Personal Practices Research Articles

Distinctive Anatomical Patterns of the Mandibular Coronoid Process, Condyle, and Sigmoid Notch: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging for Advanced Personal Identification.

The human mandible plays a significant role in personal identification due to its unique morphological characteristics. The coronoid process, condyle, and sigmoid notch exhibit variations that can be utilized for forensic and anthropological purposes. This study aims to analyze the morphological diversities of these mandibular features in our ethnic group using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. A retrospective analysis was conducted using 100 CBCT images obtained from the archives of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. The images were captured using Carestream 9600 machines (Carestream Dental LLC, Atlanta, GA) with standard exposure parameters. Curved slicing screenshots were utilized for tracing the morphological variations of the coronoid process, condyle, and sigmoid notch. Out of 100 CBCT images analyzed (corresponding to 200 sides), the shape-wise distribution of the coronoid process revealed that a triangular shape was most commonly observed in 59% (118) of cases. The condyle exhibited a predominantly round shape in 38.7% (77) of cases based on shape parameter-wise distribution. Similarly, the sigmoid notch displayed a round shape in 40.5% (81) of cases based on shape-wise distribution. Personal identification using radiographs has gained significance in the current scenario due to its feasibility. Cone beam computed tomography imaging has become a reliable and accurate method for revealing hidden details in forensic odontology, especially when antemortem records are available. This research sheds light on the morphological variations of the mandibular coronoid process, condyle, and sigmoid notch within our ethnic cohort, enhancing personal identification practices. Further research encompassing larger sample sizes and diverse populations would enhance the applicability of these findings in forensic and anthropological contexts.

Survey of perioperative utilization of professional medical interpreters for limited-English proficient patients: Towards a framework for systems-level improvement

IntroductionSurgical patients in United States’ hospitals have grown more linguistically diverse. However, professional medical interpreter (PMI) utilization remains inconsistent at many healthcare institutions for limited-English proficient (LEP) patients. Numerous studies demonstrate that inadequate perioperative access to PMI leads to worse care and outcomes for LEP patients. The perioperative setting presents unique challenges for providers in caring for LEP patients including obtaining informed consent, a transient team of multi-disciplinary providers, and the time pressure of operating room practice. ObjectiveOur study is the first to assess barriers to consistent PMI use in the immediate perioperative setting and to identify system-level approaches to improve PMI use. MethodWe surveyed a multidisciplinary team of perioperative nurses, advanced practice providers, anesthesiology and surgical trainees and faculty on their personal practices and perceived barriers to PMI use. An anonymous online 13-question survey was used. Answer options included rank order, multiple choice, Likert scale, and free text. Survey data was analyzed using univariate statistics and stratified based on providers having received information on the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 and their medical training status. Pearson's chi-squared test was performed and odds ratios calculated to determine if these provider characteristics were associated with increased preference for PMI over bilingual staff and patients’ family members for interpretation and with other LEP evidence-based care practices. ResultsWe received a total of 262 responses with a 28.3 % response rate. Among survey participants, 19.1 % of participants did not know where to find patients’ language preferences in the electronic health record (EHR) and 69.8 % of participants did not know how to update language preferences in the EHR. When a bilingual staff was present, 31.0 % and 24.8 % of providers would forgo using video and phone PMI, respectively. Comparatively, trainees were more likely to use PMI instead of patients’ family or bilingual staff. Providers who received training on the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 were more likely to use PMI for interpretation and provide translated consent forms, and least likely to utilize patients’ families for interpretation. Barriers to PMI use included difficulty obtaining video consoles or phones, long wait times for interpreters, unavailability of language, unfamiliarity with using video consoles or accessing interpreters, poor sound quality and internet connectivity issues. As many as 26 % of respondents cited time pressure for starting a surgical case as the reason for not using an interpreter. DiscussionBased on these survey results, we developed a framework for quality improvement initiatives to effect system-level change in similar high-output perioperative settings. This framework can be categorized into (1) process refinement and harnessing the EHR for identification and documentation of LEP status, (2) interdepartmental collaboration to address workflow constraints, technical issues and supply-demand mismatch, and (3) increasing awareness among leadership and providers about interpretation laws, cost reduction and improved outcomes with PMI use.

