The complexity of cultural mismatch in higher education: Norms affecting first-generation college students' coping and help-seeking behaviors.

OBJECTIVES: First-generation college students commonly experience financial, academic, and personal challenges that are exacerbated by a cultural mismatch between independent university settings and interdependent family environments. There is a paucity of research on the influence of cultural norms, including cultural mismatch, on first-generation college students' coping and help-seeking behaviors. The present research explored how cultural norms affect coping and help seeking for academic, financial, and psychological problems among diverse first-generation college students. METHOD: Eleven individual interviews were conducted to obtain pilot data, and 8 group interviews (n = 60) were conducted to examine cultural norms, relational concerns, coping, and social support. These same 71 participants (51% Ethnic Minority; 49% White; 70% female) completed a background survey (e.g., demographics, use of resources, coping, and family obligation). RESULTS: Most students were self-reliant and underutilized social support because of concerns about negatively affecting close relationships; these relational concerns included burdening others, being judged by others, and making matters worse. Concerns about face loss and group harmony were heightened among ethnic minority students. Despite limited quantitative evidence for White-Ethnic Minority differences in coping and psychological and academic functioning, minority students reported higher levels of family obligation. CONCLUSIONS: Results revealed a mismatch between hard independence (being self-reliant, resilient, and emotionally tough) and soft independence (being self-expressive, pursuing personal interests, and gaining a sense of freedom) and illuminate how relational concerns hinder help seeking among first-generation college students. These findings support culturally tailoring outreach efforts to address norms that promote self-reliance and the underutilization of services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Macrophages Shed Excess Cholesterol in Unique Extracellular Structures Containing Cholesterol Microdomains.

OBJECTIVE: Cells use various mechanisms to maintain cellular cholesterol homeostasis including efflux of cholesterol from the cellular plasma membrane to cholesterol acceptors such as HDLs (high-density lipoproteins). Little is known about the transfer of cholesterol from cells into the extracellular matrix. Using a unique monoclonal antibody that detects ordered cholesterol arrays (ie, cholesterol micro[or nano]-domains), we previously identified that particles containing these cholesterol domains accumulate in the extracellular matrix during cholesterol enrichment of human monocyte-derived macrophages and are found in atherosclerotic lesions. In this study, we further investigate these deposited particles containing cholesterol microdomains and discover their unexpected morphology. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Although appearing spherical at the resolution of the conventional fluorescence microscope, super-resolution immunofluorescence and atomic force microscopy of in situ cholesterol microdomains, and immunoelectron microscopy of isolated cholesterol microdomains revealed that the microdomains are not vesicles or 3-dimensional crystals but rather appear as branching irregularly shaped deposits of varying size. These cholesterol microdomain-containing deposits are shed from the plasma membrane into the extracellular matrix. CONCLUSIONS: To date, research on cellular excretion of excess cholesterol has demonstrated cellular cholesterol efflux in the form of membranous vesicles and discoidal HDL particles released into the fluid-phase medium. Shedding of plasma membrane cholesterol microdomains provides an additional mechanism for cells such as macrophages to maintain plasma membrane cholesterol homeostasis. Furthermore, recognition that macrophages shed cholesterol microdomains into the extracellular matrix is important to our understanding of extracellular buildup of cholesterol in atherosclerosis.

CD8+ T Cells Effect Glomerular Injury in Experimental Anti-Myeloperoxidase GN.

Observations in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis suggest that CD8+ T cells participate in disease, but there is no experimental functional evidence of pathologic involvement for these cells. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a well defined autoantigen in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Studies in experimental models of anti-MPO GN suggest that, after ANCA-induced neutrophil localization, deposited MPO within glomeruli is recognized by autoreactive T cells that contribute to injury. We tested the hypothesis that CD8+ T cells mediate disease in experimental ANCA-associated vasculitis. CD8+ T cell depletion in the effector phase of disease attenuated injury in murine anti-MPO GN. This protection associated with decreased levels of intrarenal IFN-γ, TNF, and inflammatory chemokines and fewer glomerular macrophages. Moreover, we identified a pathogenic CD8+ T cell MPO epitope (MPO431-439) and found that cotransfer of MPO431-439-specific CD8+ T cell clones exacerbated disease mediated by MPO-specific CD4+ cells in Rag1-/- mice. Transfer of MPO431-439-specific CD8+ cells without CD4+ cells mediated glomerular injury when MPO was planted in glomeruli. These results show a pathogenic role for MPO-specific CD8+ T cells, provide evidence that CD8+ cells are a therapeutic target in ANCA-associated vasculitis, and suggest that a molecular hotspot within the MPO molecule contains important CD8+, CD4+, and B cell epitopes.

