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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected populations served by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), with high morbidity and mortality rates in ethnic minority older adults. In response to this pandemic, academic geriatric medicine teams through federally funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) with FQHC partnership implemented new initiatives to improve the care for vulnerable older adults. Objectives: To describe how four FQHC/GWEP teams collaborated in caring for diverse communities of older adults during the pandemic. Methods: Four GWEPs have addressed pandemic response efforts with their respective FQHC partners. These collaborations to meet the increasing numbers of older adults seeking services, and the rising disparities exacerbated during the pandemic are delineated. Results: FQHC/GWEP partnerships enabled access to care, whether in-person or virtually to serve unmet needs of underserved older adults during the pandemic. Partnerships promoted COVID-19 education, testing, and vaccinations. Most FQHCs faced severe staffing shortages, and the digital divide challenged patients with barriers. GWEPs provided direct care, created educational materials, and developed telehealth programs. These partnerships addressed social determinants of health gaps caused by the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that strong partnerships between GWEPs and FQHCs mitigate health inequities for vulnerable ethnic minority and rural older adults during pandemic crises.

PurposeThe study aimed to examine how registered nurses (RNs) and paraprofessional home visitors (PHVs) work together as a team to care for underserved perinatal women in a coordinated home visitation program.Design and methodsQualitative methods were used to understand the perspectives of three RNs and twenty PHVs who worked at MOMS Orange County, a community-based perinatal health program. Individual one-on-one interviews were administered with the RNs and focus groups with the PHVs. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to synthesize themes.ResultsRNs perceived themselves as educators, mentors, and supervisors. PHVs thought of themselves as supporters, coaches, and advocates. Interdependence and proactive communication were favorable characteristics of the relationship in which RNs trained PHVs to provide health education. The positive interactions between RNs and PHVs appeared to enhance the client-healthcare provider connection.ConclusionsOur study is one of the first to describe relationships and communication patterns among the healthcare team in a coordinated home visitation program in the United States. Future studies should examine how additional members of the team, including clients and healthcare providers, view their experiences with a home visitation program.

An Emotional Health Curriculum (EHC) was developed to promote positive mental health in primarily Hispanic elementary school-aged children. In order to further expand the EHC, the mothers' experiences with the curriculum were examined. Eighteen mothers participated in two focus groups. Mothers reported that they valued this curriculum as a preventive program. Importantly, all mothers wished to extend their involvement to not only assisting their child in completing the curriculum homework but also attending a proposed parenting program. This study provides preliminary evidence that mothers embraced the EHC as an accessible community mental health service for their children and sought greater involvement.

High rates of mental health problems in adolescents have been well documented; less is known about elementary school children in disadvantaged communities. We examined emotional and behavioral health needs in 202 third and fourth graders enrolled in a charter school in a largely Hispanic community. The child-reported Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-25 and Teacher's Report Form were used to evaluate mental health needs as perceived by these children and their teachers. The prevalence of teacher-reported depression and child self-reported anxiety was 7.0% and 6.67%, respectively. Living in a single parent household was found to be a specific risk factor in that those children had higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems than children living with both parents. Evidence of higher depression and anxiety identified in this sample compared to national representative data suggests the need for development of culturally sensitive early prevention and intervention in this underserved community.

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic transformed healthcare delivery with the rapid adoption of telehealth and digital technologies to access healthcare. Interventions are needed to ensure that older people in underserved communities do not face new technology‐driven healthcare disparities. This article describes pioneering electronic medical record (EMR) embedded tools to assess and support each diverse patient's digital health literacy. Methods: We designed and validated a rapid EMR‐embedded Digital Health Engagement Tool (DHET) to assess each patient's digital literacy in English and Spanish. We built a separate, EMR‐generated auto‐scoring function to assess patient use of telehealth and healthcare navigation as recorded within the EMR. Combined, the tools created a complete digital literacy assessment for each patient. We then deployed the tools to conduct a pilot study to elucidate disparities. Results: A total of 112 ethnic/racial diverse older patients were enrolled (mean age was 78, ranging from 57 to 96) years (SD = 8.04). The female participants were 72.3%. Among the participants, non‐Hispanic Whites were 47.3%; Hispanic 25.0%; non‐Hispanic Asian 19.6%; non‐Hispanic others (including multi‐race and non‐Hispanic Black/African Americans) 8.0%. Digital literacy disparities were revealed for older adults, particularly those over 70 years old, female gender, and those reporting relying on a helper. Conclusion: New EMR‐embedded tools enable healthcare systems to assess the ability of patients to navigate and utilize EMR capabilities, such as video telehealth appointments, messaging providers, reviewing labs/radiology reports, and requesting prescriptions. The study identified significant challenges for older patients in navigating EMRs and calls for healthcare systems to better support patient learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hispanic children have greater mental health challenges but fewer received mental health services than other ethnic groups. A classroom-based Emotional Health Curriculum (EHC) was developed to address mental health disparities in an underserved Hispanic community.A quasi-experimental design with one group pre- and post-intervention was used to test the feasibility of an 8-week EHC for one hundred 3rd and 4th grade children in a dual-immersion Spanish-English elementary school. Limited efficacy was measured by changes in depression and anxiety scores reported by children and teachers. Acceptance was evaluated by a child-reported satisfaction survey and a focus group in which the four teachers shared their experiences. Implementation was measured by participation, retention, and fidelity rates.The child-reported depression and anxiety and teacher-reported depression were significantly decreased in at-risk children with the effect size ranging from 0.60 to 1.16 (ps

