Method validation for (ultra)-trace element concentrations in urine for small sample volumes in large epidemiological studies: application to the population-based epidemiological multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA).

Analysis of essential and non-essential trace elements in urine has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing occupational and environmental exposures, diagnosing nutritional status and guiding public health and health care intervention. Our study focused on the analysis of trace elements in urine samples from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a precious resource for health research with limited sample volumes. Here we provide a comprehensive and sensitive method for the analysis of 18 elements using only 100 µL of urine. Method sensitivity, accuracy, and precision were assessed. The analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) included the measurement of antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), gadolinium (Gd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), thallium (Tl), tungsten (W), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn). Further, we reported urinary trace element concentrations by covariates including gender, ethnicity/race, smoking and location. The results showed good accuracy and sensitivity of the ICP-MS method with the limit of detections rangings between 0.001 µg L-1 for U to 6.2 µg L-1 for Zn. Intra-day precision for MESA urine analysis varied between 1.4% for Mo and 26% for Mn (average 6.4% for all elements). The average inter-day precision for most elements was <8.5% except for Gd (20%), U (16%) and Mn (19%) due to very low urinary concentrations. Urinary mean concentrations of non-essential elements followed the order of Sr > As > Cs > Ni > Ba > Pb > Cd > Gd > Tl > W > U. The order of urinary mean concentrations for essential trace elements was Zn > Se > Mo > Cu > Co > Mn. Non-adjusted mean concentration of non-essential trace elements in urine from MESA participants follow the order Sr > As > Cs > Ni > Ba > Pb > Cd > Gd > Tl > W > U. The unadjusted urinary mean concentrations of essential trace elements decrease from Zn > Se > Mo > Cu > Co > Mn.

Urinary Metal Levels and Coronary Artery Calcification: Longitudinal Evidence in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Objective: Growing evidence indicates that exposure to metals are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that higher urinary levels of metals with prior evidence of an association with CVD, including non-essential (cadmium , tungsten, and uranium) and essential (cobalt, copper, and zinc) metals are associated with baseline and rate of change of coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression, a subclinical marker of atherosclerotic CVD. Methods: We analyzed data from 6,418 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with spot urinary metal levels at baseline (2000-2002) and 1-4 repeated measures of spatially weighted coronary calcium score (SWCS) over a ten-year period. SWCS is a unitless measure of CAC highly correlated to the Agatston score but with numerical values assigned to individuals with Agatston score=0. We used linear mixed effect models to assess the association of baseline urinary metal levels with baseline SWCS, annual change in SWCS, and SWCS over ten years of follow-up. Urinary metals (adjusted to µg/g creatinine) and SWCS were log transformed. Models were progressively adjusted for baseline sociodemographic factors, estimated glomerular filtration rate, lifestyle factors, and clinical factors. Results: At baseline, the median and interquartile range (25th, 75th) of SWCS was 6.3 (0.7, 58.2). For urinary cadmium, the fully adjusted geometric mean ratio (GMR) (95%Cl) of SWCS comparing the highest to the lowest quartile was 1.51 (1.32, 1.74) at baseline and 1.75 (1.47, 2.07) at ten years of follow-up. For urinary tungsten, uranium, and cobalt the corresponding GMRs at ten years of follow-up were 1.45 (1.23, 1.71), 1.39 (1.17, 1.64), and 1.47 (1.25, 1.74), respectively. For copper and zinc, the association was attenuated with adjustment for clinical risk factors; GMRs at ten years of follow-up before and after adjustment for clinical risk factors were 1.55 (1.30, 1.84) and 1.33 (1.12, 1.58), respectively, for copper and 1.85 (1.56, 2.19) and 1.57 (1.33, 1.85) for zinc. Conclusion: Higher levels of cadmium, tungsten, uranium, cobalt, copper, and zinc, as measured in urine, were associated with subclinical CVD at baseline and at follow-up. These findings support the hypothesis that metals are pro-atherogenic factors.