Impact of the Act FAST stroke campaign delivered by student pharmacists on the primary prevention of stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of an Act FAST educational intervention performed by student pharmacists on knowledge of stroke recognition and management. DESIGN: Stroke preparedness and knowledge of primary prevention were assessed with the use of pre- and post-intervention surveys targeting community members at health fairs. The intervention was an Act FAST educational session with blood pressure and blood glucose screenings provided by student pharmacists. Act FAST is a quick tool to help recognize and respond to a stroke. The acronym FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. SETTING: Community health fairs in Vallejo, CA. PARTICIPANTS: Community members 18 years of age and older. INTERVENTION: Act FAST educational session delivered by student pharmacists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge of signs, symptoms, management, and risk factors of strokes as defined by the American Heart Association. RESULTS: Following the Act FAST educational intervention, total knowledge of signs, symptoms, and management of stroke significantly increased from moderate to high (n = 112; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.419-2.188; P <0.0001). Total knowledge of risk factors of stroke also significantly increased following the educational intervention (n = 88; 95% CI 0.6496-1.746; P <0.0001). CONCLUSION: The Act FAST educational intervention delivered by student pharmacists increased knowledge of signs, symptoms, immediate management, and modifiable risk factors of stroke. This suggests that student pharmacists may have a positive impact on community members' preparedness and knowledge of primary prevention of stroke. The Act FAST campaign may be a useful tool for all training health care professionals.

Psychological Vulnerability and Gambling in Later Life.

OBJECTIVES: Because behavioral problems often emerge from maladaptive coping methods, we investigated whether unmet basic psychological needs evolve toward a level of psychological vulnerability that puts older adults who gamble at risk for becoming problem gamblers. METHODS: Data from a community sample of 379 adults ages 60 and above were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Participants responded to items regarding their demographics, gambling frequency, engagement in at-risk gambling behaviors, and the extent to which their basic psychological needs were met. RESULTS: Satisfaction of basic psychological needs among older adults who gamble was negatively associated with their being at risk for developing a gambling problem. Satisfaction of basic psychological needs also mediated the negative effect of socioeconomic status on at-risk gambling behavior. CONCLUSION: Social workers should become mindful of how older adults, who are confronting psychological vulnerabilities in later life, might well turn to gambling as a maladaptive coping mechanism.As per journal style, abstract must not exceed100 words. Please amend accordingly.

ABCA1 contributes to macrophage deposition of extracellular cholesterol.

We previously reported that cholesterol-enriched macrophages excrete cholesterol into the extracellular matrix. A monoclonal antibody that detects cholesterol microdomains labels the deposited extracellular particles. Macro-phage deposition of extracellular cholesterol depends, in part, on ABCG1, and this cholesterol can be mobilized by HDL components of the reverse cholesterol transport process. The objective of the current study was to determine whether ABCA1 also contributes to macrophage deposition of extracellular cholesterol. ABCA1 functioned in extracellular cholesterol deposition. The liver X receptor agonist, TO901317 (TO9), an ABCA1-inducing factor, restored cholesterol deposition that was absent in cholesterol-enriched ABCG1(-/-) mouse macrophages. In addition, the ABCA1 inhibitor, probucol, blocked the increment in cholesterol deposited by TO9-treated wild-type macrophages, and completely inhibited deposition from TO9-treated ABCG1(-/-) macrophages. Lastly, ABCA1(-/-) macrophages deposited much less extracellular cholesterol than wild-type macrophages. These findings demonstrate a novel function of ABCA1 in contributing to macrophage export of cholesterol into the extracellular matrix.

The immunodominant myeloperoxidase T-cell epitope induces local cell-mediated injury in antimyeloperoxidase glomerulonephritis.