Exploring the Interplay of Food Security, Safety, and Psychological Wellness in the COVID-19 Era: Managing Strategies for Resilience and Adaptation.

The global population surge presents a dual challenge and opportunity in the realms of food consumption, safety, and mental well-being. This necessitates a projected 70% increase in food production to meet growing demands. Amid this backdrop, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates these issues, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between food consumption patterns and mental health dynamics during this crisis. Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 hinges upon rigorous adherence to personal hygiene practices and heightened disease awareness. Furthermore, maintaining stringent food quality and safety standards across both public and private sectors is imperative for safeguarding public health and containing viral transmission. Drawing upon existing research, this study delves into the pandemic's impact on mental health, food consumption habits, and food safety protocols. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to elucidate the nuanced relationship among food, food safety, and mental well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting synergistic effects and dynamics that underpin holistic human welfare. Our study offers a novel approach by integrating psychological wellness with food security and safety. In conceiving this review, we aimed to comprehensively explore the intricate interplay among food security, safety, and psychological wellness amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our review is structured to encompass a thorough examination of existing research, synthesizing insights into the multifaceted relationships among food consumption patterns, mental health dynamics, and food safety protocols during the crisis. Our findings provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing food security and psychological well-being, thus supporting both academic research and real-world applications in crisis management and policy development.

Food safety knowledge, hygiene practices among food handlers, and microbiological quality of animal side dishes in contract catering

Food poisoning is a major concern in catering services in Indonesia, with multiple outbreaks being reported in factories and offices. This study aimed to assess the level of food safety knowledge, personal hygiene practices, and microbiological quality of chicken and egg dishes at three catering companies in the Yogyakarta Special Region of Indonesia, which provide mass catering for workers. From March to July 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted using validated questionnaires, observation checklists, and microbiological tests to measure the parameters of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Pearson and Rank-Spearman correlation tests, as well as independent sample t-tests, were used for statistical analysis. The study revealed that 75% of the subjects had limited knowledge of food safety, with only 5% having a good understanding. Furthermore, 95% of the subjects had not received any food safety training, resulting in poor hygiene practices among the food handlers. Although there was no significant correlation between food safety knowledge and hygiene practices (p>0.05), certain practices, such as appearance and hand washing, were significantly correlated with age. Employment duration was negatively correlated with food safety knowledge (p=0.027; r=-0.494). While chicken samples were free from E. coli and S. aureus, one egg sample was found to be contaminated with E. coli. The research emphasizes the significance of providing frequent food safety training to food handlers, ideally every year. Additionally, it recommends conducting larger sample studies and collaborating with government agencies for future research.

From social traditions to personalized routines: Maintenance goals as a resilience factor

AbstractWe identified and tested a novel aspect of human resilience: The daily pursuit of maintenance goals. Taking inspiration from archaeological records, which point at routinized cultural practices as a central resilience factor, we tested whether personal routine practices, governed by maintenance goals, serve a similar function to individuals as traditional practices do to societies. Namely, we hypothesized that maintenance striving increases individuals’ resilient responses to stressful events. Confirming this prediction, a longitudinal Study 1 showed that maintenance striving but not avoidance striving, predicted subsequent increases in well‐being following the third wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany. Study 2 confirmed our predictions on trait resilience and maintenance versus avoidance motivations in the household and relationship life domains in cross‐sectional data. These studies contribute to the understanding of resilience by demonstrating the benefits of maintenance goals for both situational and trait‐level resilience.

(The Importance of Knowledge and Work in Islamic Thought) A Study of the Stages of Spiritual Purification According to Imam Al-Ghazali

