Behavioral symptoms and treatment challenges for patients living with dementia: Hospice clinician and caregiver perspectives.

Introduction: Dementia affects one in three older adults over age 85 and individuals with dementia constitute the fastest growing population of patients entering hospice care. While cognitive impairment is the hallmark of dementia, behavioral symptoms are reported in nearly all patients with advanced dementia, contributing to both the complexity of end-of-life care and caregiver burden.

Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with prescribing hospice clinicians and caregivers of patients living with dementia who previously received hospice services.

Clinician Perspectives on Palliative Care for Older Adults With Serious Mental Illnesses: A Multisite Qualitative Study.

Objectives: Approximately 5.5% of the population live with serious mental illnesses (SMI). Older adults with SMI experience a high burden of serious medical illnesses and disparities in advance care planning, symptom management, and caregiver support.

Drug Release from Lipid Microparticles-Insights into Drug Incorporation and the Influence of Physiological Factors.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of physiological factors, namely tear fluid and lysozyme enzyme, as well as surfactant polysorbate, on the release profile from solid lipid microparticles (SLM), in the form of dispersion intended for ocular application. Indomethacin (Ind) was used as a model drug substance and a release study was performed by applying the dialysis bag method. Conducting release studies taking into account physiological factors is expected to improve development and screening studies, as well as support the regulatory assessment of this multi-compartment lipid dosage form.

Interventions for behavioral health comorbidities in the hospice setting: a scoping review.

Background: Behavioral health (BH) comorbidities in hospice patients are widespread and impact important outcomes, including symptom burden, quality of life, and caregiver wellbeing. However, evidence-based BH interventions tailored for the hospice setting remain understudied.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review with the objective of mapping studies of interventions for BH comorbidities in the hospice setting.

Broadband 1.5-2.1 µm emission in gallo-germanate dual-core optical fiber co-doped with Er and Yb/Tm/Ho.

The near-infrared emission in fabricated low-phonon energy, gallo-germanate glass, and double-core optical fiber has been investigated. Broadband amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) was obtained in optical fiber with cores doped with: 1 - 0.2ErO and 2 - 0.

Longitudinal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stress and Occupational Well-Being of Mental Health Professionals: An International Study.

Background: Increased levels of occupational stress among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic have been documented. Few studies have examined the effects of the pandemic on mental health professionals despite the heightened demand for their services.

Method: A multilingual, longitudinal, global survey was conducted at 3 time points during the pandemic among members of the World Health Organization's Global Clinical Practice Network.

Psychiatric Comorbidities and Outcomes in Palliative and End-of-Life Care: A Systematic Review.

Background: Although psychiatric comorbidities are common among individuals at end of life, their impact on outcomes is poorly understood.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review of six databases following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines and aimed at assessing the relationship between psychiatric comorbidities and outcomes in palliative and end-of-life care. Six databases were included in our search.

Development of an Active Optical Lens for Arc Flashing Detection.

This paper contains the design of active optical lenses used for the detection of arc flashing emissions. The phenomenon of an arc flashing emission and its characteristics were contemplated. Methods of preventing these emissions in electric power systems were discussed as well.

Analysis of Excitation Energy Transfer in LaPO Nanophosphors Co-Doped with Eu/Nd and Eu/Nd/Yb Ions.

Nanophosphors are widely used, especially in biological applications in the first and second biological windows. Currently, nanophosphors doped with lanthanide ions (Ln) are attracting much attention. However, doping the matrix with lanthanide ions is associated with a narrow luminescence bandwidth.

The Effect of Fluorides (BaF, MgF, AlF) on Structural and Luminescent Properties of Er-Doped Gallo-Germanate Glass.

The effect of BaF, MgF, and AlF on the structural and luminescent properties of gallo-germanate glass (BGG) doped with erbium ions was investigated. A detailed analysis of infrared and Raman spectra shows that the local environment of erbium ions in the glass was influenced mainly by [GeO] and [GeO] units. Moreover, the highest number of non-bridging oxygens was found in the network of the BGG glass modified by MgF.

Crystallization Mechanism and Optical Properties of Antimony-Germanate-Silicate Glass-Ceramic Doped with Europium Ions.

Glass-ceramic is semi-novel material with many applications, but it is still problematic in obtaining fibers. This paper aims to develop a new glass-ceramic material that is a compromise between crystallization, thermal stability, and optical properties required for optical fiber technology. This compromise is made possible by an alternative method with a controlled crystallization process and a suitable choice of the chemical composition of the core material.

An international survey examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth use among mental health professionals.

Background: COVID-19 has profoundly affected the work of mental health professionals with many transitioning to telehealth to comply with public health measures. This large international study examined the impact of the pandemic on mental health clinicians' telehealth use.

Methods: This survey study was conducted with mental health professionals, primarily psychiatrists and psychologists, registered with WHO's Global Clinical Practice Network (GCPN).

Mental Health First Aid: A Systematic Review of Trainee Behavior and Recipient Mental Health Outcomes.

Objective: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a globally disseminated course that trains members of the public to recognize and respond to mental health issues in their communities. Although substantial evidence suggests that MHFA training is associated with positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intent, little is known about how MHFA trainee-delivered aid supports mental health needs. This systematic review sought to summarize the extant research evaluating MHFA trainees' helping behaviors and the impacts of these behaviors on people experiencing a mental health problem (i.