Using Concept Mapping to Identify Community Partners' and Researchers' Perceptions of Social Justice: A Path Toward Eliminating Chronic Disease Disparities.

Background: A social justice framework can be used to inform healthy equity-focused research, and operationalizing social justice can inform strategic planning for research and practice models. This study aimed to develop a working definition of social justice based on input from a diverse group of collaborators to better inform the work conducted within the Center for Research, Health, and Social Justice. Methods: A concept mapping study was conducted from March to May 2022. A prompt designed to elicit social justice themes was developed (phase 1). At a study website, participants brainstormed statements that represented their definition of social justice (phase 2). Participants then sorted statements based on similarity and rated statements on importance (phase 3). Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to identify nonoverlapping thematic clusters of statements (phase 4). Models were reviewed for best fit, and clusters were assigned names based on theme (phase 5). Results: Participants (n = 49) generated 52 unique statements that were sorted into 5 clusters describing social justice themes. Clusters included (1) Empathy, Awareness, and Understanding (n = 11); (2) Education and Systems Change (n = 10); (3) Policy Design and Implementation (n = 9); (4) Equity and Leveling the Playing Field (n = 11); and (5) Access to Services and Fair Living Standard (n = 11). High mean cluster ratings ranging from 5.22 to 6.02 out of 7 indicated all clusters were rated as being very important aspects of social justice. Conclusions: These data can guide the restructuring of research ecosystems that help eliminate race- and place-based health disparities.

Effectiveness of BNT162b2 Vaccine for Preventing COVID-19-Related Hospitalizations: A Test-Negative Case-Control Study.

It is important to understand real-world BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE), especially among racial and ethnic minority groups. We performed a test-negative case-control study to measure BNT162b2 COVID-19 VE in the prevention of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory illness (ARI) hospitalizations at two Atlanta hospitals from May 2021-January 2023 and adjusted for potential confounders by multivariate analysis. Among 5139 eligible adults with ARI, 2763 (53.8%) were enrolled, and 1571 (64.5%) were included in the BNT162b2 analysis. The median age was 58 years (IQR, 44-68), 889 (56.6%) were female, 1034 (65.8%) were African American, 359 (22.9%) were White, 56 (3.6%) were Hispanic ethnicity, 645 (41.1%) were SARS-CoV-2-positive, 412 (26.2%) were vaccinated with a primary series, and 273 (17.4%) had received ≥1 booster of BNT162b2. The overall adjusted VE of the BNT162b2 primary series was 58.5% (95% CI 46.0, 68.1), while the adjusted VE of ≥1 booster was 78.9% (95% CI 70.0, 85.1). The adjusted overall VE of primary series for African American/Black individuals was 64.0% (95% CI 49.9, 74.1) and 82.7% (95% CI 71.9, 89.4) in those who received ≥1 booster. When analysis was limited to the period of Omicron predominance, overall VE of the primary series decreased with widened confidence intervals (24.5%, 95% CI -4.5, 45.4%), while VE of ≥1 booster was maintained at 60.9% (95% CI 42.0, 73.6). BNT162b2 primary series and booster vaccination provided protection against COVID-19-associated ARI hospitalization among a predominantly African American population.

Should Healthcare Organizations Promote a Spiritually Healthy Work Environment?

Both personal spirituality/religiosity and perception of a spiritually respectful work climate are inversely related to burnout among nurses. In addition to briefly reviewing the empirical evidence that consistently supports these assertions, this essay offers some practical suggestions for how nurses can promote a spiritually healthy work environment.

Genetic Mapping and Phenotypic Analysis of GstE14 E.4.1 on Eye and Antennae Development in Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetic screens are valuable for identifying novel genes involved in the regulation of developmental processes. To identify genes associated with cell growth regulation in Drosophila melanogaster , a mutagenesis screen was performed. Undergraduate students participating in Fly-CURE phenotypically characterized the E.4.1 mutant which is associated with rough eyes and antennae overgrowth. Following complementation analysis and subsequent genomic sequencing, E.4.1 was identified as a novel mutant allele of GstE14 , a gene involved in ecdysone biosynthesis important for the timing of developmental events. The abnormal eye and antenna phenotypes observed resulting from the loss of GstE14 suggest its role in tissue growth.