Science occupies great importance in Islamic thought. Science and learning are considered an essential part of Islamic teachings, and this importance appears in several aspects,Among them is thatScience as a means of understanding religion :Science is a means of understanding the teachings of the Islamic religion. Islam encourages thinking and rational research to understand the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, enabling Muslims to direct their lives and actions in accordance with the directives of their religion,And also to encourageResearch :Islam encourages scientific research and the use of reason in understanding the nature of the universe and God’s signs in it. Muslims are encouraged to study the natural and social sciences and all fields that are useful in developing human knowledge. Science and community development :Islam views science as playing a crucial role in the progress and development of society. It encourages the use of science and technology in the service of humanity, in improving living conditions and promoting social and economic progress, science and piety :Islam views science as a means to achieve piety, that is, a close connection with God and living according to His teachings. The search for and acquisition of knowledge is a form of worship, and Islam promotes people’s understanding that achieving knowledge leads to deeper piety, knowledge, and individual and collective excellence. :Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and achieving excellence in its field. It glorifies academic achievement and individual and collective skills as means of serving society and making positive contributions, science and justice :Islam promotes the use of science to achieve justice in society. The Islamic religion expects those with knowledge to contribute to serving justice, ensuring the rights of individuals, and achieving balance in society. In Islamic thought, science is linked to religion and lifeAlyumiaIt encourages Muslims to use science as a means to achieve personal well-beingAnd socialAt the same time To serve God and his creation. This is what Imam Al-Ghazali argued in the content of the research, where:Not all knowledge is science. For example, our life experiences do not include direct observation and practical activity, which do not go beyond the pure description of facts and processes, and which do not go beyond monitoring their external aspects only. That Work is all the activities that a person practices, whether physical or mental, with the aim of production in the institution in which he works, whether governmental or private, or the work may be in a personal profession or craft. The concept of work in Islam: Work is everything that brings benefit to the believer, and this benefit may be material, worldly, or moral in the hereafter. Work has great importance and great status in Islam, and through it the Muslim obtains a great reward and reward, as it is considered worship and compliance with the commands of God Almighty, so through it Life flourishes, the country is prospered, and stability is achieved for the individual and society as a whole. Work in Islam is considered a type of jihad for the sake of God, and its goal is not just to collect money, but rather it is an act of worship that brings goodness to the Muslim, and what is required of him is to strive hard in life seeking the doors of sustenance. And to adhere to God’s limits and not disobey His commands, as good deeds are what guarantee a good life and strength for a person.

A home health management app designed in the post-epidemic era using empirical evidence based on the demand collection of elderly users

In the context of the epidemic, the daily routines of China’s elderly populace underwent substantial transformations. The implementation of home-based pandemic containment strategies led to heightened levels of social isolation and loneliness, exerting a discernible influence on the subjective well-being of this demographic. Consequently, residing in retirement apartments has emerged as a more advantageous alternative for elderly individuals capable of self-care. To meet their life and emotional needs and improve their sense of well-being, we used the KANO model to design a health management app for the self-care of older persons. We summarised the functional requirements for the self-care of elderly people, distributed questionnaires to generate a list of requirements, and conducted data analysis. We optimised the low-fidelity prototype based on the usability test results combined with relevant interface design elements to implement emotional interaction design practices for older persons’ self-care. Furthermore, we completed a design evaluation and program optimisation of the design practice to guide the final visual design. The research findings identify the core principles of interactive design for elderly users to enable visual design specifications for improving the lives of the elderly population. This research highlights the need to design more appropriate products that meet demographic characteristics. This work contributes to strengthening the connection between elderly people and society while bridging the ‘digital divide’ based on this population’s cautious approach to technologies and declining abilities to learn.

Determinants of financial literacy among university students: Insight into background and exposure characteristics

This article examined the level of financial literacy among university students in Ghana (N = 3932), and investigated which factors are linked with the different financial literacy components. This article is motivated by the increased drive toward financial inclusion and the critical role of financial knowledge in an increasingly sophisticated financial world. The framework used, assesses students’ knowledge in money management, savings and borrowing, investments, and insurance. The research findings show moderate knowledge in savings and borrowing but low level of knowledge in other finance issues among university students. Notably, the findings reveal that gender, work experience, subject of study, and mother’s level of education are all important determinants of financial knowledge among the students. The findings further show that students with relatively high financial knowledge are more likely to have sound judgment on financial issues; make the right financial decisions and have sound personal financial management practices. Based on the findings of the study, a national policy on financial literacy and educational programs are urgently needed as intervention to improve the level of financial knowledge of university students.

Adherence to Personal Protective Equipment practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study

A direct observational pilot project of healthcare personnel (HCP) was conducted to validate a tool that measures personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence at a large pediatric institution. Overall unit PPE adherence for all moments ranged from 50-61%. Masking was the most adhered to PPE moment (100%); hand hygiene prior to donning PPE had the lowest adherence (13%). Using data from this standardized tool, researchers can evolve PPE standards to maximize their adherence, effectiveness, and ease of utilization.