Microscopic polyangiitis is an autoimmune small-vessel vasculitis that often manifests as focal and necrotizing glomerulonephritis and renal failure. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic Abs (ANCAs) specific for myeloperoxidase (MPO) play a role in this disease, but the role of autoreactive MPO-specific CD4(+) T cells is uncertain. By screening overlapping peptides of 20 amino acids spanning the MPO molecule, we identified an immunodominant MPO CD4(+) T-cell epitope (MPO(409-428)). Immunizing C57BL/6 mice with MPO(409-428) induced focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis similar to that seen after whole MPO immunization, when MPO was deposited in glomeruli. Transfer of an MPO(409-428)-specific CD4(+) T-cell clone to Rag1(-/-) mice induced focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis when glomerular MPO deposition was induced either by passive transfer of MPO-ANCA and LPS or by planting MPO(409-428) conjugated to a murine antiglomerular basement membrane mAb. MPO(409-428) also induced biologically active anti-MPO Abs in mice. The MPO(409-428) epitope has a minimum immunogenic core region of 11 amino acids, MPO(415-426), with several critical residues. ANCA-activated neutrophils not only induce injury but lodged the autoantigen MPO in glomeruli, allowing autoreactive anti-MPO CD4(+) cells to induce delayed type hypersensitivity-like necrotizing glomerular lesions. These studies identify an immunodominant MPO T-cell epitope and redefine how effector responses can induce injury in MPO-ANCA-associated microscopic polyangiitis.

Correlates of, and barriers to, Internet use among older adults.

Older adults constitute the group with the greatest increase in Internet usage in the past decade; however, usage varies greatly within this population. Services to older adults require a current understanding of Internet-use trends. This study utilized a quantitative survey method to examine correlates of, and barriers to, current Internet use in a demographically diverse county in Southern California. Findings indicate that the presence of a computer at home, a job requiring computer use, age, education, and ethnicity are important factors in predicting Internet use in older adults. Implications for social work practice with older adults is discussed.

FcγRIIB regulates T-cell autoreactivity, ANCA production, and neutrophil activation to suppress anti-myeloperoxidase glomerulonephritis.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis involves innate and adaptive immune cells in the induction of autoimmunity and in autoimmune effector responses. Most Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) activate immune cells, but FcγRIIB, found in humans and mice on B cells and innate cells, is an inhibitory receptor. Here we tested whether endogenous FcγRIIB negatively regulates autoreactivity and effector responses in experimental anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) glomerulonephritis, using wild-type and FcγRIIB(-/-) mice. After MPO immunization, FcγRIIB(-/-) mice developed higher MPO-ANCA titers and increased anti-MPO T-cell responses. Transfer of FcγRIIB-deficient dendritic cells loaded with a nephritogenic MPO peptide (MPO409-428) into wild-type mice induced stronger autoimmunity than dendritic cells derived from wild-type mice. Transferring anti-MPO antibodies into lipopolysaccharide-primed mice resulted in increased glomerular neutrophil accumulation and injury in FcγRIIB(-/-) mice, showing a role for FcγRIIB in suppressing neutrophil activation. Inducing active autoimmunity to MPO followed by triggering T cell-mediated glomerular injury by transfer of sub-nephritogenic doses of lipopolysaccharide and anti-MPO antibodies resulted in more disease in FcγRIIB(-/-) mice. Thus, endogenous FcγRIIB negatively regulates anti-MPO autoimmunity and glomerulonephritis by dendritic cells, B cells, and neutrophils to limit MPO-ANCA production, T-cell responses, and neutrophil activation.

The HLA-DRB1*15:01-restricted Goodpasture's T cell epitope induces GN.