Ultralight, strong, and self-reprogrammable mechanical metamaterials.

Versatile programmable materials have long been envisioned that can reconfigure themselves to adapt to changing use cases in adaptive infrastructure, space exploration, disaster response, and more. We introduce a robotic structural system as an implementation of programmable matter, with mechanical performance and scale on par with conventional high-performance materials and truss systems. Fiber-reinforced composite truss-like building blocks form strong, stiff, and lightweight lattice structures as mechanical metamaterials. Two types of mobile robots operate over the exterior surface and through the interior of the system, performing transport, placement, and reversible fastening using the intrinsic lattice periodicity for indexing and metrology. Leveraging programmable matter algorithms to achieve scalability in size and complexity, this system design enables robust collective automated assembly and reconfiguration of large structures with simple robots. We describe the system design and experimental results from a 256-unit cell assembly demonstration and lattice mechanical testing, as well as a demonstration of disassembly and reconfiguration. The assembled structural lattice material exhibits ultralight mass density (0.0103 grams per cubic centimeter) with high strength and stiffness for its weight ( 11.38 kilopascals and 1.1129 megapascals, respectively), a material performance realm appropriate for applications like space structures. With simple robots and structure, high mass-specific structural performance, and competitive throughput, this system demonstrates the potential for self-reconfiguring autonomous metamaterials for diverse applications.

Children's behavioral and mental health in primary care settings: A survey of self-reported comfort levels and practice patterns among pediatricians.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the well-documented youth mental health crisis, there has been a lag in the development of a specialized workforce to meet needs of young people experiencing these challenges. Little is known about the comfort of primary care pediatricians when faced with children and adolescents with mental health care concerns. METHOD: A brief online survey was conducted to assess patterns of behavioral and mental health concerns in pediatric practices affiliated with a pediatric health system in Alabama. The survey asked about frequency of conditions that providers encountered, comfort treating these conditions, and frequency of external referrals. RESULTS: Pediatric providers reported high volumes of children with mental health concerns and varying levels of comfort treating independently. Providers frequently refer externally. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of referrals could further stress an already overloaded system of specialty care. Interventions must be implemented to ensure a workforce prepared to meet the growing needs of youth requiring support for mental and behavioral health conditions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Changes in Capacity Building and Sustained Implementation Among a Statewide Coalition to Address Racial/Ethnic COVID-19 Disparities.

This article describes Arkansas Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities (CEAL) Coalition initiatives and changes in measures of organizational capacity and sustainability via two waves of surveys. The Arkansas CEAL Coalition used several initiatives to address racial/ethnic COVID-19 disparities by building the capacity of community-based organizations and businesses to increase COVID-19 protective behaviors among their clients. Our study can inform future strategies that use a community-engaged coalition structure to reduce disparities among communities that suffer disproportionately from COVID-19. (Am J Public Health. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S1):S59-S64. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307470).

Exploring strengths, psychological functioning and youth victimization among American Indians and Alaska Natives in four southern states.

BACKGROUND: Identifying factors that support healthy psychological functioning after experiencing violence or other adversities in youth can lead to better prevention and intervention efforts. This is particularly important among communities with disproportionately high rates of adversity resulting from legacies of social and political injustices, such as American Indian and Alaska Native populations. METHODS: Data were pooled from four studies in the southern U.S. to examine a subsample of American Indian/Alaska Native participants (N = 147; mean age 28.54 years, SD = 16.3). Using the resilience portfolio model, we investigate the impact of three categories of psychosocial strengths (regulatory, meaning making, and interpersonal) on psychological functioning (subjective well-being and trauma symptoms), controlling for youth victimization, lifetime adversities, age, and gender. RESULTS: In examining subjective well-being, the full model accounted for 52 % of the variance, with strengths explaining more variance than adversities (45 % vs 6 %). For trauma symptoms, the full model accounted for 28 % of the variance, with strengths and adversities accounting nearly equally for the variance (14 % and 13 %). DISCUSSION: Psychological endurance and sense of purpose showed the most promise for bolstering subjective well-being while poly-strengths (having a diversity of multiple strengths) was most predictive of fewer trauma symptoms. Building psychosocial strengths offers promising strategies for prevention and intervention in Native nations and communities.