Evaluation of Predict, a prognostic risk tool, after diagnosis of a second breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The UK National Health Service's Predict is a clinical tool widely used to estimate the prognosis of early-stage breast cancer. The performance of Predict for a second primary breast cancer is unknown. METHODS: Women 18 years of age or older diagnosed with a first or second invasive breast cancer between 2000 and 2013 and followed for at least 5 years were identified from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Model calibration of Predict was evaluated by comparing predicted and observed 5-year breast cancer-specific mortality separately by estrogen receptor status for first vs second breast cancer. Receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curve were used to assess model discrimination. Model performance was also evaluated for various races and ethnicities. RESULTS: The study population included 6729 women diagnosed with a second breast cancer and 357 204 women with a first breast cancer. Overall, Predict demonstrated good discrimination for first and second breast cancers (areas under the curve ranging from 0.73 to 0.82). Predict statistically significantly underestimated 5-year breast cancer mortality for second estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers (predicted-observed = ‒6.24%, 95% CI = ‒6.96% to ‒5.49%). Among women with a first estrogen receptor-positive cancer, model calibration was good (predicted-observed = ‒0.22%, 95% CI = ‒0.29% to ‒0.15%), except in non-Hispanic Black women (predicted-observed = ‒2.33%, 95% CI = ‒2.65% to ‒2.01%) and women 80 years of age or older (predicted-observed = ‒3.75%, 95% CI = ‒4.12% to ‒3.41%). Predict performed well for second estrogen receptor-negative cancers overall (predicted-observed = ‒1.69%, 95% CI = ‒3.99% to 0.16%) but underestimated mortality among those who had previously received chemotherapy or had a first cancer with more aggressive tumor characteristics. In contrast, Predict overestimated mortality for first estrogen receptor-negative cancers (predicted-observed = 4.54%, 95% CI = 4.27% to 4.86%). CONCLUSION: The Predict tool underestimated 5-year mortality after a second estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and in certain subgroups of women with a second estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.

Contaminant Metals as Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Exposure to environmental pollutants is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Beyond the extensive evidence for particulate air pollution, accumulating evidence supports that exposure to nonessential metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease worldwide. Humans are exposed to metals through air, water, soil, and food and extensive industrial and public use. Contaminant metals interfere with critical intracellular reactions and functions leading to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that result in endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, epigenetic dysregulation, dyslipidemia, and changes in myocardial excitation and contractile function. Lead, cadmium, and arsenic have been linked to subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary artery stenosis, and calcification as well as to increased risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, and peripheral artery disease. Epidemiological studies show that exposure to lead, cadmium, or arsenic is associated with cardiovascular death mostly attributable to ischemic heart disease. Public health measures reducing metal exposure are associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease death. Populations of color and low socioeconomic means are more commonly exposed to metals and therefore at greater risk of metal-induced cardiovascular disease. Together with strengthening public health measures to prevent metal exposures, development of more sensitive and selective measurement modalities, clinical monitoring of metal exposures, and the development of metal chelation therapies could further diminish the burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to metal exposure.

Providing home hospice care for LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers: Perceptions and opinions of hospice interdisciplinary care team providers.

OBJECTIVES: Hospice patients and caregivers who are members of sexual and gender minority groups (i.e., LGBTQ+) have reported experiencing unmet needs at end of life (EOL). Negative experiences often stem from challenging interactions with healthcare providers due to ineffective or poor communication and providers' heteronormative assumptions and biases. Few studies, however, examine hospice care team (HCT) providers' knowledge, experience, and opinions related to EOL care for LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers despite this being identified as a gap in competency and education. We sought to examine HCT providers' perceptions regarding (1) awareness of LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers; (2) knowledge of specific or unique needs; and (3) opinions on best care and communication practices. METHODS: Six focus groups conducted with HCT providers (n = 48) currently delivering hospice care in three US states were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were content coded (κ = 0.77), aggregated by topical categories, and descriptively summarized. RESULTS: Participants were mostly white and non-Hispanic (n = 43, 89.6%), cisgender female (n = 42, 87.5%), heterosexual (n = 35, 72.9%), and religious (n = 33, 68.8%); they averaged 49 years of age (range 26-72, SD = 11.66). Awareness of LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers depended on patient or caregiver self-disclosure and contextual cues; orientation and gender identity data were not routinely collected. Many viewed being LGBTQ+ as private, irrelevant to care, and not a basis for people having specific or unique EOL needs because they saw EOL processes as universal, and believed that they treat everyone equally. Providers were more comfortable with patients of lesbian or gay orientation and reported less comfort and limited experience caring for transgender and gender-diverse patients or caregivers. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Many HCT members were unaware of specific issues impacting the EOL experiences of LGBTQ+ patients and caregivers, or how these experiences may inform important care and communication needs at EOL.

