Reemergence of a Big Brown Bat Lyssavirus rabies Variant in Striped Skunks in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA, 2021-2023.

Background: Throughout the Americas, Lyssavirus rabies (RV) perpetuates as multiple variants among bat and mesocarnivore species. Interspecific RV spillover occurs on occasion, but clusters and viral host shifts are rare. The spillover and host shift of a big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) RV variant Ef-W1 into mesocarnivores was reported previously on several occasions during 2001-2009 in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA, and controlled through rabies vaccination of target wildlife. During autumn 2021, a new cluster of Ef-W1 RV cases infecting striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) was detected from United States Department of Agriculture enhanced rabies surveillance in Flagstaff. The number of Ef-W1 RV spillover cases within a short timeframe suggested the potential for transmission between skunks and an emerging host shift. Materials and Methods: Whole and partial RV genomic sequencing was performed to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of the 2021-2023 Ef-W1 cases infecting striped skunks with earlier outbreaks. Additionally, real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (rtRT-PCR) was used to opportunistically compare viral RNA loads in brain and salivary gland tissues of naturally infected skunks. Results: Genomic RV sequencing revealed that the origin of the 2021-2023 epizootic of Ef-W1 RV was distinct from the multiple outbreaks detected from 2001-2009. Naturally infected skunks with the Ef-W1 RV showed greater viral RNA loads in the brain, but equivalent viral RNA loads in the mandibular salivary glands, compared to an opportunistic sample of skunks naturally infected with a South-Central skunk RV from northern Colorado, USA. Conclusion: Considering a high risk for onward transmission and spread of the Ef-W1 RV in Flagstaff, public outreach, enhanced rabies surveillance, and control efforts, focused on education, sample characterization, and vaccination, have been ongoing since 2021 to mitigate and prevent the spread and establishment of Ef-W1 RV in mesocarnivores.

Reflections of Nursing Students Following Hurricane Michael.

Background: Students in the southeastern United States were affected by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The storm's devastation led to communication and education issues that transformed students' paths to completing their nursing degree program. Climate change will cause increased natural disasters, and educators must be prepared. Method: This qualitative study used a descriptive phenomenological design. A purposive sample of 10 graduate nursing students were recruited and interviewed. The data gathering ended when data saturation was achieved. Results: Five themes were generated: Devastation and no communication, survival mode, emotional impact, before and after, and forever changed. The rich data documented the resiliency of the students as they described events during and after the hurricane in relation to their personal and educational experiences. Conclusion: Universities and students need to be prepared for natural disasters; understanding graduate nursing students' prior experiences can benefit educators.

Depression Screening Among African American Adults in the Primary Care Setting.

Although depression is treatable with medication and psychotherapy, it is often left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in African American communities. African American patients may experience poor outcomes when medical problems coexist with undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues, such as depression. This is a concern because depression can inhibit compliance with providers' treatment plans. A major factor in treatment of depression is assessment and recognition of the condition itself so that a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be determined. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a depression screening tool on depression diagnoses and treatment initiation in African American patients in a primary care setting. In 200 patients prior to screening implementaion, none were screened or diagnosed with depression. After routine implementation of a depression screening tool, 75 of 182 patients were diagnosed with depression. Using a routine screening tool resulted in a 41% increase in diagnoses of depression. The integration of routine depression screening in the primary care setting may improve overall health outcomes and competence in implementation of care. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(10), 18-23.].

Improving Provider Use of the Teach-Back Method.

The purpose of this pilot study was to improve patient health literacy by teaching acute care nurses the teach-back method. The study involved administration of an evaluation tool to assess knowledge, attitudes, and use of teach-back prior to and 30 days after an education session. Nursing professional development practitioners can use the findings from this study to develop an education program to improve patient health literacy.

Tattoos in Nursing: Do We Practice What We Preach?

Tattoos have become increasingly popular in the United States among the general population. Furthermore, the popularity of body art, primarily tattoos, among nursing students generates issues about professionalism in academics and in clinical settings. Nursing faculty are faced with conflicting views on cultural awareness, professionalism, and self-expression. With nursing viewed as one of the most trusted professions, the policy of covering tattoos should be discussed, and more research is necessary.

The Role of the Faith Community Nurse in Weight Management.

Over two thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese; many view long-term behavior change as unachievable. Faith community nurses are ideally positioned to help people learn strategies for successful weight management. This article discusses the role of faith in lifestyle modification, and the use of the 5 A's Model for weight management.