Polyvictimization, polystrengths, and their contribution to subjective well-being and posttraumatic growth.

OBJECTIVE: The negative biopsychosocial outcomes associated with exposure to victimization are well-known, however, limited research has examined the protective factors that can enhance well-being and growth following polyvictimization from in-person and digital sources. This study examines the contribution of adversities and a range of psychological and social strengths on perceptions of subjective well-being and posttraumatic growth (PTG). METHOD: A sample of 478 individuals aged 12-75 (57.5% female; Mage = 36.44) from a largely rural Appalachian region of the United States completed a survey on victimization experiences, other adversities, psychosocial strengths, subjective well-being, and PTG. RESULTS: Approximately 93.3% of individuals reported at least one digital or in-person victimization, with 82.8% reporting two or more forms of victimization. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that strengths explained more than three times the variance in subjective well-being and PTG compared to adversities, with both models explaining about half of the variance in these outcomes (49% and 50%, respectively). Psychological endurance, sense of purpose, teacher support, and polystrengths were significantly associated with better well-being and/or PTG. CONCLUSION: Some strengths hold more promise than others for promoting well-being and PTG following polyvictimization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Alcohol demand in college students: The roles of athletic involvement and gender.

College student-athletes represent a high-risk group for heavy alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences. Although college drinking correlates with access to low-cost alcohol, no study has examined demand, or the relationship between price and consumption, in student-athletes. Furthermore, the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and drinking to cope motives in student-athletes suggest athlete-specific risks of alcohol consumption that have not yet been examined in conjunction with demand. Therefore, the present study examined gender differences in alcohol demand, alcohol consumption, and anxiety and depressive symptoms in student-athletes (n = 118) and nonathletes (n = 78) at three colleges/universities. Participants completed the Alcohol Purchase Task and measures of alcohol-related behaviors and mental health. Observed demand indices including intensity (i.e., consumption at zero price), Omax (i.e., maximum expenditure), Pmax (i.e., price associated with Omax), and breakpoint-1, or BP1 (i.e., highest price of nonzero consumption) were calculated at the individual level. The rate of change in demand elasticity (i.e., decrease in consumption relative to price increases) was calculated at the group level. Overall, students reported lower alcohol consumption at higher alcohol prices, but men reported higher alcohol consumption and demand intensity than women, student-athletes reported higher Omax than nonathletes, and student-athletes reported lower depressive symptoms than nonathletes. These findings support reducing access to low-cost alcohol in college drinking environments as a harm-reduction strategy, particularly for high-risk student populations, such as men and those involved in athletics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Localized Cutaneous Argyria at the Site of a Prior Melanoma Excision Confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy With Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Localized cutaneous argyria is a rare condition caused by the accumulation of silver particles in the skin, leading to blue-gray discoloration. Argyria may mimic melanoma and lead to misdiagnosis. We present a patient with a history of melanoma that developed a blue-gray nodule at a prior melanoma graft. The diagnosis was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. These techniques differentiate argyria from melanoma and can be performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, tissue sections. Health care providers should be alert that argyria may mimic recurrent melanoma in patients unaware of silver exposure.