Neighborhood segregation and cognitive change: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated associations between neighborhood racial/ethnic segregation and cognitive change. METHODS: We used data (n = 1712) from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Racial/ethnic segregation was assessed using Getis-Ord (Gi*) z-scores based on American Community Survey Census tract data (higher Gi* = greater spatial clustering of participant's race/ethnicity). Global cognition and processing speed were assessed twice, 6 years apart. Adjusted multilevel linear regression tested associations between Gi* z-scores and cognition. Effect modification by race/ethnicity, income, education, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and neighborhood social support was tested. RESULTS: Participants were on average 67 years old; 43% were White, 11% Chinese, 29% African American/Black, 17% Hispanic; 40% had high neighborhood segregation (Gi* > 1.96). African American/Black participants with greater neighborhood segregation had greater processing speed decline in stratified analyses, but no interactions were significant. DISCUSSION: Segregation was associated with greater processing speed declines among African American/Black participants. Additional follow-ups and comprehensive cognitive batteries may further elucidate these findings. HIGHLIGHTS: A study of neighborhood racial/ethnic segregation and change in cognition. Study was based on a racially and geographically diverse, population-based cohort of older adults. Racial/ethnic segregation (clustering) was measured by the Getis-ord (Gi*) statistic. We saw faster processing speed decline among Black individuals in segregated neighborhoods.

Complex identities, intersectionality and research approaches in millennial family caregivers in the United States.

AIMS: A discussion of the personal and social contexts for Millennial family caregivers and the value of including complex identity and intersectionality in Millennial family caregiving research with practical application. DESIGN: Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES: This discussion paper is based on our own experiences and supported by literature and theory. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Millennial family caregivers have distinct generational, historical and developmental experiences that contribute to the care they provide as well as their own well-being. Complex identity, the integration of multiple identities, and intersectionality, systems and structures that disempower and oppress individuals with multiple identities, need to be addressed in nursing research so intervention tailoring and health equity can be better supported in this population. From research conceptualization and design to data analysis, data must be used intentionally to promote equity and reduce bias. The inclusion of diverse Millennial caregivers throughout all stages of the research process and having a diverse nursing research workforce will support these efforts. CONCLUSION: Millennial family caregivers comprise one-quarter of the family caregiving population in the United States, and they are more diverse than previous family caregiving generational cohorts. Their needs will be more fully supported by nursing scientists with the adoption of methods and techniques that address complex identity and intersectionality. IMPACT: Nursing researchers can use the following research approaches to address complex identity and intersectionality in Millennial caregivers: inclusion of qualitative demographic data collection (participants can self-describe); data disaggregation; data visualization techniques to augment or replace frequencies and descriptive statistics for demographic reporting; use of researcher reflexivity throughout the research process; advanced statistical modelling techniques that can handle complex demographic data and test for interactions and differential effects of health outcomes; and qualitative approaches such as phenomenology that centre the stories and experiences of individuals within the population of interest.

Racial and ethnic disparities in mortality among breast cancer survivors after a second malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic differences in survival after a first cancer are well established but have not been examined after a second primary cancer (SPC) despite the increasing incidence among survivors. METHODS: We examined 39 029 female breast cancer survivors who developed an SPC between 2000 and 2014 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 database. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression for competing risks data was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality after SPCs comparing Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Asian, and Non-Hispanic Black survivors with Non-Hispanic White survivors. Models were adjusted for sociodemographics, tumor characteristics, and treatments of the first and second cancer. Analyses were stratified by SPC type. RESULTS: During 17 years of follow-up, there were 15 117 deaths after SPCs. The risk of cancer death was 12% higher among Non-Hispanic Black survivors (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.19) and 8% higher among Hispanic survivors (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.16) compared with Non-Hispanic White survivors. In subgroup analyses, the strongest associations were observed among Non-Hispanic Black survivors with a second breast or uterine cancer and among Hispanic survivors with a second breast cancer. Non-Hispanic Black survivors also experienced a 44% higher risk of cardiovascular disease death after SPC diagnosis than Non-Hispanic White survivors (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.20 to 1.74). CONCLUSIONS: Higher cancer mortality among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic survivors and higher cardiovascular mortality among Non-Hispanic Black survivors exist among women who survive a first breast cancer to develop an SPC. Studies focused on identifying the contributors to these disparities are needed to enable implementation of effective mitigation strategies.