Human anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease strongly associates with HLA-DRB1*15:01. The target autoantigen in this disease is the noncollagenous domain of the α3 chain of type IV collagen, α3(IV)NC1, but critical early T cell epitopes presented by this human MHC class II molecule are unknown. Here, by immunizing HLA-DRB1*15:01 transgenic mice with whole recombinant α3(IV)NC1 and with overlapping α3(IV)NC1 peptides, we defined a HLA-DRB1*15:01-restricted α3(IV)NC1 T cell epitope (α3136-146) with four critical residues. This peptide was not immunogenic in HLA-DRB1*01:01 transgenic or C57BL/6 mice. The T cell epitope is naturally processed from α3(IV)NC1. CD4(+) T cell clones, generated from HLA-DRB1*15:01 transgenic mice and specific for α3136-146, transferred disease into naive HLA-DRB1*15:01 transgenic mice, evidenced by the development of necrotizing crescentic GN, albuminuria, renal impairment, and accumulation of CD4(+) T cells and macrophages in glomeruli. Because Fcγ receptors are implicated in disease susceptibility, we crossed HLA transgenic mice onto an FcγRIIb-deficient background. Immunization with either α3136-146 or α3(IV)NC1 induced GN in HLA-DRB1*15:01 transgenic FcγRIIb-deficient mice, but HLA-DRB1*01:01 transgenic FcγRIIb-deficient mice were unaffected. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the HLA-DRB1*15:01-restricted T cell epitope α3136-146 can induce T cell responses and injury in anti-GBM GN.

The effects of race and other socioeconomic factors on health service use among American military veterans.

This study examined the extent to which racial disparities in service utilization exist in veterans (VA) and non-VA health care systems. An observational study design was used with a nationally representative sample of veterans. Logistic regression models were constructed using sociodemographic characteristics, health insurance and benefits, and health status as predictors of health service use in both VA and non-VA health care systems. A population weighted sample of 19,270 veterans from the 2001 National Survey of Veterans was used, which included 17,004 (88.24%) White, 1,864 (9.15%) African American, 414 (2.15%) Native American/Alaskan Native, and 87 (0.45%) Asian American/Pacific Islander veterans. Results showed that use of the VA health care system was not associated with race, but was associated with VA disability compensation, lack of private health insurance, and greater health care need. Contrarily, in non-VA healthcare systems, veterans who were racial minorities, less educated, and without private health insurance were less likely to use services. Together, these findings demonstrate the socioeconomic context in which health disparities exist and suggest the influence of health insurance on racial disparities in service utilization.

Epithelially Restricted Interferon Epsilon Protects Against Colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Type I interferon (T1IFN) signalling is crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. We previously found that the novel T1IFN, IFNε, is highly expressed by epithelial cells of the female reproductive tract, where it protects against pathogens. Its function has not been studied in the intestine. We hypothesize that IFNε is important in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. METHODS: We characterized IFNε expression in mouse and human intestine by immunostaining and studied its function in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model using both genetic knockouts and neutralizing antibody. RESULTS: We demonstrate that IFNε is expressed in human and mouse intestinal epithelium, and expression is lost in inflammation. Furthermore, we show that IFNε limits intestinal inflammation in mouse models. Regulatory T cell (Treg) frequencies were paradoxically decreased in DSS-treated IFNε-/- mice, suggesting a role for IFNε in maintaining the intestinal Treg compartment. Colitis was ameliorated by transfer of wild-type Tregs into IFNε-/- mice. This demonstrates that IFNε supports intestinal Treg function. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we have shown IFNε expression in intestinal epithelium and its critical role in gut homeostasis. Given its known role in the female reproductive tract, we now show IFNε has a protective role across multiple mucosal surfaces.

Smith-specific regulatory T cells halt the progression of lupus nephritis.

Antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress pathogenic autoreactivity and are potential therapeutic candidates for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus nephritis is associated with autoreactivity to the Smith (Sm) autoantigen and the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR15 haplotype; hence, we investigated the potential of Sm-specific Tregs (Sm-Tregs) to suppress disease. Here we identify a HLA-DR15 restricted immunodominant Sm T cell epitope using biophysical affinity binding assays, then identify high-affinity Sm-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) using high-throughput single-cell sequencing. Using lentiviral vectors, we transduce our lead Sm-specific TCR into Tregs derived from patients with SLE who are anti-Sm and HLA-DR15 positive. Compared with polyclonal mock-transduced Tregs, Sm-Tregs potently suppress Sm-specific pro-inflammatory responses in vitro and suppress disease progression in a humanized mouse model of lupus nephritis. These results show that Sm-Tregs are a promising therapy for SLE.

