Garland VA Medical Center

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for veterans with mental health conditions and to evaluate its efficacy on psychological well-being and stress reduction. DESIGN: Single-group, pretest-posttest design. METHOD: 30 veterans within a mental health clinic of a VA (Veterans Administration) medical center were enrolled in an 8-week standard MBSR program. Perceived stress, sleep, mindfulness, and depression were measured via self-reports at baseline and study end. Feasibility was measured by compliance and satisfaction with the course. FINDINGS: Scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (p =.002) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (p = .005) were significantly reduced (p = .002). The global measure for sleep from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index improved significantly (p = .035). Satisfaction and compliance were high. CONCLUSION: MBSR is a feasible intervention that has potential efficacy for veterans with mental health conditions. Future controlled trials are needed in this area.

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The design of a digital subband tuner (SBT) with an embedded GaAs finite-impulse-response (FIR) filter is described. The tuner is used in digital signal processing applications to tune adaptively to narrowband signals for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and higher signal selectivity against interferers. The SBT performance is maximized using GaAs gate arrays and memory devices designed to support a 400-MHz system clock rate.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Lower respiratory tract infections are a frequent cause of excessive antibiotic prescription. The use of CRP and PCT has been evaluated by recent trials as a mean to assist antibiotic prescription. These studies suggest a safe reduction of antibiotic usage when prescription is guided by biomarkers. There is at the moment no evidence benefiting one of the biomarkers over the other, but a recent Swiss trial could suggest an added benefit for PCT. For now, PCT is less available, more expensive and not reimbursed. Democratization of its use, and/or clear thresholds for the use of CRP are additional ways that could participate to reduce excessive antibiotic prescription in primary care.

Introduction Studies have shown that acute strokes in hospitals experience longer delays in recognition and management compared to those in the ED. Prompt initiation and execution of code stroke protocol remains critical for acute stroke care. To support staff knowledge and workflow, a portable, visually illustrative brain‐shaped tool outlining key code stroke processes was introduced across the hospital. A survey was conducted to assess code stroke knowledge and the visual tool's impact. Methods A structured, eight‐question online survey with a dedicated feedback section was administered to multidisciplinary staff at a primary stroke center (n=46), three months following the implementation of the visual tool. The survey evaluated the following categories: (1) knowledge of stroke code processes; (2) experience with the visual tool; and (3) perceptions of its influence on confidence and workflow guidance during stroke activations. Results Of 46 staff surveyed, mean scores (1‐5 scale) showed moderate comfort with code stroke (3.00), limited EMR documentation familiarity (2.69), and mixed views on the visual tool's helpfulness (2.67) and efficiency (3.21). Chi‐square analyses revealed significant associations between medical emergency response team and comfort with code stroke (χ 2 =29.99, p&lt;0.001), awareness of the tool and perceived helpfulness (χ 2 =40.27, p&lt;0.001), and hospital unit and comfort level (χ 2 =160.35, p&lt;0.001). While averages reflected overall perceptions, chi‐square highlighted group differences. Feedback indicated the tool improved workflow understanding, confidence, and recall of steps. Conclusion The visual tool was associated with increased awareness and confidence among hospital staff in performing code strokes. Visual aids may reinforce protocol adherence, strengthen multidisciplinary team readiness, and ultimately support timely, efficient in‐patient stroke care. Further research is warranted to evaluate its impact on stroke code performance metrics and patient outcomes. image image