Virtual friendly visitor program: combatting loneliness in community dwelling older adults.

Introduction: Loneliness is a critical public health issue affecting older adults, with significant impacts on their mental and physical health, including increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, and higher mortality rates, necessitating distinct approaches for each condition given their unique implications and the exacerbation of these issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the implementation and outcomes of a Friendly Visitor Program (FVP) designed to mitigate loneliness among older adults. The program involved social work student interns providing virtual visits to older adults using computers and tablets, with the goal of enhancing social interaction and support.

FlourishCare Model of Integrated Care: The Validation of the Flourish Index-Revised.

Background And Objectives: This study validates the Flourish Index-Revised (FI-R), a tool evaluating integrated healthcare models. The original Flourish Index (FI) was developed in 2018 and has been refined to align with the FlourishCare (FC) Model (Model) for geriatric primary care.

Research Design And Methods: The Model provides integrated biopsychosocial healthcare to older adults.

Agents of Change: Geriatrics Workforce Programs Addressing Systemic Racism and Health Equity.

Many factors affect how individuals and populations age, including race, ethnicity, and diversity, which can contribute to increased disease risk, less access to quality healthcare, and increased morbidity and mortality. Systemic racism-a set of institutional policies and practices within a society or organization that perpetuate racial inequalities and discrimination-contributes to health inequities of vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. The National Association for Geriatrics Education (NAGE) recognizes the need to address and eliminate racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for older adults who are marginalized due to the intersection of race and age.

Nutritional Considerations for Bladder Storage Conditions in Adult Females.

Background: Clinical guidelines developed by urologic, urogynecologic, and gynecologic associations around the globe include recommendations on nutrition-related lifestyle and behavioral change for bladder storage conditions. This study identified and compared clinical guidelines on three urological conditions (interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), overactive bladder, and stress urinary incontinence) affecting adult women.

Methods: A three-step process was employed to identify the guidelines.

Community Engagement in Research: An Updated Systematic Review of Quantitative Engagement Measurement Scales for Health Studies.

Though the interest in community engagement in research (CEnR) protocols has increased, studies reporting on the findings of tested CEnR engagement measurement scales for health studies are sparse. A systematic review was conducted from January 1 to March 1, 2023, to identify validated, quantitative CEnR engagement measurement tools for health studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was employed.

Food Insecurity among a Cohort of Division I Student-Athletes.

Background: Though the vulnerability of college students to food insecurity is well established, there is a paucity of studies focusing on the prevalence of food insecurity among student-athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with collegiate athletes in the northwestern United States via an anonymous online survey. Food security status was assessed using the 10-item US Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: The AID-IC Pilot Study.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition characterized by pelvic pain coupled with urinary frequency and urgency. The underlying cause of IC/BPS is unknown; there is no cure. Dietary components exacerbate symptoms.

Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program for Diabetes Control Among Community Health Centers in Rural Idaho and Oregon.

A Fruit and Vegetable Prescription program (12-16 weeks, 2018-2020) was implemented at community health centers serving rural communities in the northwestern United States. The impact of the program on type 2 diabetes control was evaluated. Reductions in mean hemoglobin A1C were statistically significant ( < .

Prevalence and Demographic Profiles of Food Insecure College Students at Main and Satellite Campuses in Northwestern USA.

Recent studies demonstrated that food insecurity rates among college students surpass that of the general population. Both academic and health implications have been associated with food insecurity. This study compared the prevalence of food insecurity among students at three satellite campuses with those at the main campus of a 4-year, public university.

'Pain-free TRUS B': a phase 3 double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of methoxyflurane with periprostatic local anaesthesia to reduce the discomfort of transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy (ANZUP 1501).

Objective: To determine whether the addition of inhaled methoxyflurane to periprostatic infiltration of local anaesthetic (PILA) during transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsies (TRUSBs) improved pain and other aspects of the experience.

Patients And Methods: We conducted a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized phase 3 trial, involving 420 men undergoing their first TRUSB. The intervention was PILA plus a patient-controlled device containing either 3 mL methoxyflurane, or 3 mL 0.

Leveraging Telehealth for Delivery of Palliative Care to Remote Communities: A Rapid Review.

Palliative care encompasses supportive health care for patients at any stage of illness aimed at relieving symptoms, controlling pain, managing stress, offering respite for caregivers, and optimizing the quality of life. To explore strategies for increasing access to palliative care among individuals living in remote/rural communities, a rapid review was conducted on studies that explored the use of telehealth applications with this population. From December 2019 to February 2020, the PRISMA methodology was used to gather peer-reviewed studies published in the English language.

Effect of Morning vs. Evening Turmeric Consumption on Urine Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Obese, Middle-Aged Adults: A Feasibility Study.