Nationwide geospatial analysis of county racial and ethnic composition and public drinking water arsenic and uranium.

There is no safe level of exposure to inorganic arsenic or uranium, yet recent studies identified sociodemographic and regional inequalities in concentrations of these frequently detected contaminants in public water systems across the US. We analyze the county-level association between racial/ethnic composition and public water arsenic and uranium concentrations from 2000-2011 using geospatial models. We find that higher proportions of Hispanic/Latino and American Indian/Alaskan Native residents are associated with significantly higher arsenic and uranium concentrations. These associations differ in magnitude and direction across regions; higher proportions of non-Hispanic Black residents are associated with higher arsenic and uranium in regions where concentrations of these contaminants are high. The findings from this nationwide geospatial analysis identifying racial/ethnic inequalities in arsenic and uranium concentrations in public drinking water across the US can advance environmental justice initiatives by informing regulatory action and financial and technical support to protect communities of color.

Mortality after second malignancy in breast cancer survivors compared to a first primary cancer: a nationwide longitudinal cohort study.

Limited information exists about survival outcomes after second primary cancers (SPCs) among breast cancer survivors. Studies suggest that mortality after certain SPCs may be higher than mortality after first primary cancers (FPCs) of the same type. A cohort study was conducted among 63,424 US women using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 database (2000-2016) to compare mortality after a SPC among breast cancer survivors to mortality among women after a FPC using Cox proportional hazard regression. Propensity scores were used to match survivors with SPCs to women with FPCs 1:1 based on cancer type and prognostic factors. During a median follow-up of 42 months, 11,532 cancer deaths occurred after SPCs among survivors compared to 9305 deaths after FPCs. Cumulative cancer mortality was 44.7% for survivors with SPCs and 35.2% for women with FPCs. Survivors with SPCs had higher risk of cancer death (hazard ratio (HR): 1.27, 95% CI: 1.23-1.30) and death overall (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.15-1.21) than women with FPCs. Increased risk of cancer death after SPCs compared to FPCs was observed for cancer in breast, lung, colon and/or rectum, uterus, lymphoma, melanoma, thyroid, and leukemia. Estrogen receptor status and treatment of the prior breast cancer as well as time between prior breast cancer and SPC significantly modified the mortality difference between women with SPC and FPC. A more tailored approach to early detection and treatment could improve outcomes from second cancer in breast cancer survivors.

Stress and Supportive Care Needs of Millennial Caregivers: A Qualitative Analysis.

Millennial caregivers, born between 1981 and 1996, are an understudied caregiver group. They experience stress-related consequences of caregiving and are unique in their developmental stage and generational norms. The purpose of this study was to understand the context of caregiving and stressors for these caregivers. In total, 42 caregivers were recruited through Research Match and social media platforms. Caregivers completed online surveys with open-ended response questions and 15 caregivers completed semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed deductively and inductively using the Stress Process Model as a framework. Millennial caregivers described uncertainty and disruption as overarching experiences. Stressors related to balancing caregiving, work, and family responsibilities were most prominent. Caregivers reported needing support from friends/family, health care team members, community, and work/governmental policy. Mental health treatment was identified as most helpful for managing stress. Millennial caregivers have distinctive contexts that impact their caregiving needs. Caregiving interventions must take these needs into consideration.