The importance of family factors and generation status: mental health service use among Latino and Asian Americans.

The present study utilized data from the National Latino and Asian American Study to examine ethnic and generational differences in family cultural conflict and family cohesion and how the effects of such family conflict and cohesion on lifetime service use vary by generation status for Latino Americans (n = 2,554) and Asian Americans (n = 2,095). Findings revealed that first-generation Asian Americans reported greater family cultural conflict than their Latino counterparts, but third-generation Latino Americans had higher family conflict than their Asian American counterparts. First-generation Latino and Asian Americans had the highest levels of family cohesion. Results from logistic regression analyses indicated that Latino Americans who reported higher family cultural conflict and lower family cohesion were more likely to use mental health services. For Asian Americans, family cultural conflict, but not family cohesion, was associated with service use. Relative to third-generation Asian Americans, second-generation Asian Americans with higher family cultural conflict were more likely to use mental health services. Given that cohesive familial bonds appear to discourage service use on the part of Latino Americans irrespective of generation status, further research is needed to ascertain the extent to which this tendency stems from greater reliance on family support as opposed to the stigma associated with mental health treatment. Mental health providers and treatment programs need to address the role of family cultural conflict in the lives of Asian Americans, particularly second generation, and Latino Americans across generations, because conflictual family ties may motivate help-seeking behaviors and reveal substantial underlying distress.

Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages differentiated with GM-CSF become foam cells by PI3Kγ-dependent fluid-phase pinocytosis of native LDL.

Accumulation of cholesterol by macrophage uptake of LDL is a key event in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Previous research has shown that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is present in atherosclerotic plaques and promotes aortic lipid accumulation. However, it has not been determined whether murine GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages take up LDL to become foam cells. GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages from LDL receptor-null mice were incubated with LDL, resulting in massive macrophage cholesterol accumulation. Incubation of LDL receptor-null or wild-type macrophages with increasing concentrations of ¹²5I-LDL showed nonsaturable macrophage LDL uptake that was linearly related to the amount of LDL added, indicating that LDL uptake was mediated by fluid-phase pinocytosis. Previous studies suggest that phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) mediate macrophage fluid-phase pinocytosis, although the isoform mediating this process has not been determined. Because PI3Kγ is known to promote aortic lipid accumulation, we investigated its role in mediating macrophage fluid-phase pinocytosis of LDL. Wild-type macrophages incubated with LDL and the PI3Kγ inhibitor AS605240 or PI3Kγ-null macrophages incubated with LDL showed an ∼50% reduction in LDL uptake and cholesterol accumulation compared with wild-type macrophages incubated with LDL only. These results show that GM-CSF-differentiated murine macrophages become foam cells by fluid-phase pinocytosis of LDL and identify PI3Kγ as contributing to this process.

Heterologous Immunity Between SARS-CoV-2 and Pathogenic Bacteria.

Heterologous immunity, when the memory T cell response elicited by one pathogen recognizes another pathogen, has been offered as a contributing factor for the high variability in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity outcomes. Here we demonstrate that sensitization with bacterial peptides can induce heterologous immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) derived peptides and that vaccination with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can induce heterologous immunity to bacterial peptides. Using in silico prediction methods, we identified 6 bacterial peptides with sequence homology to either the spike protein or non-structural protein 3 (NSP3) of SARS-CoV-2. Notwithstanding the effects of bystander activation, in vitro co-cultures showed that all individuals tested (n=18) developed heterologous immunity to SARS-CoV-2 peptides when sensitized with the identified bacterial peptides. T cell recall responses measured included cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2), activation (CD69) and proliferation (CellTrace). As an extension of the principle of heterologous immunity between bacterial pathogens and COVID-19, we tracked donor responses before and after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and measured the cross-reactive T cell responses to bacterial peptides with similar sequence homology to the spike protein. We found that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could induce heterologous immunity to bacterial peptides. These findings provide a mechanism for heterologous T cell immunity between common bacterial pathogens and SARS-CoV-2, which may explain the high variance in COVID-19 outcomes from asymptomatic to severe. We also demonstrate proof-of-concept that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination can induce heterologous immunity to pathogenic bacteria derived peptides.