High rates of mental health problems in adolescents have been well documented; less is known about elementary school children in disadvantaged communities. We examined emotional and behavioral health needs in 202 third and fourth graders enrolled in a charter school in a largely Hispanic community. The child-reported Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-25 and Teacher's Report Form were used to evaluate mental health needs as perceived by these children and their teachers. The prevalence of teacher-reported depression and child self-reported anxiety was 7.0% and 6.67%, respectively. Living in a single parent household was found to be a specific risk factor in that those children had higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems than children living with both parents. Evidence of higher depression and anxiety identified in this sample compared to national representative data suggests the need for development of culturally sensitive early prevention and intervention in this underserved community.

BackgroundMOMS Orange County is a coordinated home visitation program in which trained paraprofessional home visitors work under the close supervision of registered nurses. This model was developed to address health disparities in birth outcomes in a Hispanic community in Orange County, CA.PurposeThe primary objective was to test the impact of MOMS Orange County on birth outcomes. The second objective was to examine the breadth of prenatal health education topics as a mediator of the relationship between home visits and birth outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort design was used. Paraprofessional home visitors collected prenatal and postnatal data during home visits. Only those whose birth outcomes were obtained were included in the analysis (N = 2,027 participants). Regression models were conducted to test the associations between prenatal home visits and birth outcomes, adjusting for 10 covariates.ResultsNumber of prenatal home visits predicted higher birthweight and greater gestational age at birth. Breadth of health education topics partially mediated the associations between home visits and birthweight. The same mediation was revealed with gestational age at birth.Clinical implicationsThe MOMS Orange County prenatal home visitation program may be a promising approach to decrease adverse birth outcomes in disadvantaged communities. Rigorously designed studies are needed to further test this model.

Glycerol electro‐oxidation reaction was performed in an alkaline environment with an anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) operating in bath mode at low Pt‐loadings. BAE‐synthesized Pt/C and PtCe/C nanostructured catalysts were used as anode materials during 4‐hour operation to selectively obtain 65 % and 41 % of glycerate as main product, respectively. The modification of Pt with Ce improved the catalytic activity of the Pt/C catalyst generating 30 % more energy density after 4‐hour operation by achieving a higher degree of glycerol oxidation in cogeneration with added‐value products confirmed by spectroelectrochemical (in situ FTIR) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analyses. The bifunctional mechanism generated by the presence of Ce is used to explain the improvement in the catalytic activity of Pt/C, due to the properties of this rare earth element to adsorb oxygenated species (OH−) and promote oxidation. The cathode material was a polyol‐synthesized PdFe/C electro‐catalyst for ORR that presented impressive stability and tolerance to glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NSF-funded CareDEX Team, in conjunction with a partner Senior Living Community (SLC), University of California Irvine student volunteers, and several local First Responder agencies, conducted a disaster response exercise and experiment. In this study, the participating volunteer students were surveyed regarding their drill experience and the efficacy of that experience related to their chosen career path. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of this questionnaire data is presented. The results of the experiment and coded response data indicate that the participants, overall, viewed the exercise as a positive learning and career experience; specifically, they noted gaining an appreciation for the challenges older adults face with technology use and disaster response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide continual reinforcement of regulations for the production of cleaner fuels along with the larger demand for energy urge us to develop hydrotreatment sulfide catalysts exhibiting higher activity in hydrodesulfurization reactions and explore innovative synthesis strategies. In this work, a novel one‐pot synthesis method of unsupported NiMoS catalysts in water at ambient pressure and moderate temperature is described. The reaction conditions including pH variations and addition of a copolymer structuring agent were thoroughly investigated. Catalytic performances of the prepared bulk NiMoS catalysts were measured for the hydrodesulfurization of two model sulfur molecules, representative of FCC gasoline. Catalysts prepared at pH 7 without or with polymer exhibited roughly similar activity, resulting however from different characteristics favorable for catalyst efficiency probably compensating one another, i. e. a very high promotion rate for the first one and smaller particles along with larger specific surface area for the second. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