Ambient Air Pollution and Adverse Waitlist Events Among Lung Transplant Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is associated with cardiopulmonary disease and death in the general population. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is particularly harmful due to its ability to penetrate into areas of gas exchange within the lungs. Persons with advanced lung disease are believed to be particularly susceptible to PM2.5 exposure, but only a few studies have examined the effect of exposure on this population. Here we investigate the association between PM2.5 exposure and adverse waitlist events among lung transplant (LT) candidates. METHODS: US registry data were used to identify LT candidates listed between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2016. Annual PM2.5 concentration at year of listing was estimated for each candidate's ZIP Code using National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center Global Annual PM2.5 Grids. We estimated crude and adjusted hazard ratios for adverse waitlist events, defined as death or removal, using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Of the 15 075 included candidates, median age at listing was 60, 43.8% were female individuals, and 81.7% were non-Hispanic White. Median ZIP Code PM2.5 concentration was 9.06 µg/m3. When compared with those living in ZIP Codes with lower PM2.5 exposure (PM2.5 <10.53 µg/m3), candidates in ZIP Codes in the highest quartile of PM2.5 exposure (≥10.53 µg/m3) had 1.14-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.25) risk of adverse waitlist events. The result remained significant after adjusting for demographics, education, insurance, smoking, lung allocation score, body mass index, and blood type (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated ambient PM2.5 concentration was associated with adverse waitlist events among LT candidates. These findings highlight the impact of air pollution on clinical outcomes in this critically ill population.

What contextual factors account for anxiety and depressed mood in hospice family caregivers?

OBJECTIVE: End-of-life caregiving is associated with poorer mental health compared with other caregiving. The objective of this study was to examine the association between contextual characteristics and appraisal factors on family caregivers' mental health and well-being. METHODS: Family hospice caregivers were recruited across four states using a non-probabilistic sampling approach. This study analyzed contextual (demographic, caregiving, economic) and appraisal factors (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, Zarit Burden Interview) on caregivers' anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, and positive affect and well-being (Positive Affect and Well-being Scale). Hierarchical linear regression models were generated in SPSS version 24. RESULTS: Data from 102 family caregivers were analyzed. On average, participants were 58.93 years of age (SD = 14.24), mostly female (72.55%), spouses/partners (51.96%), and non-Hispanic White (78.43%). Most (75.49%) described their financial situation as comfortable or more than adequate. Younger age (B = -0.11, 95% CI = -0.18 to -0.05) and increased caregiving burden (B = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.27) were associated with increased anxiety, while lower perceived financial adequacy (B = -1.19, 95% CI = -2.07 to -0.32), lower social support (B = -0.04, 95% CI = -0.06 to -0.01), and increased caregiving burden (B = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.08-0.22) were associated with worsened depression. Greater social support (B = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05-0.14) and lower caregiving burden (B = -0.19, 95% CI = -0.32 to -0.07) were associated with greater positive affect and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest significant impact of contextual factors on mental health and well-being, and support the need for holistic assessment of hospice caregivers' wellbeing and programs and policies providing social services and economic support to caregivers.

Urinary arsenic and heart disease mortality in NHANES 2003-2014.

BACKGROUND: Evidence evaluating the prospective association between low-to moderate-inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure and cardiovascular disease in the general US population is limited. We evaluated the association between urinary arsenic concentrations in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2014 and heart disease mortality linked from the National Death Index through 2015. METHODS: We modeled iAs exposure as urinary total arsenic and dimethylarsinate among participants with low seafood intake, based on low arsenobetaine levels (N = 4990). We estimated multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for heart disease mortality per interquartile range (IQR) increase in urinary arsenic levels using survey-weighted, Cox proportional hazards models, and evaluated flexible dose-response analyses using restricted quadratic spline models. We updated a previously published relative risk of coronary heart disease mortality from a dose-response meta-analysis per a doubling of water iAs (e.g., from 10 to 20 µg/L) with our results from NHANES 2003-2014, assuming all iAs exposure came from drinking water. RESULTS: A total of 77 fatal heart disease events occurred (median follow-up time 75 months). The adjusted HRs (95% CI) of heart disease mortality for an increase in urinary total arsenic and DMA corresponding to the interquartile range were 1.20 (0.83, 1.74) and 1.18 (0.68, 2.05), respectively. Restricted quadratic splines indicate a significant association between increasing urinary total arsenic and the HR of fatal heart disease for all participants at the lowest exposure levels <4.5 µg/L. The updated pooled relative risk of coronary heart disease mortality per doubling of water iAs (µg/L) was 1.16 (95% CI 1.07, 1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a small number of events, relatively short follow-up time, and high analytical limits of detection for urinary arsenic species, iAs exposure at low-to moderate-levels is consistent with increased heart disease mortality in NHANES 2003-2014 although the associations were only significant in flexible dose-response models.