Comment s’informent les patients allergiques ? Une étude exploratoire dans un CHU français

Study objectiveThe objective of this study was to apprehend information practices of patients receiving allergy care. Patients and methodsWe conducted a prospective monocentric study administering a questionnaire to 200 patients consulting for any type of allergy in a French university hospital center. Respondents provided answers on their socio-demographic characteristics, personal practices for seeking information on allergies, understanding of the information shared by allergists, and doctor's attitude. ResultsIn all, 68% of patients declared informing themselves on allergies. Healthcare professionals were their main sources of information (allergist 66%, family doctor 57%, other specialists 5%), followed by the Internet (22%), leaflets from pharmaceutical laboratories (16%), and traditional media (television 11%, press 6%, radio, 2%). Patients expressed the need for information and explanations from the allergist, regarding the diagnosed allergy, adverse effects, and duration of treatment. Thirty-one percent of them encountered difficulty in understanding the information shared by the doctor during the consultation, especially in patients suffering from respiratory allergies, with a short clinical history, an educational level below high school diploma and among those who do not seek information on allergies besides medical consultation. Discussion and conclusionThe study led to identify first outlines on information practices of allergy patients. The work will be continued by a qualitative study.

Bibliometric Analysis of Community Acceptance towards Reusable Diapers

This research aims to elucidate the development of studies on public acceptance of reusable diapers and their relevance. A quantitative descriptive approach and bibliometric analysis were employed to achieve this objective. Data were collected from Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Google Scholar. The collected articles were subsequently processed and analyzed using VOSviewer. The research results reveal that four primary topics are pertinent to society's acceptance of reusable diapers: societal behavior and acceptance of disposable diapers and measures to address diaper rash; causes of diaper rash in newborns and the severity index of dermatitis; prevention of diaper rash in infants through personal hygiene practices; and the risks associated with diaper use in toddlers. The transition from disposable to reusable diapers is crucial due to its significant environmental and health benefits, particularly in reducing the incidence of diaper rash. The study implies further research on mothers' acceptance of reusable diapers in Indonesia, encompassing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE PATTERN OF SELF-MEDICATION USED FOR DIARRHEA AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA

Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the drug usage pattern, personal hygiene, and sanitation practices among day scholars and hosteller medical students. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted at MGM Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore. Undergraduate and postgraduate medical students who experienced episodes of diarrhea in the past 6 months were included in the study. Diarrhea occurring due to organic causes was excluded. Data were collected using a Google or physical form and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 254 students who suffered from diarrhea in the past 6 months participated in the study, out of which 56% were hostellers. Commonly used drugs were ofloxacin, metronidazole, etc. 50.2% of them took self-medication; the majority of them were hostellers. Students were found to eat outside at least once a week. Personal hygiene and sanitation were more compromised among hostellers than day scholars. Conclusion: Personal hygiene and sanitation practices should be improved among medical students, especially hostel students. These students, despite being from medical backgrounds, still take irrational medication. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness regarding drug usage, and self-medication should be discouraged.

Social Media as an Emerging Learning Tool to Promote Inclusivity in Physiology Education - Comparing the Diversity in Opinions of Health Profession Students

