significant improvements to words targeted in treatment and three out of five generalized these to untreated words. Furthermore, three out of five participants showed immediate and clinically significant posttreatment improvements in speech intelligibility and functional outcomes, and this increased to four out of five participants at 3–4 months follow-up. Conclusions: The study provides preliminary support for the effectiveness of the K-SLP program when delivered in dyads to children with CAS with comorbidities. The study replicates earlier findings and reaffirms the positive outcomes of K-SLP for children with CAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As of 2019, the United States houses 5.3 million Chinese Americans (CA), with 689,000 being older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between social determinants of health (SDOH) and acculturation on quality of life in CA older adults, an underresearched area. Methods: Using a quantitative correlational descriptive design, CA older adults (n = 110) in NYC with chronic pain were examined. Data were collected by utilizing the PRAPARE Screening Tool, Asian American Acculturation Scale, and SF-12 Questionnaire. Results: Regression revealed a negative correlation between SDOH and quality of life (p =.001). The acculturation's impact was nonsignificant (p =.647). Discussion: While SDOH significantly impacted the quality of life, acculturation did not significantly predict the quality of life for older Chinese American adults with chronic pain. Further research is warranted to explore the nuanced dynamics between acculturation, SDOH, and quality of life in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater testing can inform public health action as a component of polio outbreak response. During 2022-2023, a total of 7 US jurisdictions (5 states and 2 cities) participated in prospective or retrospective testing of wastewater for poliovirus after a paralytic polio case was identified in New York state. Two distinct vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 viruses were detected in wastewater from New York state and New York City during 2022, representing 2 separate importation events. Of those viruses, 1 resulted in persistent community transmission in multiple New York counties and 1 paralytic case. No poliovirus was detected in the other participating jurisdictions (Connecticut, New Jersey, Michigan, and Illinois and Chicago, IL). The value of routine wastewater surveillance for poliovirus apart from an outbreak is unclear. However, these results highlight the ongoing risk for poliovirus importations into the United States and the need to identify undervaccinated communities and increase vaccination coverage to prevent paralytic polio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retention in HIV care is a critical precursor to ending the epidemic yet remains suboptimal in the United States. Gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV is essential to improving retention in HIV care. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to retention in care among Black and Hispanic AYA living with HIV. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 AYA living with HIV ages 16–29 years in New York City. Our methods entailed an inductive content analysis to explore key concepts, reconcile codes, and identify a theme, categories, and subcategories. Bronfenbrenner's socioecological model evolved as an organizing framework around barriers and facilitators to retention in care at the individual, interpersonal, healthcare system, and structural level. Data analysis yielded one overarching theme—the influence of psychosocial factors on retention in HIV care. Psychological struggles, powerlessness, clinic-level characteristics, and socioeconomic struggles were barriers reported by participants. Self-responsibility, social support, patient-friendly healthcare services, and socioeconomic resources emerged as facilitators. Retention in HIV care among AYA living with HIV is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that involves multiple systems. Strengthening patients, healthcare system, and community partnerships can help address some of the HIV-related health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Introduction of new medications to health-system formularies is often not accompanied by assessments of their clinical impact on the local patient population. The growing availability of electronic health record (EHR) data and advancements in pharmacoepidemiology methods offer institutions the opportunity to monitor the medication implementation process and assess clinical effectiveness in the local clinical context. In this study, we applied novel causal inference methods to evaluate the effects of a formulary policy introducing tocilizumab therapy for critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods We conducted a medication use evaluation utilizing EHR data from patients admitted to a large medical center during the 6 months before and after implementation of a formulary policy endorsing the use of tocilizumab for treatment of COVID-19. The impact of tocilizumab on 28-day all-cause mortality was assessed using a difference-in-differences analysis, with ineligible patients serving as a nonequivalent control group, and a matched analysis guided by a target trial emulation framework. Safety endpoints assessed included the incidence of secondary infections and liver enzyme elevations. Our findings were benchmarked against clinical trials, an observational study, and a meta-analysis. Results Following guideline modification, tocilizumab was administered to 69% of eligible patients. This implementation was associated with a 3.1% absolute risk reduction in 28-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.86; number needed to treat to prevent one death, 32) attributable to the inclusion of tocilizumab in the guidelines and an additional 8.6% absolute risk reduction (odds ratio, 0.65; number needed to treat to prevent one death, 12) linked to its administration. These findings were consistent with estimates from published literature, although the effect estimates from the difference-in-differences analysis exhibited imprecision. Conclusion Evaluating formulary management decisions through novel causal inference approaches offers valuable estimates of clinical effectiveness and the potential to optimize the impact of new medications on population outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based organizations (CBOs) serving older ethnic minority adults, especially older immigrants, are vital to satisfy their complex social, health, and behavioral health needs. This study uses organizational theories and a case study approach to examine how the organizational responses to the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and progress beyond the pandemic-related responses. Four CBOs serving older Chinese immigrants in New York City were examined. Results indicate that driven by unmet psychosocial needs of older Chinese immigrants and public health measures, CBOs modified practice protocols and established (or strengthened) collaborative relationships with medical providers and other CBOs. COVID-19 responses include CBOs' transformations in organizational structures (e.g. collaboration) and operational activities (e.g. telehealth). Successful transformations of CBOs were primarily due to prior adaptiveness to integrated care reform and assured needed resources before the pandemic; the transformation reflected orderly organizational progress rather than a temporary management strategy. PRACTICE POINT: CBOs modified practice protocols, established (or strengthened) collaborative relationships, and increased service coordination to address the unmet psychosocial needs of older Chinese immigrants and public health measures. Amidst evolving pandemic-related challenges, community-based organizations (CBOs) fostered collaborative partnerships and provided integrated care services, playing a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of older immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizational theories explain CBOs' adaptive behaviors during the pandemic, as they provided essential services to vulnerable older immigrants while navigating normative and coercive pressures to meet evolving needs and secure funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion of the Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce has become a national priority. It is critical to understand CHW strengths and individual challenges, associated professional development needs, and specific strategies that may meet needs from the perspectives of those who employ, manage, and supervise this growing workforce. Through a community-partnership with eight member organizations of the Association of Perinatal Networks of New York, we conducted two focus groups with 7 Executive Directors and 6 CHW Supervisors. Data were analyzed according to the six steps of thematic analysis. Analyses revealed seven salient themes across three superordinate categories of strengths, individual challenges, and mechanisms of support. CHWs are a critical component of the US health workforce. Challenges related to navigating boundaries, use of empowerment-focused approaches and effective documentation require skills-based training and trauma-informed workplace-based supports. Supervision is an effective mechanism through which CHWs receive support needed to optimize job performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study examines the long-term outcomes of patients discharged from the hospital without heart replacement therapy (HRT) after recovery from cardiogenic shock using venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 615 cardiogenic shock patients who recovered from VA-ECLS at our institution between January 2015 and July 2021. Of those, 166 patients (27.0%) who recovered from VA-ECLS without HRT were included in this study. Baseline characteristics, discharge labs, vitals, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were assessed. Patients were contacted to determine vital status. The primary outcome was post-discharge mortality. Results: Of 166 patients, 158 patients (95.2%) had post-discharge follow-up, with a median time of follow-up of 2 years (IQR: [1 year, 4 years]). At discharge, the median ejection fraction (EF) was 52.5% (IQR: [32.5, 57.5]). At discharge, 92 patients (56%) were prescribed β-blockers, 28 (17%) were prescribed an ACE inhibitor, ARB or ARNI, and 50 (30%) were prescribed loop diuretics. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 1-year survival rate of 85.6% (95% CI: [80.1%, 91.2%]) and a 5-year survival rate of 60.6% (95% CI: [49.9%, 71.3%]). A Cox regression model demonstrated that a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) was strongly predictive of increased mortality hazard (HR = 1.929; p = 0.036), while neither discharge EF nor etiology of VA-ECLS were associated with increased post-discharge mortality. Conclusions: Patients discharged from the hospital after full myocardial recovery from VA-ECLS support without HRT should have close outpatient follow-up due to the risk of recurrent heart failure and increased mortality in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease (CeD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are immune-mediated disorders that can occur in the same patient. A retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital was conducted to determine the prevalence of EoE in a pediatric population with CeD and to compare characteristics of patients with both diseases to patients with CeD-only. Among the 148 patients with CeD identified in the study, 11 patients had both CeD and EoE (7.4%). Patients with both CeD and EoE had a higher absolute eosinophil count (per μL) at diagnosis compared to patients with CeD-only (454.1 ± 122.7 vs 231.9 ± 19.4, P =.003). In conclusion, there was a higher proportion of EoE in patients with CeD than would be expected in the general population, suggesting a potential pathophysiological overlap between the 2 diseases. An elevated peripheral absolute eosinophil count may help predict which patients with CeD may additionally have EoE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To estimate the odds of having cognitive difficulties among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) American adults and compare these odds with those of White, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander adults nationally and in the 4 states with the largest MENA populations (California, New York, Michigan, and Texas) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Methods. We analyzed 2017–2021 American Community Survey data (aged ≥ 45 years; n = 7 284 988), comparing presence of cognitive difficulties by race/ethnicity. Results. MENA adults had greater odds of reporting cognitive difficulties than did White (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42, 1.56), Black (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.14, 1.26), Hispanic (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.39, 1.53), Asian (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.25, 1.38), and AI/AN (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.14) adults. In all 4 states, odds of having cognitive difficulties were higher among MENA than Asian adults. Other racial/ethnic comparisons differed by state. Conclusions. A separate checkbox for MENA Americans approved by the Office of Management and Budget is important so health outcomes can be studied in more detail and funds can be allocated for research and resources at state and national levels. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(11):1265–1274. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307803) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal with no clear biological benefit that is toxic to wildlife and humans. Although Pb has been banned from several consumer products, it is not regulated in ammunition for big‐game hunting (e.g., cervids) in New York, USA. Wildlife species that scavenge remains of game harvested with Pb ammunition can be exposed to bullet fragments through ingestion and potentially develop toxicosis. To make evidence‐based decisions for reducing risk from bullet‐derived Pb, we first empirically identified avian and mammalian scavengers of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) remains in New York through an online survey during July‐August 2023, where community members submitted images of scavengers from game cameras. We conducted species vulnerability and utility assessments using published evidence and pre‐existing frameworks. Despite inherent limitations, we documented an extensive array of avian (n = 17) and mammalian (n = 14) scavengers. We estimated bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) as most vulnerable to Pb toxicosis, followed collectively by American goshawks (Accipiter atricapillus), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and common ravens (C. corax). We also determined bald eagles to be best‐suited as bioindicators of bullet‐derived Pb, followed by American goshawks. Red‐tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) equally ranked third. Integrating vulnerability and utility assessments point to bald eagles as the most vulnerable scavengers to Pb toxicosis and best‐suited bioindicators of bullet‐derived Pb. Because regulation of Pb ammunition for big‐game hunting is an ongoing socio‐political issue, wildlife managers and conservationists can address health risks through monitoring species vulnerable to toxicosis and instituting surveillance programs using the most effective bioindicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Lung volume measurements are important for monitoring functional aeration and recruitment and may help guide adjustments in ventilator settings. The expiratory phase of airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) may provide physiologic information about lung volume based on the expiratory flow-time slope, angle, and time to approach a no-flow state (expiratory time [TE]). We hypothesized that expiratory flow would correlate with estimated lung volume (ELV) as measured using a modified nitrogen washout/washin technique in a large-animal lung injury model. METHODS: Eight pigs (35.2 ± 1.0 kg) were mechanically ventilated using an Engström Carescape R860 on the APRV mode. All settings were held constant except the expiratory duration, which was adjusted based on the expiratory flow curve. Abdominal pressure was increased to 15 mm Hg in normal and injured lungs to replicate a combination of pulmonary and extrapulmonary lung injury. ELV