Racial Segregation and Respiratory Outcomes among Urban Black Residents with and at Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale: Racial residential segregation has been associated with worse health outcomes, but the link with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) morbidity has not been established.Objectives: To investigate whether racial residential segregation is associated with COPD morbidity among urban Black adults with or at risk of COPD.Methods: Racial residential segregation was assessed using isolation index, based on 2010 decennial census and baseline address, for Black former and current smokers in the multicenter SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study), a study of adults with or at risk for COPD. We tested the association between isolation index and respiratory symptoms, physiologic outcomes, imaging parameters, and exacerbation risk among urban Black residents, adjusting for established COPD risk factors, including smoking. Additional mediation analyses were conducted for factors that could lie on the pathway between segregation and COPD outcomes, including individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status, comorbidity burden, depression/anxiety, and ambient pollution.Measurements and Main Results: Among 515 Black participants, those residing in segregated neighborhoods (i.e., isolation index ⩾0.6) had worse COPD Assessment Test score (ß = 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7 to 4.0), dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council scale; ß = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.47), quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire; ß = 6.1; 95% CI, 2.3 to 9.9), and cough and sputum (ß = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.5); lower FEV1% predicted (ß = -7.3; 95% CI, -10.9 to -3.6); higher rate of any and severe exacerbations; and higher percentage emphysema (ß = 2.3; 95% CI, 0.7 to 3.9) and air trapping (ß = 3.8; 95% CI, 0.6 to 7.1). Adverse associations attenuated with adjustment for potential mediators but remained robust for several outcomes, including dyspnea, FEV1% predicted, percentage emphysema, and air trapping.Conclusions: Racial residential segregation was adversely associated with COPD morbidity among urban Black participants and supports the hypothesis that racial segregation plays a role in explaining health inequities affecting Black communities.

Ambient air pollution and posttransplant outcomes among kidney transplant recipients.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ), a common form of air pollution which can induce systemic inflammatory response, is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Kidney transplant (KT) recipients are likely vulnerable to PM2.5 due to comorbidity and chronic immunosuppression. We sought to quantify the association between PM2.5 and post-KT outcomes. For adult KT recipients (1/1/2010-12/31/2016) in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we estimated annual zip-code level PM2.5 concentrations at the time of KT using NASA's SEDAC Global PM2.5 Grids. We determined the associations between PM2.5 and delayed graft function (DGF) and 1-year acute rejection using logistic regression and death-censored graft failure (DCGF) and mortality using Cox proportional hazard models. All models were adjusted for sociodemographics, recipient, transplant, and ZIP code level confounders. Among 87 233 KT recipients, PM2.5 was associated with increased odds of DGF (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.48-1.71) and 1-year acute rejection (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.17-1.46) and increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23) but not DCGF (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.97-1.51). In conclusion, PM2.5 was associated with higher odds of DGF and 1-year acute rejection and elevated risk of mortality among KT recipients. Our study highlights the importance of considering environmental exposure as risk factors for post-KT outcomes.

"I Feel All Alone Out Here": Analysis of Audio Diaries of Bereaved Hospice Family Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed social life. This secondary qualitative analysis aimed to better understand the impact of the pandemic on bereaved hospice family caregivers' experiences of social connection and isolation in a time of social distancing and general anxiety. Six caregivers in 3 states recorded audio diaries (N = 59) between March 13 and May 15, 2020. Caregivers were, on average, 56.80 years old (SD, 14.22; range, 32-67 years old) and consisted of spouses (n = 2), adult children (n = 3), and a sibling (n = 1). Using NVIVO 12, caregiver diaries were coded for (1) "social connection" (n = 23), defined as being able to access or seeking informal or formal social support networks; (2) "isolation" (n = 17), defined as being unable or reluctant to access informal or formal social support networks, or feeling alone; and (3) "bereavement processes" (n = 147), informed by the dual process model of bereavement (restoration and loss-oriented stressors). Content analysis revealed that caregivers were able to connect with others despite physical distancing expectations, expressed loneliness and grief while in isolation, and described moving on in the face of uncertainty. Findings provide insight into how caregivers experienced bereavement during the initial period of the pandemic and highlight implications for hospice bereavement services.