Background & Objectives: Digitalisation across the globe has massively expanded the use of the internet and technology which can benefit in making physiology education more diverse, inclusive and culturally responsive. Access to a wealth of educational resources through digital platforms has democratized learning, particularly in areas where physical resources may be limited. Social Media can enable students from diverse backgrounds to access physiology education from institutions worldwide, providing options that suit individual needs and schedules.The purpose of this study is to understand the role that social media could play as an effcient learning tool to promote an equitable and inclusive learning environment in physiology. Methods: This survey-based study was conducted among Health Profession students of the medical and nursing fields using a structured questionnaire with 12 items. The opinions of students towards using social media as an emerging learning tool in physiology education were obtained on a 5-point Likert scale and studied under 3 themes- i) Utility in Medical Education, iii) Dependence and iii) Personal Practices. The opinions were compared on the basis of time that medical and nursing students could dedicate to social media for learning owing to their busy academic schedule. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The Mean and Standard Deviation (SD) of all continuous variables were descriptively analysed using univariate statistics and the differences were compared using T-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Mann–Whitney U test and Krushkall Wallis test were performed to identify differences in non-normal distribution. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, version 17) for Microsoft Windows, SPSS Inc. USA was used. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Our study included 50% medical and 50% nursing students with over 90% of them using social media. Highly positive responses for the utility of social media in physiology education indicate welcoming attitudes towards technology-based learning to promote inclusivity. However medical students perceived that their schedule is too busy to participate in social media (p-value < 0.05). Also, 78% were either unsure or believed social media would consume a lot of time. Even though students routinely used social media, the accuracy and reliability of social media as a learning tool was a major concern among students. Conclusion: Our study underscores the promise of social media as a powerful tool for enhancing inclusivity in physiology education. The enthusiasm of students for using these platforms in their learning journey is evident. However, the demanding schedules of medical students and concerns about resource reliability must be acknowledged as potential roadblocks. To unlock the full potential of social media in physiology education, it is imperative that educational institutions and educators address these challenges through strategic planning and assurance measures. By doing so, we can create an educational landscape that is both equitable and of high quality, where all students can benefit from the advantages of social media in their learning. This research serves as a call to action, encouraging further exploration and innovation in this field, ultimately advancing the delivery of physiology education in the digital age. Sources of Funding: This study did not recieve funding in any form Conflict of Interest: None to declare. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Prevalence and contributing factors of neck and low back pain among university students during examination periods: A survey based study at Jazan University

ABSTRACT Background: Neck and low back pain (LBP) are frequently experienced by university students during examination periods due to prolonged sitting, impaired posture, and increased stress. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence and contributing factors for neck and LBP among students at Jazan University during their examinations. Methodology: A survey-based study was conducted on 100 students aged 19–24 years from various academic disciplines. An electronic questionnaire distributed through social media collected data on personal demographics, study habits, pain occurrence, and frequency, intensity, and pain management practices. Results: Descriptive statistics summarized the data; results show that female students suffer from neck and LBP more frequently and intensely than male students. The study found that the use of electronic devices, lack of physical activity, poor knowledge of posture, and stress were all significantly related to the prevalence of pain. Conclusions: Multifactorial causes of neck and LBP during examination periods require comprehensive strategies involving ergonomic education, stress management, and promoting physical activity among students. Future research should explore longitudinal outcomes and the effectiveness of specific interventions across diverse academic settings.

Losing privacy versus losing choice: How consumers react to different costs of personalization

AbstractThis research investigates whether consumers anticipate any negative financial consequences arising from personalization practices, and examines how individuals respond to messages about its financial welfare implications, to see what factors increase blame toward firms for the impact their tactics can have on vulnerable populations. Results from a pilot study show that while privacy risks of personalization are highly accessible, few consider its potential to influence spending behavior. In addition, experimental studies reveal that individuals are more likely to blame firms for increases in teen consumer spending when they learn how online tactics limit and determine consumer choices, compared with when messages focus on firm's use of personal information. Additional studies also introduce a moderator for this effect. Overall, this research highlights limitations in consumers' ability to consider consequences of personalization, and provides guidance for advocates on how to better educate the public about potential issues associated with online marketing tactics.

Research on Empowering the Development of Green Finance in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Belt with Digital Economy

This article constructs a model of the development trend of green finance under the influence of various factors such as big data and the Internet of Things through literature review and personal practice. Based on the pattern of domestic "dual carbon" environment driving the vigorous development of digital economy, it solves the problem of the effect differences under traditional financial system, credit constraint mechanism, and financial supervision on the development of green finance. At present, green finance in the Chinese market is only at a relatively large scale, but it has broad development prospects and can further break through with the development of the digital economy. Therefore, exploring it, finding the right direction and reasonable development strategies can improve the quality and efficiency of China's financial market.