The circadian rhythm of biological systems is an important consideration in developing health interventions. The immune and oxidative defense systems exhibit circadian periodicity, with an anticipatory increase in activity coincident with the onset of the active period. Spice consumption is associated with enhanced oxidative defense.

Evaluation of the Association of Perioperative UGT1A1 Genotype-Dosed gFOLFIRINOX With Margin-Negative Resection Rates and Pathologic Response Grades Among Patients With Locally Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Phase 2 Clinical Trial.

Importance: Patients with locally advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (ie, stage ≥T3 and/or node positive) have high rates of recurrence despite surgery and adjunctive perioperative therapies, which also have high toxicity profiles. Evaluation of pharmacogenomically dosed perioperative gFOLFIRINOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and UGT1A1 genotype-directed irinotecan) to optimize efficacy while limiting toxic effects may have value.

Objective: To evaluate the coprimary end points of margin-negative (R0) resection rates and pathologic response grades (PRGs) of gFOLFIRINOX therapy among patients with locally advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Perceptions of dietary factors promoting and preventing nephrolithiasis: a cross-sectional survey.

Objective: To assess knowledge of both promoting and preventive dietary factors on nephrolithiasis in a diverse patient population. Precipitating factors of kidney stone disease include diet, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. However, patient awareness of these influences is poorly described.

Evaluation of Food Insecurity in Adults and Children With Cystic Fibrosis: Community Case Study.

Advances in the care and treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) have led to improved mortality rates; therefore, considerably more individuals with CF are living into adulthood. With an increased number of CF patients advancing into adulthood, there is the need for more research that surrounds the aging adult CF patient. It is important to conduct research and collect results on the aging CF population to help better prepare the CF patient, who is dealing with the heavy treatment and financial burden of their disease, build autonomy and increase their quality of life.

Human Flourishing and Integrated Care Models: The Development of the Flourish Index.

Background And Objectives: In evaluating integrated care models, traditional quality measures do not account for functional and quality of life factors, affecting older adults with multiple chronic conditions. The objective of this study was the development and validation of the Flourish Index (FI), an instrument to evaluate integrated care, using a determinants of health model.

Research Design And Methods: The study took place within the evaluation study of the Flourish Model (FM).

World Cafés Create Healthier Communities for Rural, Older Adults Living With Diabetes.

Our global population is aging at an accelerated pace. While the average life expectancy has seen dramatic increases, chronic disease and disability have also increased, with rural America tending to be older, sicker, and poorer. This article examines the implementation and outcomes associated with the community engagement method of the world café that was instrumental in developing a "culture of health" aimed to reduce diabetes-related inequalities for older adults in rural counties of Kentucky.

Overcoming barriers to interprofessional education in gerontology: the Interprofessional Curriculum for the Care of Older Adults.

A fragmented workforce consisting of multiple disciplines with varying levels of training and limited ability to work as a team often provides care to older adults. Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential for preparing practitioners for the effective teamwork required for community-based, holistic, person-centered care of the older adults. Despite numerous programs and offerings to advance education and interdisciplinary patient care, there is an unmet need for geriatric IPE, especially as it relates to community-dwelling older adults and caregivers in medically underserved areas.

Addressing spirituality during critical illness: A review of current literature.

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of research on spirituality and religiosity in the intensive care setting that has been published since the 2004-2005 American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Support of Family in the Patient-Centered Intensive Care Unit with an emphasis on its application beyond palliative and end-of-life care.

Materials And Methods: ACCM 2004-2005 guidelines emphasized the importance of spiritual and religious support in the form of four specific recommendations: [1] assessment and incorporation of spiritual needs in ICU care plan; [2] spiritual care training for doctors and nurses; [3] physician review of interdisciplinary spiritual need assessments; and [4] honoring the requests of patients to pray with them. We reviewed 26 studies published from 2006 to 2016 and identified whether studies strengthened the grade of these recommendations.

Novel pathogenic variants in FOXP3 in fetuses with echogenic bowel and skin desquamation identified by ultrasound.

Immunodysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare, X-linked recessive disease that affects regulatory T cells (Tregs) resulting in diarrhea, enteropathy, eczema, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. IPEX syndrome is caused by pathogenic alterations in FOXP3 located at Xp11.23.

Obesity with Comorbid Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Narrative Review to Inform Dietetics Practice.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem among women; clinical treatment guidelines include weight reduction as a strategy for controlling urinary leakage. The purpose of this review was to gather evidence on the association between obesity and SUI and to ascertain whether there are any special considerations for implementing medical nutrition therapy with community-dwelling, obese, adult females with comorbid SUI. Five key findings emerged: epidemiologic studies consistently report statistically significant associations between obesity and SUI, randomized control trials found that weight loss appears to ameliorate SUI symptoms, the SUI-activity link may affect weight management, there is a potential interplay between SUI and the obesity-sleep connection, and dietary components are associated with the exacerbation of urinary symptoms.