was estimated using the Carescape FRC INview tool. The expiratory flow-time slope and TE were measured from the expiratory flow profile. RESULTS: Lung elastance increased with induced lung injury from 29.3 ± 7.3 cm H2O/L to 39.9 ± 15.1cm H2O/L, and chest wall elastance increased with increasing intra-abdominal pressures (IAPs) from 15.3 ± 4.1 cm H2O/L to 25.7 ± 10.0 cm H2O/L in the normal lung and 15.8 ± 6.0 cm H2O/L to 33.0 ± 6.2 cm H2O/L in the injured lung (P = .39). ELV decreased from 1.90 ± 0.83 L in the injured lung to 0.67 ± 0.10 L by increasing IAP to 15 mm Hg. This had a significant correlation with a TE decrease from 2.3 ± 0.8 s to 1.0 ± 0.1 s in the injured group with increasing insufflation pressures (ρ = 0.95) and with the expiratory flow-time slope, which increased from 0.29 ± 0.06 L/s² to 0.63 ± 0.05 L/s² (ρ = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in ELV over time, and the TE and flow-time slope, could be used to demonstrate evolving lung injury during APRV. Using the slope to infer changes in functional lung volume represents a unique, reproducible, real-time, bedside technique that does not interrupt ventilation and may be used for clinical interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This pilot study aimed to compare the marginal adaptation of composite resin at the tooth-restoration interface, before and after radiation. Subjects and Methods: Fifteen extracted premolars were divided into 2 experimental groups (based on the timing of irradiation) and 1 control group of 5 teeth each. In Group I (control group), teeth were restored but not exposed to radiation at any stage, Group II: teeth were irradiated before cavity preparation and restoration, and Group III: after cavity preparation and restoration employing selective etch technique, teeth were exposed to radiation. The samples were then sectioned buccolingually to analyze the extent of the marginal gap under scanning electron microscopy and compositional alteration of dental hard tissues by X-ray diffraction study. The data collected were analyzed statistically. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical software used was IBM SPSS version 23 New York, USA, and analysis was done using two-way ANOVA followed by Turkey's post hoc test, this difference in the mean marginal gap between all three groups was nonsignificant (P ≥ 0.05). Results: In the control group (Group I), a minimum gap (4.203 µm ± 0.533) was observed at the tooth-restoration interface, indicating the highest level of adaptation as compared to Group II (5.816 µm ± 0.762) and Group III (4.862 µm ± 1.018). This suggests that radiation adversely affected the bonding between composite materials and both enamel and dentin, attributed to the alterations induced by radiotherapy in the chemical, physical, and morphological properties of both tooth structure and composite resin. Conclusions: Ionizing radiations adversely affect the bonding between enamel, dentin, and composite resin. Hence, restorative procedures should be performed before undergoing radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an unprecedented global effort to understand and mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 in Western New York (WNY), integrating individual patient-level genomic sequencing data with a spatially informed agent-based disease Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) computational model. The integration of genomic and spatial data enables a multi-faceted exploration of the factors influencing the transmission patterns of COVID-19, including genetic variations in the viral genomes, population density, and movement dynamics in New York State (NYS). Our genomic analyses provide insights into the genetic heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2 within a single lineage, at region-specific resolutions, while our population analyses provide models for SARS-CoV-2 lineage transmission. Together, our findings shed light on localized dynamics of the pandemic, revealing potential cross-county transmission networks. This interdisciplinary approach, bridging genomics and spatial modeling, contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 dynamics. The results of this study have implications for future public health strategies, including guiding targeted interventions and resource allocations to control the spread of similar viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For many people with long COVID (LC), new-onset pain is a debilitating consequence. This study examined the nature of new-onset pain and concomitant symptoms in patients with LC to infer mechanisms of pain from the relationships between pain and health-related factors. Methods: Pain and other symptoms were evaluated in 153 individuals with LC using the Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale, and Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders. The relationships between pain and patient factors were analyzed using Chi Square and independent t-tests. Results: 20.3% of individuals who reported new-onset pain had neuropathic pain, which was associated with lower quality of life and higher rates of cognitive dysfunction compared to those with non-neuropathic pain. Other symptoms were similar between groups, however heart-related symptoms were more prevalent in individuals with neuropathic pain and mood swings were more prevalent for individuals with non-neuropathic pain. Conclusions: Characterizing the relationships between NP and quality of life in individuals with LC can aid in developing better clinical management strategies. Understanding the associations between NP and cognitive dysfunction provides the imperative foundation for future studies further examining the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying pain development in LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A large gap exists in the development of culturally sensitive interventions to reduce stress related to dementia care among Chinese Americans, one of the fastest growing minority populations in the United States. We developed and pilot tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a peer mentoring program for Chinese American dementia caregivers. Method: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted among 38 Chinese American caregivers in New York City. Four outcome variables—caregiving competence, loneliness, caregiver burden, and depressive symptoms—were measured at baseline and 3-month and 9-month follow-ups. The study protocol and preliminary results are available at clinicltrial.gov [NCT04346745]. Results: The feasibility of the intervention was high, as indicated by an acceptable retention rate, fidelity, and positive feedback from caregivers and mentors. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had greater reductions in scores for loneliness at 3-month follow-up and for caregiver burden and depressive symptoms at 9-month follow-up. We did not find significant differences in caregiving competence between the two groups. Conclusion: The results indicated the high feasibility and potential efficacy of empowering existing human resources of experienced caregivers in the same ethnic community to improve the mental health of Chinese caregivers. Further research is needed to test the efficacy in a larger sample of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0 (SHHC-2.0) was a 24-week cardiovascular disease prevention program that was effective in improving physical activity and nutrition behaviors and clinical outcomes among women in 11 rural New York, USA towns. This study evaluated the delivery of SHHC-2.0 to prepare the intervention for further dissemination. Methods: This process evaluation was guided by the Medical Research Council recommendations and engaged program leaders and participants (i.e., women over age 40) using quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative evaluation included examination of enrollment and retention data, a participant survey, and a fidelity checklist completed after classes. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to assess implementation measures: program reach, participant attendance, dose delivered, program length, perceived effectiveness, fidelity, and participant satisfaction. The qualitative evaluation included focus groups (n = 13) and interviews (n = 4) using semi-structured guides; audio was recorded and transcripts were deductively coded and analyzed using directed content analysis and iterative categorization approaches. Comparisons across towns and between intervention and waitlist control groups were explored. Results: Average reach within towns was 7.5% of the eligible population (range 0.7-15.7%). Average attendance was 59.8% of sessions (range 42.0-77.4%). Average dose delivered by leaders was 86.4% of curriculum components (range 73.5-95.2%). Average session length was 51.8 ± 4.8 min across 48 sessions. Leaders' perceived effectiveness rating averaged 4.1 ± 0.3 out of 5. Fidelity to curricular components was 81.8% (range 67.4-93.2%). Participants reported being "more than satisfied" with the overall program (88.8%) and the health benefits they obtained (72.9%). Qualitative analysis revealed that participants: (1) gained new knowledge and enjoyable experiences; (2) perceived improvements in their physical activity, nutrition, and/or health; (3) continued to face some barriers to physical activity and healthy eating, with those relating to social support being reduced; and (4) rated leaders and the group structure highly, with mixed opinions on the research elements. Conclusions: SHHC-2.0 had broad reach, was largely delivered as intended, and participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the program and its health benefits. Our findings expand on best practices for implementing cardiovascular disease prevention programs in rural communities. Clinical trials Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov #NCT03059472. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intratumoral heterogeneity poses a significant challenge to the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. This study addresses the need for non-invasive approaches to map heterogeneous landscape of histopathological alterations throughout the entire lesion for each patient. We developed BioNet, a biologically-informed neural network, to predict regional distributions of two primary tissue-specific gene modules: proliferating tumor (Pro) and reactive/inflammatory cells (Inf). BioNet significantly outperforms existing methods (p < 2e-26). In cross-validation, BioNet achieved AUCs of 0.80 (Pro) and 0.81 (Inf), with accuracies of 80% and 75%, respectively. In blind tests, BioNet achieved AUCs of 0.80 (Pro) and 0.76 (Inf), with accuracies of 81% and 74%. Competing methods had AUCs lower or around 0.6 and accuracies lower or around 70%. BioNet's voxel-level prediction maps reveal intratumoral heterogeneity, potentially improving biopsy targeting and treatment evaluation. This non-invasive approach facilitates regular monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments, highlighting the role of ML in precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family caregivers provide the majority of long-term care and support of older adults as they age or approach the end of life. Studies often refer to family caregivers as invisible because the American healthcare system, public policy, and society do not support or recognize their work. Family caregivers who provide care to older adults who live in rural areas face unique challenges due to the rural environment. The purpose of this study was to inductively develop a theoretical framework that explains the process of family caregiving to older adults who live at home in rural areas and require daily assistance while exploring their experiences regarding access, utilization, challenges, and effectiveness of patient healthcare services and caregiver resources in rural areas. The grounded theory method of Strauss and Corbin was used for sampling, data collection, and data analysis. Fifteen family caregivers who oversaw and/or provided care on a daily basis to an older adult living in two rural counties of New York State participated in the study. Data were collected through two semi-structured interviews with each participant, yielding 30 interviews. Findings revealed that family caregivers engaged in the process of orchestrating care by growing into caregiving, integrating technology, and utilizing networks when providing and managing caregiving. Understanding caregiving from the perspective of family caregivers engaged in the process can inform healthcare practice, healthcare education, and public policy and can support better outcomes for both older adults and their family caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the role of family interpersonal relationships in coping with the effects of COVID-19 and examines factors that place Latinx adolescents at risk for adverse effects of COVID-19 and promote resilience. We used a qualitative inquiry to explore the impact of COVID-19 on Latinx New York City adolescents, using sensitizing concepts from the family stress and coping theory as a data organization and analysis strategy. Five focus groups with 26 students aged 13 to 17 years old were conducted, and emergent themes were identified from the data. Latinx student participants reported disruptions in their family structure and interaction patterns. Families of these adolescents faced income loss, death, and illness from COVID-19, which impacted parent-child relationships. The absence of needed community resources undermined family resilience. Yet, students used internal resources found in their families and within themselves to cope with the COVID-19 stressors. Participants reported challenges within the family, school, and youth's daily experiences. To lessen the pandemic's impact on Latinx students in the midst of the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic requires an ecological approach in which family, school, community, and policy factors are considered, and partnerships at each of these levels are established. Efforts to enhance family-school collaboration, equitable access to mental health services, youth outreach, and strengthen existing internal and external resources in the lives of Latinx students are key to promoting their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dementia, a term for a range of cognitive impairments impacting memory, thinking, and social abilities, represents a formidable challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Analysing the temporal trends in dementia‐related mortality among individuals, identifying the populations at high risk, and guiding the implementation of tailored interventions to address the escalating effects of dementia on public health. Methods: Data from CDC WONDER database was examined from 1999 to 2020 for the four causes of dementia mortality: unspecified dementia (F03), Alzheimer's disease (G30), vascular dementia (F01), and other degenerative diseases of nervous system not elsewhere classified (G31). Age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 persons and annual percent change (APC) were calculated and stratified by geographic region, year, age groups, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results: A total of 4,077,973 reported deaths were related to dementia from 1999 to 2020 in the United States. The greatest proportion of deaths was associated with Alzheimer's disease (45.9%), followed by unspecified dementia (43.8%). Very low proportion of deaths were associated with vascular dementia (4.9%) or other neurodegenerative diseases (5.3%). The AAMR increased in two distinct periods: a steep incline from 1999 to 2010 (APC: 6.95, 95% CI: 6.00–7.90), followed by a modest incline till 2020 (APC: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.80–2.04). Overall, females had a higher AAMR than males. AAMRs were highest among NH Whites patients and lowest in NH Asians or Pacific Islanders. A significant geographical difference was also observed among different US census regions. Nearly equal AAMRs were seen in non‐metropolitan areas and metropolitan areas. States with AAMRs in the top 90th percentile included South Carolina, North Carolina, Maine, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama while states with AAMRs in the bottom 10th percentile included South Dakota, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, District of Columbia, and New York (33.1). Individuals aged above 85 had the highest AAMRs. Most deaths occurred in nursing homes and least in hospice facilities. Conclusion: The dementia related deaths are continuously increasing. Highest AAMRs were observed among the NH White people, females, and in the southern areas of the United States. People aged 85+ were most affected. To stop the rising death rates, targeted interventions and awareness are required for both prevention and treatment of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the associations between anxiety, depression, and coping in healthcare workers during coronavirus disease 2019. Methods: A survey used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2 to assess anxiety, the Patient Health Questionnaire 2 to assess depression, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) scale to evaluate coping mechanisms. Results: Of the 1172 participants who provided data, 24.7% screened positive for anxiety and 15.7%for depression. Logistic regression indicated that avoidance coping (odds ratio [OR], 3.