Risk Factors for Helminth Infection in Farmers : Literature Review

Worm infection is a serious health problem in many countries, especially in areas with poor sanitation. The factors that contribute to worm infection can vary, including environmental factors and human behavior. This study aims to collect and analyze relevant literature on the factors of exposure that affect worm infection in humans. Literature search sources include Google Scholar, SpringerLink, PubMed, and ScienceDirect that were published between 2019-2023 and discuss infection exposure agents, organic substances, and the relation between personal hygiene and intestinal worm infection. The research design can be qualitative or quantitative, involving observation, randomized control trials, and case studies. This study involves a population of farmers and uses articles in Indonesian and/or English. The literature review result indicate the importance of personal hygiene, good sanitation, and access to clean water in preventing Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections among farmers. Awareness of personal hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) need to be improved to reduce the risk of infection. Furthermore, sanitation and water sources improvement, as well as specific education, are needed to ensure the health of farmers living in rural, urban, and peri-urban areas. The role of nurses in preventing worm infections among farmers in rural areas includes education on sanitation, hygiene practices, and the use of protective equipment. Nurses also need to conduct regular health monitoring, collaborate with other healthcare teams, and improve communication with local health institutions. They should stay updated with research developments and implement the findings in the practice of care and education for farmers and the community.

Personal Hygiene as Scabies Factors Incidence in the Institute Rehabilitation Center of the Vagrants, Scrounger and Mental Disabilities in South Sumatra Region

Introduction: Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a highly contagious skin infestation. Poor personal hygiene often contributes to its prevalence. This study aims to identify specific aspects of personal hygiene that influence the incidence of scabies among residents of the Institute Rehabilitation Center of The Vagrants, Scroungers, and Individuals with Mental Disabilities in the South Sumatra Region. Methods: This observational-analytic study employed a case-control design. Data collection involved clinical records, observations, and questionnaire-based interviews. A total of 160 occupants, comprising 80 cases and 80 controls, were selected through simple random sampling. Data analysis utilized chi-square test and multiple logistic regression tests. Results and Discussion: Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations (p-value = 0.000) between scabies incidence and bathing habits, cleanliness of mattresses and bed linen, cleanliness of clothing, and open defecation behavior. Multiple logistic regression indicated that open defecation behavior (OR = 56.336; 95% CI = 17.281 – 158.500) was the primary personal hygiene factor influencing scabies incidence. Thus, maintaining proper open defecation practices is crucial for residents' hygiene and health. Conclusion: Poor personal hygiene practices, including inadequate bathing habits, unclean bedding, dirty clothing, and open defecation behavior, contribute to the occurrence of scabies. Effective education and counseling by healthcare professionals are essential for promoting better hygiene practices among residents.

How LGBTQ+ Young Adults Navigate Personal Risk in App-Based Hookups: The Safety Spectrum Theory.

Research on hooking up is rife with examinations of risky sexual health practices among LGBTQ+ young adults; yet, little has been written about the personal safety practices for this population. This omission is notable because safety practices can enhance the notable positive outcomes related to hooking up. Drawing on one-on-one interviews with 50 LGBTQ+ young adults (20 cismen, 20 ciswomen, two transmen, and eight others) in British Columbia, California, and Connecticut, we developed the safety spectrum theory, which used a spectral measurement to assess how LGBTQ+ young adults negotiate safety practices and implement safety rules. This spectrum was then applied to a three-step sequence of application (app)-based hookup rituals: online initiation, pre-meeting preparation, and in-person meetup. Results indicated that safety strategies may be dictated by situational factors, where individuals adapt to varying circumstances to be more in control of personal safety when hooking up. We further identified that participants move across the spectrum depending upon contextual factors, such as the gender of the potential hookup partner. This work suggests that LGBTQ+ young adults are mindful of their personal safety and deserve more credit than previously attributed in queer and sexual health research. From these findings, we provide evidence-based recommendations to make dating/hookup apps and public health campaigns more effective at mitigating hookup-related risks.

Infectious Complications From Body Piercings—A Narrative Review

Abstract Body piercings are common methods of self-expression and cultural identity and have existed for millennia. However, breaching the dermis and insertion of a foreign object entails risk, including infectious complications. Although serious complications are typically rare, especially in environments where proper piercing techniques and sanitation are practiced, the general public and healthcare professionals may be unaware of the risk for these complications. Serious complications may include tissue necrosis, endocarditis, and brain abscesses. Selection of a proper piercing locale and professional, and the use of personal hygiene practices and piercing site care can go a long way toward preventing infections. