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Purpose This paper compares and contrasts the implementation of pharmacist-led services for 3 different sexual and gender minority populations across California, Mississippi, and Florida. Summary Implementation of pharmacist-led services tailored to sexual and gender minorities may be a potential mechanism to address health disparities in these populations. Clinical pharmacists have the potential to provide care with cultural humility and improve health outcomes by optimizing medication regimens, reducing adverse drug events, enhancing medication acquisition, and improving medication adherence. Conclusion The services provided by clinical pharmacists varied across sites and included management of gender-affirming hormone therapy, HIV antiretroviral medication adherence programming, primary care and chronic disease state management, and involvement in care related to mental health, psychiatry, and substance use as well as sexual health. Various legislative and regulatory barriers and differences in scope of practice for pharmacists were also identified. This paper advocates for the expansion of pharmacy-led services and the adoption of a culturally humble approach to patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reform efforts to center issues of equity and social justice in mathematics classrooms have been under fire from the loudest sectors of right-wing media. The hysteria around incorporating social justice issues in mathematics classrooms is captured in the artificial binary: STEM or CRT. In our paper, we examine resistance to reform efforts in mathematics education in artifacts geared towards audiences beyond mathematics education researchers through the lens of whiteness. We analyzed artifacts from the Math Wars of the late 1990's and the current backlash towards mathematics education reform (Math Culture Wars) in California and Florida. We identified fear as a significant mechanism to upholding whiteness in the backlash to mathematics education reforms, particularly centering white fear. By describing how fear is constructed in the artifacts, scholars may find more targeted responses to the backlash by addressing the ideas perpetuated in these artifacts. Still, the field of mathematics education has done little to become more inclusive and just because our agenda is too closely aligned to the status quo, with responses to the backlash being largely absent or tepid. We close with recommendations for action and allyship within the broader field of education to thwart the hysteria against CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unnatural disasters, such as floods and wildfires, are making many areas difficult to inhabit. For relocation to unfold in a safer and more equitable way, it must be done in a manner that (1) aligns with community values in each locality, (2) navigates legal barriers to managed retreat, and (3) creates blue-sky funding for adaptation, including managed retreat planning and implementation. This paper argues that developers continuing to build in climate vulnerable areas could and should help cover the risk of their actions. Part I lays out the legal importance of planning for retreat, as well as the need for initial funding for community-level planning and experienced personnel. Few scholars have explored options for municipalities to fund difficult conversations about and initial steps towards managing retreat. Thus, Part II explores how community benefit agreements between communities and developers in climate-vulnerable areas could play a role in bridging the gap between research and implementation. Part II also introduces the idea of a climate resilience development fee, which could provide the needed blue-sky funding to implement managed retreat. Part III analyzes the validity of a climate resilience impact fee in California and Florida, two states in which the consequences of climate change are severe enough for communities to begin to consider managed retreat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Enteroliths are stone-like concretions of salts that form in the large colon of some horses. The disease associated with their presence is known as enterolithiasis and may manifest itself as chronic or acute abdominal pain. Enterolithiasis particularly occurs in some geographic areas such as California and Florida, although it has also been occasionally reported elsewhere. Gastric ulceration, defined as lesions of the mucosal lining of the stomach, is a well-documented pathological condition that affects horses of all ages and breeds throughout the world. Many risk factors for the development of gastric ulcerations have been identified, and some others have been suspected but never proven. This paper documents the prevalence of gastric ulceration in horses affected by enterolithiasis and were surgically treated and compares it with the prevalence of gastric ulceration in horses affected by similar intestinal diseases that were also surgically treated. Enterolithiasis is a well-documented cause of colic in horses, especially in some geographic areas such as California and Florida. This retrospective case-control study aims at comparing the prevalence of gastric ulcers in horses affected by enterolithiasis to that in horses affected by other types of large intestinal obstruction. Two hundred and ninety-six horses were included in the study sample. Horses that had surgery for the removal of one or more enteroliths were included in the study as cases. Patients that had surgery for large intestinal simple obstructions other than enterolithiasis (large colon displacement, non-strangulating large colon torsion, and large and small colon impactions) were selected to match case horses for age, sex, and breed and included as controls. A total of 101/148 horses with enteroliths (68%) had gastric ulcers diagnosed during hospitalization, compared with 46/148 of matched controls (31%). There was a significant association between enterolithiasis and gastric ulceration (odds ratio 4.76, p < 0.0001), and a greater prevalence in Thoroughbreds as compared with other breeds (odds ratio 22.6, p < 0.0001). We concluded that enterolithiasis is significantly associated with gastric ulceration (p < 0.0001). The association is stronger in Thoroughbreds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reform efforts to center issues of equity and social justice in mathematics classrooms have been under fire from the loudest sectors of right-wing media. The hysteria around incorporating social justice issues in mathematics classrooms is captured in the artificial binary: STEM or CRT. In our paper, we examine resistance to reform efforts in mathematics education in artifacts geared towards audiences beyond mathematics education researchers through the lens of whiteness. We analyzed artifacts from the Math Wars of the late 1990's and the current backlash towards mathematics education reform (Math Culture Wars) in California and Florida. We identified fear as a significant mechanism to upholding whiteness in the backlash to mathematics education reforms, particularly centering white fear. By describing how fear is constructed in the artifacts, scholars may find more targeted responses to the backlash by addressing the ideas perpetuated in these artifacts. Still, the field of mathematics education has done little to become more inclusive and just because our agenda is too closely aligned to the status quo, with responses to the backlash being largely absent or tepid. We close with recommendations for action and allyship within the broader field of education to thwart the hysteria against CRT.