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.91-5.29]; P < 0.001) and substance use coping (OR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.00-1.90]; P = 0.049) were associated with higher odds of depression. Avoidance coping (OR, 2.81 [95% CI, 2.15-3.67]; P < 0.001) and social support coping (OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.22-2.08]; P = 0.001) were associated with higher odds of anxiety. Conclusions: Interventions are needed to improve healthcare workers' coping and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite updated American Heart Association guidelines, interventions designed to reduce telemetry misuse are uncommon. Local problem: There was a systemic failure within the institution to adopt the most recent guidelines, resulting in poor use of resources and downstream costs. Methods: Case--control. Pre--post educational intervention, quality-improvement (QI) project in an urban academic cancer institution. Baseline telemetry usage was observed in 2,984 nonintensive inpatients in 21 hospital services over 6 months. Outcome measures were weekly telemetry usage in total minutes and cost savings based on a costpredicted algorithm. Performance was compared between the intervention group and a control group for 3 months. Measures were compared using QI control charts and inferential statistics. Intervention: Three high-using telemetry services primarily staffed by certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) were provided with a telemetry education intervention. The intervention consisted of four ten-minute educational sessions over 2 weeks delivered to the highest three telemetry using services. Results: Forty-five providers received the educational intervention (78% CNPs and physician assistants [PAs] and 22% medical doctors [MDs]) and 272 did not (57% CNPs and PAs and 43% MDs). Only the educational intervention group showed measurable decreases shown by shifts in QI control charts. Decreased usage in the intervention group produced greater cost savings per patient when compared with the control group ($71.98 vs. $60.68), resulting in an estimated total annual cost savings of $94,740. Conclusions: Educational interventions for inpatient CNPs that reinforce national policies for telemetry discontinuation improve practice efficiency and potentially decrease health care costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration was implemented in New York State to redesign care delivery and financing for behavioral health services. Although CCBHC primarily targeted Medicaid patients, it was hypothesized that the clinic-level benefits of CCBHC were expected to impact even non-Medicaid patients treated in CCBHCs. To test this hypothesis, this study conducted a health insurance claims data analysis of non-Medicaid (ie, commercial and Medicare) patients with severe mental illnesses, comparing a cohort of CCBHC-treated patients with a propensity score-matched comparison cohort of patients treated by non-CCBHC clinics on rates of mental health service utilization, hospitalization, and emergency department (ED) visits. The data suggested CCBHC was associated with more than 10% increase in outpatient mental health service utilization by the patients' second year of CCBHC exposure, accompanied by similarly significant reductions in the rates of all-cause ED visits and non-psychiatric hospitalization. These findings suggest that for behavioral health clinics that serve a sufficiently large population of Medicaid, the impact of innovative clinical redesign attributable to CCBHC is likely to extend to all patients treated by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to understand the barriers to and facilitators of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) referrals and participation from multiple perspectives in New York. Two common barriers emerged: lack of awareness of DSMES services and limited access to DSMES services. Strategies that could improve DSMES referrals and participation include provider education, outreach to eligible patients, and tailoring of DSMES services to meet participants' cultural needs and preferences. Future research is needed to assess the effectiveness of multicomponent strategies to increase DSMES participation in diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic was an unparalleled stressor that enhanced isolation. Loneliness has been identified as an epidemic by the US Surgeon General. This study aimed to: (1) characterize longitudinal trajectories of loneliness during the acute phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic; (2) identify longitudinal mediators of the relationship of loneliness with anxiety and depression; and (3) examine how loneliness naturally clusters and identify factors associated with high loneliness. Two hundred and twenty‐nine adults (78% female; mean age = 39.5 ± 13.8) completed an abbreviated version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, State Anxiety Inventory, and Patient Health Questionnaire‐8 longitudinally between April 2020 and 2021. Trajectory analyses demonstrated relatively stable loneliness over time, while anxiety and depression symptoms declined. Longitudinal analyses indicated that loneliness effects on anxiety and depression were both partially mediated by perceived stress, while emotion regulation capacity only mediated effects on anxiety. Three stable clusters of loneliness trajectories emerged (high, moderate, and low). The odds of moderate or high loneliness cluster membership were positively associated with higher perceived stress and negatively associated with greater cognitive reappraisal use. Our results demonstrate the important interconnections between loneliness and facets of mental health throughout the early phases of the pandemic and may inform targeted future interventions for loneliness work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One‐third of people living with dementia (PLWD) have highly fragmented care (i.e., care spread across many ambulatory providers without a dominant provider). It is unclear whether PLWD with fragmented care and their caregivers perceive gaps in communication among the providers involved and whether any such gaps are perceived as benign inconveniences or as clinically meaningful, leading to adverse events. We sought to determine the frequency of perceived gaps in communication (coordination) among providers and the frequency of self‐reported adverse events attributed to poor coordination. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study in the context of a Medicare accountable care organization (ACO) in New York in 2022–2023. We included PLWD who were attributed to the ACO, had fragmented care in the past year by claims (reversed Bice‐Boxerman Index ≥0.86), and were in a pragmatic clinical trial on care management. We used an existing survey instrument to determine perceptions of care coordination and perceptions of four adverse events (repeat tests, drug–drug interactions, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions). ACO care managers collected data by telephone, using clinical judgment to determine whether each survey respondent was the patient or a caregiver. We used descriptive statistics to summarize results. Results: Of 167 eligible PLWD, surveys were completed for 97 (58.1%). Of those, 88 (90.7%) reported having >1 ambulatory visit and >1 ambulatory provider and were thus at risk for gaps in care coordination and included in the analysis. Of those, 23 respondents were patients (26.1%) and 64 were caregivers (72.7%), with one respondent's role missing. Overall, 57% of respondents reported a problem (or "gap") in the coordination of care and, separately, 18% reported an adverse event that they attributed to poor care coordination. Conclusion: Gaps in coordination of care for PLWD are reported to be very common and often perceived as hazardous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemorrhage risk assessment tools have been studied using estimated blood loss. We study the association between peripartum hemorrhage risk assessment score and peripartum quantified blood loss (QBL) in term vaginal and cesarean deliveries. This is a retrospective analysis conducted on 3,657 patients who underwent term vaginal and cesarean deliveries at a public hospital in New York City. Utilizing the risk assessment tool developed by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), patients were categorized into low-, medium-, or high-risk groups for postpartum hemorrhage. Medium-risk (B=0.08, SE=0.01, p<0.001) and high-risk (B=0.12, SE=0.02, p<0.001) AWHONN scores were associated with significantly higher QBL as compared to low-risk AWHONN score. Medium-risk approached significance (OR: 1.67, 95 % CI: 1.00, 2.79, p=0.050) and high-risk AWHONN score was significantly associated (OR: 1.95, 95 % CI: 1.09, 3.48, p=0.02) with increased odds for postpartum hemorrhage (≥1,000 mL). Each individual factor comprising the AWHONN score whose percentage in our sample was seen in greater than 2.7 % of patients was independently significantly associated with increased QBL (six of nine factors) and postpartum hemorrhage (four of nine factors). The AWHONN measure previously validated with estimated blood loss predicted obstetric blood loss with QBL. Although not on the basis of the data shown in our study, we believe that QBL should be routinely used to measure obstetric blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited data on how neighborhood-level risk factors affect the likelihood of having prenatal diagnosis. Neighborhood social vulnerability can be quantified and ranked using the social vulnerability index (SVI), a tool that measures the cumulative effect of external stressors in the local environment that may affect health outcomes. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between SVI and prenatal diagnosis among pregnant patients who received genetic counseling. Retrospective cohort study of all pregnant patients who had genetic counseling at two hospitals in New York between January 2019 and December 2022. For each patient, the address of residence was linked to an SVI score (primary exposure) based on census tract. SVI scores were subdivided into fifths and analyzed categorically. The primary outcome was prenatal diagnosis (yes/no). Multivariable logistic regression was performed. A total of 5,935 patients were included for analysis and 231 (3.9 %) had prenatal diagnosis. On regression analysis, no association between SVI and prenatal diagnosis was observed. Patients who had a diagnostic procedure were more likely to be English speaking (aOR 1.80; 95 % CI 1.13–2.87), carriers of a genetic disorder (aOR 1.94; 95 % CI 1.32–2.86), had increased NT (aOR 6.89; 95 % CI 3.65–13.00), abnormal NIPS (aOR 9.58; 95 % CI 5.81–15.80), or had fetal structural anomalies (aOR 10.60; 95 % CI 6.62–16.96). No differences were seen based on race and ethnicity group, insurance type, or marital status. SVI score does not affect rate of prenatal diagnosis. Findings may differ in other geographic regions and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic severely disrupted hospice care, yet there is little research regarding how widespread disruptions affected clinician and family decision-making. We aimed to understand how the pandemic affected structures, processes, and outcomes of end-of-life care. Research Design and Methods Retrospective narrative chart review of electronic health records of 61 patients referred and admitted to hospice from 3 New York City geriatrics practices who died between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. We linked longitudinal, unstructured medical, and hospice electronic health record notes to create a real-time, multiperspective trajectory of patients' interactions with providers using directed content analysis. Results Most patients had dementia and were enrolled in hospice for 11 days. Care processes were shaped by structural factors (staffing, supplies, and governmental/institutional policies), and outcomes were prioritized by care teams and families (protecting safety, maintaining high-touch care, honoring patient values, and supporting patients emotionally and spiritually). Processes used to achieve these outcomes were decision-making, care delivery, supporting a "good death," and emotional and spiritual support. Discussion and Implications Care processes were negotiated throughout the end of life, with clinicians and families making in-the-moment decisions. Some adaptations were effective but also placed extraordinary pressure on paid and family caregivers. Healthcare teams' and families' goals to meet patients' end-of-life priorities can be supported by ongoing assessment of patient goals and process changes needed to support them, stronger structural supports for paid and family caregivers, incentivizing relationships across primary care and hospice teams, and extending social work and spiritual care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the U.S. population in general and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) communities specifically suggest that religion and spirituality (R/S) can function in both positive and negative ways, including on health outcomes. Patients recovering from gender-affirming surgeries were asked by chaplains, during the course of spiritual care visits, to describe their R/S identities in their own words. Seventy-five responses were included in the study and were coded. Six themes and 10 sub-themes were identified. The themes were (1) centeredness in self; (2) transcendent belief system; (3) non-religious belief systems; (4) importance of prayer; (5) R/S identity and practice as fixed and consistent; and (6) R/S identity and practice as flexible, contextual, and transforming. The findings broadly reflected national data about R/S belonging, including trends related to the growing share of the population that identifies as atheist, agnostic, or spiritual but not religious; ambivalent relationships with R/S communities due to transphobia; and R/S beliefs and practices as supportive. Implications for chaplaincy practice are discussed, including the need for chaplains to understand both demographic trends and the intersections of R/S and transphobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the characteristics of traditional eye cosmetics and cultural powders, including the types, lead concentrations, origin, and regional variation in product names, and assess the differences in blood lead levels (BLLs) between product users and non-users. METHODS: We analyzed 220 samples of traditional eye cosmetics and cultural powders collected in New York City between 2013 and 2022 during lead poisoning investigations and store surveys. We compared the BLLs of children who used these products with those of non-users. RESULTS: Lead levels in traditional eye cosmetics surma and kohl were much higher than levels in kajal and other cultural powders. Although the terminologies surma, kohl,and kajal are often used interchangeably, findings suggest regional variations in the product names. The majority of the surma in this study were from Pakistan, kohl was from Morocco, and kajal was from India. The results also show that these products can contribute to elevated BLLs in children. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that traditional eye cosmetics and cultural powders are used among children as young as newborns, and exposure to these products can significantly add to their lead body burden. The study findings also reveal that lead concentrations in these products can vary by product type and product names can vary by region. Public health officials must be cognizant of these unique variations and use culturally appropriate terminologies for these types of products because such distinctions can be critical when conducting risk assessments, risk communication, and risk reduction activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous analyses of New York City (NYC) health department's lead registry indicated that, among children with lead poisoning, an increased prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) exists. However, SCD is not considered a risk factor for lead poisoning. We assessed the association between SCD and childhood lead poisoning to determine if specific lead poisoning prevention efforts are needed for children with SCD. Methods: We analyzed NYC's lead registry data for children with venous blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥15 mcg/dL during 2005 to 2019. t tests and χ² tests were performed to compare demographic characteristics, BLLs, and lead exposure risks in non-Hispanic Black children with and without SCD. A t test was used to compare observed SCD prevalence among Black children with BLLs ≥15 mcg/dL with an estimated 0.43% SCD prevalence among Black NYC children. Results: Among 1728 Black children with BLLs ≥15 mcg/dL identified, 37 (2.14%) had SCD. When comparing children with and without SCD, both mean age at peak BLL (62.8 versus 42.7 months; P = .003) and peak BLL (42.59 versus 23.06 mcg/dL; P = .008) were higher for children with SCD. Among risk factors for lead exposure, children with SCD had higher prevalence of pica. Observed SCD prevalence was 1.71% higher than estimated SCD prevalence among Black NYC children (P < .001). Conclusions: We found a potential association between SCD and childhood lead poisoning. Pica emerged as a potentially important risk factor. Our findings might have implications for lead poisoning prevention guidelines for children with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated health inequities in New York City (NYC) given the disproportionate risk, morbidity, and mortality related to COVID-19 experienced by communities of color with lower household income. To facilitate long-term community recovery from COVID-19, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene established the Public Health Corp, a partnership with community-based organizations staffed by community health workers in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S7):S566–S569. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307766) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prior literature evaluating the importance of timely second-dose antibiotics in patients with sepsis has led to better outcomes and a possible reduction in mortality, length of mechanical ventilation, and length of time requiring vasopressors. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a newly developed pharmacist-led two-dose cefepime protocol implemented within an emergency department (ED) service. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, pre-post observational cohort study. Institutional review board approval was obtained. The primary endpoint was a reduction in time between the first and the second doses of antibiotics for patients with sepsis who present to the emergency department. Secondary endpoints included length of vasopressor therapy, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Results: A total of 84 patients were included in the pharmacist-led two-dose hospital protocol and 79 patients were included in the historical control. In the control cohort, the median time between the first and second dose of antibiotics was 12 hours vs 8.5 hours in the tested cohort. The average time requiring vasopressors was 1.20 days for the control cohort vs.46 days for the post-implementation group. Lastly, the median hospital length of stay in days was 8 for the control group vs 7 for the tested cohort. Conclusion: Implementation of a pharmacist-led two-dose cefepime protocol was associated with a numerically lower duration between second-dose antibiotics, days requiring vasopressors, and a slight reduction in hospital length of stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to: (1) compare the relative efficacy of different combinations of three behavioral intervention strategies (i.e., personalized reminders, financial incentives, and anchoring) for establishing physical activity habits using an mHealth app and (2) to examine the effects of these different combined interventions on intrinsic motivation for physical activity and daily walking habit strength. A four-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in a sample of college students (N = 161) who had a self-reported personal wellness goal of increasing their physical activity. Receiving cue-contingent financial incentives (i.e., incentives conditional on performing physical activity within ± one hour of a prespecified physical activity cue) combined with anchoring resulted in the highest daily step counts and greatest odds of temporally consistent walking during both the four-week intervention and the full eight-week study period. Cue-contingent financial incentives were also more successful at increasing physical activity and maintaining these effects post-intervention than traditional non-cue-contingent incentives. There were no differences in intrinsic motivation or habit strength between study groups at any time point. Financial incentives, particularly cue-contingent incentives, can be effectively used to support the anchoring intervention strategy for establishing physical activity habits. Moreover, mHealth apps are a feasible method for delivering the combined intervention technique of financial incentives with anchoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons who contract COVID-19 are at risk of developing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of PASC in a pediatric Medicaid population. Using a retrospective cohort of children enrolled in New York State Medicaid Managed Care we compared incident diagnoses between children with a positive laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2 in 2021 to children without a positive test in 2021 and children with a viral respiratory diagnosis in 2019. Logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios using the Cohen's d statistic to assess the strength of associations. Most unadjusted incidence of clinical outcomes were less than 1% for all cohorts. Relative to the 2021 comparison cohort, significant increases among SARS-CoV-2 cases were observed in sequela of infectious disease conditions, general signs and symptoms, and pericarditis and pericardial disease and for the 2019 comparison, sequela of infectious disease conditions and suicidal ideation. However, associations were mostly determined to be weak or marginal. In this low socioeconomic status pediatric population, incidence of new clinical sequelae was low with mostly weak or marginal increases associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Though the incidence was low, some outcomes may be severe. Observed associations may have been impacted by pandemic behavior modification including social distancing policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated community empowerment as a means of addressing food insecurity amongst underserved neighborhoods by increasing available and affordable food choices through Clementine Collective stands in Staten Island, New York (Richmond County), one of the 5 Boroughs of New York City. Given the growing complexity of food insecurity, inclusive and equitable action must be taken that incorporates the voices, perspectives and needs of those most impacted. Through methods of community engagement and empowerment, the Clementine Collective collaborates with local community residents to introduce sustainable solutions that address food insecurity. A survey (N = 132) was administered to customers of a Clementine Collective stand, located in Staten Island, that assessed customers' food habits and attitudes towards their food environment and solutions. The stand was placed in a local meat market grocery store. Descriptive statistics suggested that residents recognized gaps in their food environment and were empowered to advocate for solutions. Engaging residents from their food environment to advocate for local solutions, such as at community bodegas, or small grocery stores, may be an effective method of addressing food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about community-based transitions to home hospice care. We used a Straussian grounded theory approach to understand the basic social process of care transitions that patients and their caregivers use when electing hospice care. Participants were recruited from hospice agencies serving 3 counties in New York State. Data were collected through 7 interviews of patients, patient-and-caregiver dyads, and a hospice nurse (n = 10). Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Our results generated an emerging grounded theory of the hospice care transition processes rooted in maintaining personhood and autonomy. There were 5 contemporaneous steps: (1) recognizing futility and pursuing comfort; (2) seeking help and input as health declines; (3) shopping for the right services, overcoming obstacles, and self-referring to hospice care; (4) attending to the business of dying while living; and (5) processing and expressing emotions. Although not central to the care transition process, an additional step was identified that occurred after the transition to hospice care: planning for an uncertain future. The hospice care transition process identified in the study reveals important mechanistic targets for the development of interventions that promote patient-centered hospice care transitions in the home setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal was to study the implementation of rapid BINAX COVID-19 testing at criminal justice reentry sites, focusing on framework-guided implementation outcomes. We implemented rapid COVID-19 testing at nine reentry sites in four states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York) and collected test results to measure the (1) adoptability and (2) implementability of COVID-19 testing at reentry sites. We collected data on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the implementation of COVID-19 testing using an anonymous employee Qualtrics survey. Testing was available to symptomatic and exposed residents and employees. COVID-19 testing results were collected from October 2021 to March 2022. Guided by the Expert Recommendations in Implementing Change (ERIC) framework, we chose nine implementation strategies to address barriers during the implementation process. Acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility outcomes were captured from employees using validated measures. A total of 302 BINAX COVID-19 tests were used and 26 positive cases were identified. Forty-seven percent of employees participated in the survey. More than half of respondents either agreed or completely agreed with statements about the acceptability, appropriateness, or feasibility of COVID-19 testing. Funding and attention toward COVID-19 testing at reentry sites should be provided to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in these sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations extend overall survival (OS) while anti-PD-1/L1 monotherapy is non-inferior to sorafenib in treatment-naïve, patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinicogenomic features are posited to influence patient outcomes. Methods The primary objective of this retrospective study was to define the clinical, pathologic, and genomic factors associated with outcomes to ICI therapy in patients with HCC. Patients with histologically confirmed advanced HCC treated with ICI at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 2012 to 2022 were included. Association between clinical, pathological, and genomic characteristics were assessed with univariable and multivariable Cox regression model for progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. Results Two-hundred and forty-two patients were treated with ICI-based therapy. Patients were predominantly male (82%) with virally mediated HCC (53%) and Child Pugh A score (70%). Median follow-up was 28 months (0.5-78.4). Median PFS for those treated in 1st line, 2nd line and ≥ 3rd line was 4.9 (range: 2.9-6.2), 3.1 (2.3-4.0), and 2.5 (2.1-4.0) months, respectively. Median OS for those treated in 1st line, 2nd line, and ≥ 3rd line was 16 (11-22), 7.5 (6.4-11), and 6.4 (4.6-26) months, respectively. Poor liver function and performance status associated with worse PFS and OS, while viral hepatitis C was associated with favorable outcome. Genetic alterations were not associated with outcomes. Conclusion Clinicopathologic factors were the major determinates of outcomes for patients with advanced HCC treated with ICI. Molecular profiling did not aid in stratification of ICI outcomes. Future studies should explore alternative biomarkers such as the level of immune activation or the pretreatment composition of the immune tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the complex nature of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) by juxtaposing the mental and sexual health of women who had undergone FGM/C as part of initiation/membership into a traditional women's society (TWS) with those who were also cut but not initiated into a TWS. While considerable differences emerged between TWS members and nonmembers, there was no evidence that TWS membership was protective against the physical and psychological trauma typically ascribed to FGM/C. In fact, the pattern of results would tend to suggest the opposite. Possible explanations for and implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study identifies and analyzes missed opportunities to examine how race and racism intersect with intimate partner violence in queer relationships. Method: Guided by the concept of intersectionality, the article reviews the literature on emotional abuse in queer intimate relationships to understand when and how it engages race. The article features an in-depth examination of several studies that failed to consider the racial dimensions of emotional or psychological abuse, even when the sample was made up mainly of people of color. The article juxtaposes these "colorblind" studies with several excerpts from the LGBT Relationships Study. This study entailed interviewing 99 LGBT people in three major U.S. cities about their romantic relationships over the lifespan. Certain participants' discussion of how racism surfaced in their intimate relationships suggest that sexual racism may constitute an overlooked form of emotional abuse. Results: Many studies failed to recruit racially diverse samples or recruited racially diverse samples but did not discuss the racial experiences of the participants. Although some of these studies attended to gender, age, power, and/or HIV status, they did not similarly examine how race intersects with emotional abuse. Conclusion: Scholars should be more intentional and curious about how racial discrimination may factor into emotional abuse. Interventions may include providing participants with specific examples of racial insults and asking whether they have encountered them. Scholars should also explore building bridges between the IPV literature and the literature on sexual racism because of convergence between these phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people who inject drugs (PWID) has been associated with increased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Polysubstance use (PSU) is common among PWID, but no studies have investigated PSU influence on PWID's HRQOL HCV treatment. Methods: Participants included 150 PWID receiving HCV treatment at opioid agonist treatment clinics in Bronx, NY. The EQ-5D-3 L measurement tool assessed five health dimensions producing an index of HRQOL measured at baseline, 4-, 8-, and 12-weeks during treatment and 12- and 24-weeks post-treatment. PSU was determined at baseline. Generalized estimating equations assessed the influence of baseline PSU on changes in mean EQ-5D-3 L index over time. Results: Of the 150 participants, 46 (30.7%) reported PSU and mean HRQOL overall was 0.655, indicating moderate HRQOL. Mean HRQOL was lower at all time-points for the PSU group compared to the non-PSU group. Though PSU group showed improvements in mean HRQOL from baseline (0.614) to 4-, 12- and follow-up week 24 (0.765, 0.768, and 0.731, respectively), the mean change of HRQOL scores was not significantly associated with PSU (p-value =.956). Conclusions: For individuals with PWID, our study showed no difference in HRQOL between those who did and did not engage in PSU following HCV treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]