Ambient Air Pollution and Mortality among Older Patients Initiating Maintenance Dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Fine particulate matter (particulate matter with diameter <2.5 µm [PM2.5]) is associated with CKD progression and may impact the health of patients living with kidney failure. While older (aged ≥65 years) adults are most vulnerable to the impact of PM2.5, it is unclear whether older patients on dialysis are at elevated risk of mortality when exposed to fine particulate matter. METHODS: Older adults initiating dialysis (2010-2016) were identified from US Renal Data System (USRDS). PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from NASA's Socioeconomic Data and Application Center (SEDAC) Global Annual PM2.5 Grids. We investigated the association between PM2.5 and all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazard models with linear splines [knot at the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5 of 12 µg/m3] and robust variance. RESULTS: For older dialysis patients who resided in areas with high PM2.5, a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with 1.16-fold (95% CI: 1.08-1.25) increased risk of mortality; furthermore, those who were female (aHR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.13-1.42), Black (aHR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09-1.59), or had diabetes as a primary cause of kidney failure (aHR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.38) were most vulnerable to high PM2.5. While the mortality risk associated with PM2.5 was stronger at higher levels (aHR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.32), at lower levels (≤12 µg/m3), PM2.5 was significantly associated with mortality risk (aHR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07) among patients aged ≥75 years (Pslope difference = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults initiating dialysis who resided in ZIP codes with PM2.5 levels >12 µg/m3 are at increased risk of mortality. Those aged >75 were at elevated risk even at levels below the EPA Standard for PM2.5.

Hospice interdisciplinary team providers' attitudes toward sexual and gender minority patients and caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: Hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT) providers' attitudes toward sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients and family caregivers impacts quality of care and end-of-life outcomes. This study assessed hospice IDT provider attitudes toward SGM patients and caregivers and identified demographic predictors. METHODS: Hospice IDT providers (N = 122) completed an adapted 11-item scale measuring attitudes toward SGM hospice patients and caregivers. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and regression models were conducted. RESULTS: The hospice-adapted Attitudes Toward LGBT Patients Scale (ATLPS) demonstrated acceptable Cronbach's alpha (0.707). Total scores ranged from 32 to 55 (M = 47.04, SD = 5.64) showing that attitudes were generally positive. Being religious (B=-3.169, p = 0.008) was associated with more negative attitudes, while higher education (B = 1.951, p = 0.002) and time employed in hospice agency (B = 0.600, p = 0.028) were associated with more positive attitudes. CONCLUSION: This is among the first studies to assess SGM-specific hospice IDT attitudes. Participants had relatively positive attitudes, influenced by religious beliefs, clinical experience, and education. CFA results suggest the need for better instruments to measure this complex construct. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Education incorporating evidence of disparities, life-course perspectives, and end-of-life experiences of diverse cohorts of SGM patients and families may build on hospice IDT members' experience and training by influencing attitudes, reducing bias and improving competency.

Assessing the spatial heterogeneity in black-white differences in optimal cardiovascular health and the impact of individual- and neighborhood-level risk factors: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Racial disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH) continue to remain a public health concern in the United States. We use unique population-based data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort to explore the black-white differences in optimal CVH. Utilizing geographically weighted regression methods, we assess the spatial heterogeneity in black-white differences in optimal CVH and the impact of both individual- and neighborhood-level risk factors. We found evidence of significant spatial heterogeneity in black-white differences that varied within and between the five sites. Initial models showed decreased odds of optimal CVH for blacks that ranged from 60% to 70% reduced odds - with noticeable variation of these decreased odds within each site. Adjusting for risk factors resulted in reductions in the black-white differences in optimal CVH. Further understanding of the reasons for spatial heterogeneities in black-white differences in nationally representative cohorts may provide important clues regarding the drivers of these differences.