he NSF-funded CareDEX Team, in conjunction with a partner Senior Living Community (SLC) and several local first responder agencies, conducted a disaster response tabletop exercise and experiment. The research methodology utilized at this event was the SAGAT methodology. The exercise scenario consisted of a wildfire in Anaheim Hills California with concomitant smoke and poor air quality. A quantitative analysis of the SAGAT data is presented. The results of the experiment indicate the CareDEX technology does provide situational awareness to first responders and this disruptive technology impacts decision-making in all experimental groups while maintaining residents’ privacy and data security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In-Home Supportive-Services (IHSS) caregivers provide personal care assistance to low-income older adults. According to the California Social Service Department, 20.2% of IHSS caregivers spoke Vietnamese in one county. The purpose of this project was to improve the knowledge and skills among these Vietnamese American caregivers by providing a language-specific and culturally appropriate education on personal care. Methods: The project used a pre- and post-test design. Under the guidance of nursing faculty, four Vietnamese-speaking nursing students provided a 2-hr educational program on personal care (e.g., bathing, oral care) to registered Vietnamese IHSS caregivers. A pre- and post-survey was conducted. Results: Overall, 55 caregivers completed the surveys. The surveys showed significant increases in confidence in knowledge and skills related to personal care topics (all p s <.001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that the cultural and language-specific education was effective in increasing knowledge and confidence of Vietnamese IHSS caregivers related to personal care for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the NH4F etching on the textural and catalytic properties of TS‐1 was investigated. Two TS‐1 with different crystal sizes, i. e. 200 and 100 nm; were achieved, with different textural properties as inferred from nitrogen physisorption isotherms at 77 K, mercury porosimetry, powder X‐ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy. The generation of larger mesopores within the parent samples was observed together with a reduction of the coherent crystal size (CCS) upon NH4F etching. The generation of secondary porosity further did not result in an alteration of the Si/Ti ratio, allowing to compare the catalytic outcomes of the samples as a function of the textural properties. It was found that the methyl‐phenyl sulfide (MPS) conversion kinetics importantly depend on the textural properties of the catalysts. The initial velocity was found to increase linearly with the reduction of the CCS until reaching a plateau, indicating that diffusion limitation occur up to a CCS of approximately 100 nm. Likewise, mono‐ and di‐oxidation product selectivity was governed by diffusion issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caregivers of persons with dementia (PWDs) were socially isolated with little support during the COVID-19 pandemic "Stay-At-Home" order in the United States. To enhance social and emotional connection for diverse caregivers, a culturally/linguistically appropriate telephone intervention provided compassionate listening, mindful breathing, and COVID-19 safety education. The study purpose was to understand caregiving challenges and to evaluate the intervention for caregivers during the early pandemic using a qualitative approach. Twenty-three caregivers participated in the intervention provided by bilingual research assistants for 3 months. Call logs were used to describe the caregivers' dialogue. Thematic analysis identified (a) the challenges, including fear of coronavirus disease, providing around-the-clock care, and forced isolation and negative emotions; and (b) caregivers' experience with the intervention, including connecting with the outside, relief from emotional stress, reliable COVID-19 information, and reinformed caregiving skills. Results suggest that the telephone support was of benefit to diverse caregivers of PWDs during the pandemic by promoting social connection and reducing emotional distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioligand therapy (RLT) is an emergent drug class for cancer treatment. The dose administered to cancer patients is constrained by the radiation exposure to normal tissues to maintain an appropriate therapeutic index. When a radiopharmaceutical or its radiometabolite is retained in the kidneys, radiation dose deposition in the kidneys can become a dose-limiting factor. A good exemplar is [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE, where patients receive a co-infusion of basic amino acids for nephroprotection. Besides peptides, there are other classes of targeting vectors like antibody fragments, antibody mimetics, peptidomimetics, and small molecules that clear through the renal pathway. In this review, we will review established and emerging strategies that can be used to mitigate radiation-induced nephrotoxicity, with a focus on the development and incorporation of cleavable linkers for radiopharmaceutical designs. Finally, we offer our perspectives on cleavable linkers for RLT, highlighting future areas of research that will help advance the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mesoporous TiO 2 supports favor the direct desulfurization pathway for 46DMDBT