Background: A growing body of research has found a link between firearm availability and police shootings of citizens across place. The problem, however, is that the previous studies on the topic tend to suffer from several limitations: a near exclusive focus on citizen fatalities, units of analysis at the state or county levels, and a variety of proxy measures tapping into community-level firearm access. The current study set out to address these issues by examining the relationship between different forms of firearm availability and both fatal and nonfatal injurious police shootings of citizens at the city level. Methods: More specifically, it merged The Trace's "Missing Pieces" measures of guns reported lost and stolen to police as well as licensed firearms dealers across jurisdictions from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as proxies for firearm availability with data on police shootings of citizens in California and Florida from California's URSUS system and the Tampa Bay Times' "Why Cops Shoot" database, respectively. Negative binomial regression analyses were performed on a sample of 253 cities across the two states and a sub-sample of cities with licensed firearms dealers. Results: Findings uncovered a small positive association between rates of federally licensed guns stores and the number citizens shot by police as well as police shooting incidents while controlling for several community-level measures (e.g., concentrated disadvantage, gun homicide rates). Rates of guns lost or reported stolen were generally not significantly associated with the outcome measures in the multivariate models. Conclusions: Firearm availability is a significant correlate of police shootings. Pooled counts of both citizens shot by police and police shooting incidents are heightened in jurisdictions with higher rates of licensed gun dealers, which may be due to the fact that all firearms sold in the USA first make their way to the public through these mechanisms. Such licensed gun dealers must be appropriately monitored and audited to reduce illicit behavior and prevent firearms from making their way into secondary markets. Addressing access to firearms can be meaningful for a host of gun-related morbidity and mortality outcomes, including police shootings of citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictive models, based upon epidemiological principles and fitted to surveillance data, play an increasingly important role in shaping regulatory and operational policies for emerging outbreaks. Data for parameterising these strategically important models are often scarce when rapid actions are required to change the course of an epidemic invading a new region. We introduce and test a flexible epidemiological framework for landscape-scale disease management of an emerging vector-borne pathogen for use with endemic and invading vector populations. We use the framework to analyse and predict the spread of Huanglongbing disease or citrus greening in the U.S. We estimate epidemiological parameters using survey data from one region (Texas) and show how to transfer and test parameters to construct predictive spatio-temporal models for another region (California). The models are used to screen effective coordinated and reactive management strategies for different regions. Author summary: Citrus Greening or Huanglongbing (HLB) disease is caused by a bacterium invading the phloem of citrus trees. The disease is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), a small invasive insect that feeds and lays eggs on the developing flush shoots in citrus. ACP was first found in the U.S. in Florida in 1998. Citrus greening was detected in Florida in 2005 and rapidly spread through commercial and residential citrus. Both the insect and disease have subsequently been detected and are spreading in the two other main citrus U.S. producing states, Texas and California. Both federal and state agencies in cooperation with the citrus industry and growers are working to slow or halt the spread of this devastating disease. Predictive models, as developed in this work, are increasingly important in shaping regulatory and operational policies for emerging outbreaks. Our model was develop using survey data from Texas and we show how to transfer and test the model parameters in both southern California and California's central valley. The model can be used to screen coordinated and reactive management strategies, which help in the effort to slow the spread of the insect and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The interdependence of hospitals is underappreciated in patient outcomes studies. We used a network science approach to foreground this interdependence. Specifically, within two large state-based interhospital networks, we examined the relationship of a hospital's network position with in-hospital mortality and length of stay. Methods: We constructed interhospital network graphs using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey for Florida (2014) and California (2011). The exposure of interest was hospital centrality, defined as weighted degree (sum of all ties to a given hospital from other hospitals). The outcomes were in-hospital mortality and length of stay with sub-analyses for four acute medical conditions: pneumonia, heart failure, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction. We compared outcomes for each quartile of hospital centrality relative to the most central quartile (Q4), independent of patient- and hospital-level characteristics, in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Results: The inpatient cohorts had 1,246,169 patients in Florida and 1,415,728 in California. Compared to Florida's central hospitals which had an overall mortality 1.60%, peripheral hospitals had higher in-hospital mortality (1.97%, adjusted OR (95%CI): Q1 1.61 (1.37, 1.89), p<0.001). Hospitals