Food insecurity and diet quality in households accessing food membership clubs in Wessex: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Food membership clubs that charge a small fee for a set number of items are in place in Wessex to address food insecurity (inadequate reliable access to sufficient affordable, nutritious food). These clubs incorporate longer-term solutions such as budgeting support, benefit maximisation, and cooking skills. The Wessex DIET project was established to measure acceptability and impact of these clubs. Given the paucity of evidence on the prevalence of food insecurity in those accessing such clubs, we aimed to quantify food insecurity and assess diet quality and wellbeing at recruitment. METHODS: In this mixed-methods study, we recruited individuals accessing food clubs in Wessex from March 31 to July 31, 2022. Participants provided informed consent and completed a survey (paper or online) at recruitment that collected data on diet and health. We used the modified six-item US Department of Agriculture (USDA) food security survey module. Follow-up surveys were administered after use of clubs (planned for 3, 6, and 12 months). Participants were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. We used data from the baseline survey to quantify food insecurity and assess diet quality and wellbeing at point of first access to food clubs. FINDINGS: Of 97 participants recruited, five (5%) were aged 18-24 years, 15 (15%) 25-34 years, 48 (49%) 35-54 years, 13 (13%) 55-64 years, and nine (9%) 65 years and older (seven [7%] did not report their age). 69 (71%) participants were female and 23 (24%) were male (five [5%] did not respond to this question), 79 (81%) were White, and 65 (67%) reported having at least one dependent child. 55 (57%) reported skipping or cutting size of meals because there was not enough money for food. Food security status was calculated in 74 participants who answered all six questions of the USDA module, with 30 (41%) reporting low food security and 32 (43%) reporting very low food security. 31 (32%) of 97 participants reported rarely or never eating fruit, with 23 (24%) eating fruit at least once a day. The most common reported frequency of vegetable consumption was 2-3 times a week (26, 27%) and 4-6 times a week (23, 24%). 12 participants agreed to an interview. The clubs were well received, with participants noticing an improvement in their diet and finances. INTERPRETATION: This study highlights the high prevalence of food insecurity in those accessing food clubs in Wessex, which is expected in a population using food aid, and positive reflections from participants regarding their diet quality after using this service. Findings might not be generalisable nationally. Follow-up will assess impact of the clubs on food insecurity, diet quality and wellbeing, contributing to the evidence base of the effectiveness of food clubs to address these outcomes. FUNDING: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Wessex.

Delivering Acupuncture Therapy in an Interdisciplinary Global Health Setting in Guatemala: Pilot Study and Lessons Learned.

Objective: Pain, stress, and diabetes mellitus (DM) are common complaints for Guatemalans seeking health care. Because acupuncture therapy (AT) is a low-cost, effective treatment for these concerns, it was offered to Guatemalans during a health care mission as an adjunct to primary care. The purpose of this study was to gather feedback about providing AT in this context and to describe the lessons that were learned. Materials and Methods: A pretest single-arm exploratory study design was used, collecting demographic data and administering a pretest to patients referred for AT. Patients received AT according to presenting symptoms, except patients with DM, who were treated with a previously developed auricular AT protocol. After AT, all patients received adhesive seeds for self-administered auricular acupressure, along with a printed diagram, showing where and how to apply them, and a symptom-tracking form. Results: AT was given to 11 patients (1 had DM; 10 did not). Most were female (9; 82%), older (average 59.27 years; range: 40-81 years), and had little education (average 4 years; range: 0-12 years). Complaints were pain (11; 100%), insomnia (6; 55%), anxiety (4; 36%), depression (7; 64%), and stress (3; 27%). More than 50% had seen health care providers (6; 55%). One person had AT previously and 3 people requested more information about AT before receiving it. Conclusions: Reporting high symptom burdens, most patients were unfamiliar with AT. AT ceased when the licensed acupuncturist contracted COVID. Patients will be followed in 2023 and AT will be given to collect data on feasibility, satisfaction, and possible implementation.

Is a novel digital system for arm and hand rehabilitation suitable for stroke survivors? A qualitative process evaluation of OnTrack.