Native low-density lipoprotein uptake by macrophage colony-stimulating factor-differentiated human macrophages is mediated by macropinocytosis and micropinocytosis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the pinocytotic pathways mediating native low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake by human macrophage colony-stimulating factor-differentiated macrophages (the predominant macrophage phenotype in human atherosclerotic plaques). METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified the kinase inhibitor SU6656 and the Rho GTPase inhibitor toxin B as inhibitors of macrophage fluid-phase pinocytosis of LDL. Assessment of macropinocytosis by time-lapse microscopy revealed that both drugs almost completely inhibited macropinocytosis, although LDL uptake and cholesterol accumulation by macrophages were only partially inhibited (approximately 40%) by these agents. Therefore, we investigated the role of micropinocytosis in mediating LDL uptake in macrophages and identified bafilomycin A1 as an additional partial inhibitor (approximately 40%) of macrophage LDL uptake that targeted micropinocytosis. When macrophages were incubated with both bafilomycin A1 and SU6656, inhibition of LDL uptake was additive (reaching 80%), showing that these inhibitors target different pathways. Microscopic analysis of fluid-phase uptake pathways in these macrophages confirmed that LDL uptake occurs through both macropinocytosis and micropinocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that human macrophage colony-stimulating factor-differentiated macrophages take up native LDL by macropinocytosis and micropinocytosis, underscoring the importance of both pathways in mediating LDL uptake by these cells.

BCG Vaccine Derived Peptides Induce SARS-CoV-2 T Cell Cross-Reactivity.

Epidemiological studies and clinical trials suggest Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has protective effects against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are now over 30 clinical trials evaluating if BCG vaccination can prevent or reduce the severity of COVID-19. However, the mechanism by which BCG vaccination can induce severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific T cell responses is unknown. Here, we identify 8 novel BCG-derived peptides with significant sequence homology to either SARS-CoV-2 NSP3 or NSP13-derived peptides. Using an in vitro co-culture system, we show that human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells primed with a BCG-derived peptide developed enhanced reactivity to its corresponding homologous SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide. As expected, HLA differences between individuals meant that not all persons developed immunogenic responses to all 8 BCG-derived peptides. Nevertheless, all of the 20 individuals that were primed with BCG-derived peptides developed enhanced T cell reactivity to at least 7 of 8 SARS-CoV-2-derived peptides. These findings provide an in vitro mechanism that may account, in part, for the epidemiologic observation that BCG vaccination confers some protection from COVID-19.

Multiculturalism as a dimension of school climate: the impact on the academic achievement of Asian American and Hispanic youth.

Multiculturalism constitutes an important element of school climate, but the relation between perceived multiculturalism and academic achievement has not been widely studied. This study examined the influence of students' perceptions of school support for multiculturalism on academic achievement among 280 Asian American and Hispanic youth, including ethnic identity and ethnocultural empathy as potential mediators. Results of structural equation modeling revealed that perceived multiculturalism was significantly positively related to ethnocultural empathy for Asian Americans and Hispanics, and that ethnocultural empathy, in turn, was predictive of academic achievement for Hispanics only. Results of bootstrapping to test for mediation effects revealed ethnocultural empathy to be a salient mediator for Hispanic youth. Although ethnic identity did not mediate the link between multiculturalism and academic achievement, ethnic identity was significantly predictive of achievement for Hispanics. On the whole, these findings suggest that fostering a school climate supportive of multiculturalism may improve empathy toward ethnic out-groups. Furthermore, schools that promote compassion and tolerance for diverse ethnic groups may achieve better academic outcomes among Hispanic youth.

Assessing the needs of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people: a service-learning and agency partnership approach.

A county agency and a social work research class partnered to conduct a state-mandated needs assessment of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people (GLBT). A survey design with purposive sampling of GLBT people over 60 yielded 38 participants. Findings included that the Internet was a viable means to reach this population and student awareness increased. Areas of greatest unmet need were GLBT-oriented/friendly legal advice, social events, grief and loss counseling, social workers, and assisted living. Some participants perceived existing senior services as unfriendly or hostile to GLBT persons. Recommendations include continued use of service-learning research and expanded needs assessment efforts.