in the middle quartiles had lower in-hospital mortality compared to central hospitals (%, adjusted OR (95% CI): Q2 1.39%, 0.79 (0.70, 0.89), p<0.001; Q3 1.33%, 0.78 (0.70, 0.87), p<0.001). Peripheral hospitals had longer lengths of stay (adjusted incidence rate ratio (95% CI): Q1 2.47 (2.44, 2.50), p<0.001). These findings were replicated in California, and in patients with heart failure and pneumonia in Florida. These results show a u-shaped distribution of outcomes based on hospital network centrality quartile. Conclusions: The position of hospitals within an inter-hospital network is associated with patient outcomes. Specifically, hospitals located in the peripheral or central positions may be most vulnerable to diminished quality outcomes due to the network. Results should be replicated with deeper clinical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops and solves a spatiotemporal equilibrium model in which regional wages and house prices are jointly determined with location-to-location migration flows. The agent's optimal location choice and the resultant migration process are shown to be Markovian, with the transition probabilities across all location pairs given as non-linear functions of wage and housing cost differentials, endogenously responding to migration flows. The model can be used for the analysis of spatial distribution of population, income, and house prices, as well as for spatiotemporal impulse response analysis. The model is estimated on a panel of 48 mainland U.S. states and the District of Columbia using the training sample (1976–1999), and shown to fit the data well over the evaluation sample (2000–2014). The estimated model is then used to analyze the size and speed of spatial spill-over effects by computing spatiotemporal impulse responses of positive productivity and land-supply shocks to California, Texas, and Florida. Our simulation results show that states with a lower level of land-use regulation can benefit more from positive state-specific productivity shocks; and positive land-supply shocks are much more effective in states, such as California, that are subject to more stringent land-use regulations. • We propose a spatiotemporal equilibrium model of the housing market. • The dynamics of location-to-location migration flows are explicitly modeled. • The estimated model is used to analyze the size and speed of spatial spill-over effects. • States with less land-use regulation benefit more from positive productivity shocks. • Land-supply shocks are more effective in states with stringent land-use regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify and describe profiles of nursing resources and compare nurse and patient outcomes among the identified nursing resource profiles. Background: Research linking nurse education, staffing, and the work environment treats these nursing resources as separate variables. Individual hospitals exhibit distinct profiles of these resources. Methods: This cross‐sectional secondary analysis used 2006 data from 692 hospitals in four states. Latent class mixture modelling was used to identify resource profiles. Regression models estimated the associations among the profiles and outcomes. Results: Three profiles were identified (better, mixed and poor) according to their nursing resource levels. Hospitals with poor profiles were disproportionately mid‐sized, for‐profit, and had lower technology capability. Nurse job outcomes, patient mortality and care experiences were significantly improved in hospitals with better resource profiles. Conclusions: Hospitals exhibit distinct profiles of nursing resources that reflect investments into nursing. Nurse and patient outcomes and patients' experiences are improved in hospitals with better nursing resource profiles. This finding is consistent with the literature that has examined these resources independently. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers can identify their nursing resource profile and the associated outcomes. Our results show the advantages of improving one's hospital nursing resource profile, motivating managers to make an informed decision regarding investments in nursing resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents play a critical role in the progression and outcomes of juvenile dependency (child welfare court) cases. Yet, very little is known about these parents' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences. We examined legal understanding and attitudes among 201 parents involved in ongoing dependency cases in California and Florida via semi-structured, in-person interviews. We expected parents' understanding to be low and attitudes to be negative, particularly among parents of color and low SES parents. We expected greater dependency understanding to be related to more positive justice attitudes, and procedural and distributive justice attitudes to be indistinguishable in this population. Findings partially confirmed expectations. Parents' understanding of the system was low, especially among parents of color and less educated parents. Parents felt less than satisfied about the fairness of procedures and decisions. However, procedural and distributive justice attitudes were distinguishable. Finally, and unexpectedly, parents' knowledge and attitudes were negatively related. The consistently low levels of knowledge across CA and FL suggest the critical need to increase parental knowledge. It is also important to promote fair court procedures and decision-making to improve parents' attitudes about procedural and distributive justice, which were found to be distinct and important factors among parents navigating juvenile dependency cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are currently no studies examining healthcare access and utilization by Syrian Americans. A better understanding of the determinants of healthcare