transformation. • Higher activity with a treatment temperature of TiO2 at 380 °C. • Deacrease of the activity with the increase of the treatment temperature of TiO2. • No modification of the selectivity and activity per Mo atom with the treatment temperature of TiO 2. Mesostructured titania as support for the CoMoS active phase in deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of 4,6-dimethydibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) leads to an increase of the intrinsic HDS activity and a higher selectivity for direct desulfurization (DDS) for HDS reaction in contrast with the conventional CoMoS/alumina catalyst. The temperature treatment of the mesostructured TiO 2 support, modifies the catalyst's activity for the transformation of 4,6-DMDBT. The higher total and HDS activities were obtained after treatment at 380 °C corresponding to the higher specific surface area and to a mesostructured TiO 2 material with a semi-crystalline anatase framework. Beyond 550 °C, the specific surface area decreases strongly corresponding to a complete crystallization of the mesopores walls into anatase structure. Moreover, the temperature under which the support is treated prior its impregnation has no impact on the selectivity of the transformation routes of the sulfur compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to understand the relationship between exercise and stress among socioeconomically at-risk women who participated in a home visitation service during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: A mixed-methods design was used to support and supplement quantitative data using qualitative data. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from at-risk women via questionnaires and follow-up interviews. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess stress. Frequency and duration of exercise were assessed based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists exercise guidelines. Regression analyses examined the association between stress and exercise controlling for covariates. Content analysis was used to understand women's stress management experiences. Results: N = 114 women completed the questionnaire and a subgroup of 11 received follow-up interviews. Greater frequency of exercise was significantly associated with lower levels of stress. Approximately one-third of women reported experiencing significant stress. Talking to their husband or partner was the most used and exercise was the least used coping strategy. Many women recognized the importance of managing stress and benefits of exercise, but were hindered by barriers such as feeling tired, preventing them from exercising. Clinical Implications: A personalized and safe exercise program has the potential to be a low-cost stress management strategy for women during pregnancy and postpartum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of zeolite hierarchization is often highlighted in terms of increased mesopore volume or specific surface area and preservation of micropore volume. Yet, although these targets may be achieved, the accessibility to certain micropores might be negatively affected during hierarchization. A set of hierarchical MCM‐22 based materials is prepared based on desilication treatments of MCM‐22, of the layered precursor MCM‐22(P) and of the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) swollen precursor swMCM‐22(P), and by the pillaring of swMCM‐22(P) leading to MCM‐36. A new methodology is presented based on comparing the micropore volume of pristine materials with their n‐nonane retaining counterparts. A definition of the accessible micropore volume fraction is given, which relates to the amount of surface 12‐MR cups. This approach hence allows quantifying which type of microporosity is preferentially destroyed during hierarchization treatments of MCM‐22. Besides comparing the development of mesoporosity, specific surface area, and the evolution of micropore volume during hierarchization treatments, the accessible micropore volume fraction allows for a distinct definition of the hierarchization quality for MCM‐22 based materials. Despite an important increase in interlayer‐mesopore volume and specific surface area for MCM‐36, the accessible micropore volume fraction is found to be just 3% higher than for MCM‐22. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous Co3O4 mixed CoO onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were obtained by an easy surfactant-free synthesis using urea as hydrolyzing agent. This route enabled nanomaterials presenting tuned morphology, surface composition and oxide-rGO interactions as revealed by the different characterization techniques. Indeed, nanostructures varied from broom-like, chrysanthemum-like to micro-sized sheet-like morphologies. The amount of Co3O4 phase was shown to be gradually rising as the urea amount increases being always higher at the surface than in the bulk. Different oxide-rGO interactions have also been demonstrated, suggesting that high amounts of urea cause a decrease in the size of the nanoparticles and limit their superposition. The catalysts prepared at high urea concentrations showed more exposed electroactive surface and enhanced activity as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the most active nanocomposite exhibited remarkable stability, making it a very promising candidate for the elaboration of a stable and truly reversible air electrode in alkaline media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]