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN: National guidelines emphasise the need to enhance arm and hand recovery poststroke. OnTrack is a 12-week package aiming to address this need. Feasibility was evaluated in a single-arm feasibility study (reported separately). This paper presents findings from a nested process evaluation. The objectives were to explore users' experiences of OnTrack and fidelity of delivery, in order to inform a definitive trial of effectiveness and future delivery. SETTING: Participants were interviewed in a range of settings in hospital, home or via telephone, at the end of their intervention cycle. Session observations for a selection of coaching sessions were carried out in person at home or remotely, post-COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven participants who completed the intervention following a stroke were interviewed. Seven coaching sessions were observed. INTERVENTION: This process evaluation was part of a larger feasibility study of OnTrack, which involves setting movement targets and monitoring activity using a tracker on the wrist, motivational messaging via a Smartphone and self-management coaching. Preliminary analysis of data collected was conducted with a public and patient involvement group formed of stroke survivors. This informed changes in intervention delivery. RESULTS: Participants reported finding the OnTrack programme beneficial, with the coaching role seen as particularly important. Participants found activity tracking motivating, but some noted discrepancies between tracked movement and what they considered useful activity. Motivational messages were sometimes irritating. Most felt ready to sustain their own activity practice at the end of the programme. CONCLUSIONS: This process evaluation supported initial theoretical assumptions that OnTrack would enable activity practice through the use of remote monitoring. There was a strong emphasis on the coaching role as a mechanism of impact supporting the technological intervention. These findings will inform the next stages of delivery in a definitive trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03944486.

Experiences of acquired brain injury survivors participating in online and hybrid performance arts programmes: an ethnographic study.

BACKGROUND: Performance arts can benefit people with acquired brain injury (ABI). This study explored the online delivery during COVID-19 restrictions, of a performance art intervention through the experiences of participants, artists and facilitators. METHODS: Two community-based programmes were delivered. Online ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews with participants, artists and facilitators were completed. RESULTS: The programmes benefited participants by addressing loneliness and isolation; building confidence through peer support; improving physical limitations through movement; improving communication through music and vocal work; and using poetry, visual arts, metaphor and performance to make sense of participants' experiences. Participants had mixed experiences of participation, but it was an acceptable alternative to in-person arts interventions for those who overcame digital challenges. CONCLUSIONS: ABI survivors can engage in online performance art programmes and find participation valuable for their health, well-being, and recovery. More work is needed to explore the generalisability of these findings, especially given digital poverty.

Emergence of fentanyl-related deaths in Travis County, Texas and surrounding areas: A retrospective review of postmortem fentanyl-related drug toxicities from 2020 to 2022.

The opioid epidemic has affected the United States (US) for decades with fentanyl and its analogs accounting for a recent surge in morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a relative lack of information characterizing fentanyl-related fatalities specifically in the Southern US. A retrospective study was conducted to examine all postmortem fentanyl-related drug toxicities in Travis County, Texas, encompassing Austin (one of the fastest-growing cities in the US), from 2020 to 2022. Fentanyl contributed to 2.6% and 12.2% of deaths submitted for toxicology between 2020 and 2022, respectively, representing a 375% increase in fentanyl-related deaths over this 3-year period (n = 517). Fentanyl-related fatalities primarily occurred in males in their mid-30s. Fentanyl and norfentanyl concentrations ranged from 0.58 to 320 ng/mL and 0.53 to 140 ng/mL with mean (median) concentrations of 17.2 ± 25.0 (11.0) and 5.6 ± 10.9 (2.9) ng/mL, respectively. Polydrug use was present in 88% of cases, with methamphetamine (or other amphetamines) (25%), benzodiazepines (21%), and cocaine (17%) representing the most frequently identified concurrent substances. Co-positivity rates of various drugs and drug classes widely varied over time. Scene investigations reported illicit powder(s) (n = 141) and/or illicit pill(s) (n = 154) in 48% (n = 247) of fentanyl-related deaths. Illicit oxycodone (44%, n = 67) and illicit "Xanax" (38%, n = 59) pills were frequently reported on scene; however, toxicology only identified oxycodone and alprazolam in 2 and 24 of these cases, respectively. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the fentanyl epidemic in this region creating an opportunity to promote increased awareness, shift focus to harm reduction, and aid in minimizing public health risks.