utilization among this group could help aid in the design of culturally competent programs. A self-administered survey was distributed at events across Southern California and Jacksonville, Florida from January 2018 to May 2019. Statistical analysis utilized multivariate regressions. Insurance coverage was associated with a preference for speaking Arabic (OR 0.433, p = 0.02) and increased length of residency (OR 1.04, p = 0.02). Routine checkup was associated with female sex (OR 1.97, p = 0.001), age (OR 1.05, p < 0.001), and insurance coverage (OR 6.96, p < 0.001). Colonoscopy compliance rate was 43.3% and positively associated with higher education (OR 2.70, p = 0.002), routine checkup (OR 7.61, p = 0.009) and increased length of residency (OR 1.06, p < 0.001). Syrian Americans may benefit from further health promotion campaigns with regard to insurance coverage, preventative care and cancer screenings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As immigrants account for an increasing proportion of American youth, understanding how these young people experience change in their citizenship status is an important, yet rarely examined area for research. There is a plethora of evidence that opportunities to participate in American society are stratified according to class, race and ethnicity. Although formal citizenship confers important social, political and economic rights that may attenuate the effects of these intersecting factors, it may be difficult for adolescents to appreciate the longer term benefits of naturalization when their everyday experiences involve racial discrimination. In this paper we analyse the first two waves of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study to examine the effects of acquiring citizenship on perceptions of inequality and discrimination.

We investigate the association between nativity status (U.S.- vs foreignborn) and viral suppression among women of color (WOC) with HIV (HIV +) and whether this association was modified by education and housing. Methods: Data were from 549 HIV + WOC, who participated in the Health Resources and Services Administration-funded WOC Initiative 2009–2013. We used generalized estimating equation models to quantify the association between the respondents' nativity status and viral suppression. Results: After adjusting for covariates, foreign-born WOC were 2.2 times (95% confidence interval: 1.25, 3.85) more likely to achieve viral suppression than U.S.-born WOC. This association was not modified by education or housing status. Conclusions: Despite facing barriers to care, foreign-born WOC were more likely to achieve viral suppression than U.S.-born WOC. Programs aiming to end the HIV epidemic and reduce HIV disparities in the U.S. should consider these findings as they provide a more nuanced understanding of HIV + WOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, molecular and morphological analysis of Palmicultor Williams, 1963 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) mealybugs, intercepted on plant material entering California and collected in Florida, provides evidence for the existence of a cryptic species under the taxon currently known as P. palmarum (Ehrhorn, 1916). A characterization and analysis based on three molecular markers (mitochondrial COI 5' end and COI 3' end regions and nuclear rRNA 18S) for all four described species and the putative cryptic species is presented. Morphological characters used to diagnose species of Palmicultor are evaluated, and an updated identification key to adult females is presented. The history of interceptions of invasive species of Palmicultor in California is addressed, and new host plant records are reported. Considering the high intraspecific morphological variability within the genus, the molecular markers sequenced here provide a useful tool to confirm species identity during high-risk interceptions of these mealybugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various upcoming medical meetings including 2023 AAP National Conference & Exhibition; 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery; and 40th Advances in Neonatal and Pediatric Cardiorespiratory Care to be held in U.S. from August 2023 to March 2024.

The Community Scientist Program (CSP), a model connecting researchers with community members, is effective to inform and involve the general population in health-related clinical research. Given the existing cancer disparities among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino/a populations, more models describing how cancer-related CSPs are designed, implemented, and evaluated are needed. The Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement (CaRE 2 ) Health Equity Center is a tri-institutional, bicoastal center created to eliminate cancer health disparities among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino/a populations living in California and in Florida. The CaRE 2 Center created a Community Scientist Research Advocacy (CSRA) training program for community members to become cancer research advocates. The CSRA program is currently a 13-week program conducted 100% virtually with all materials provided in English and Spanish for participants to learn more about prostate, lung, and pancreas cancers, ongoing research at CaRE 2 , and ways to share cancer research throughout their communities. Participants attend didactic lectures on cancer research during weeks 1-5. In week 4, participants join CSRA self-selected groups based on cancer-related topics of interest. Each group presents their cancer-related advocacy project developed during weeks 5-12 at the final session. In this paper, we describe the CaRE 2 Health Equity Center's CSRA program, share results, and discuss opportunities for improvement in future program evaluation as well as replication of this model in other communities., (© 2023. The Author(s).)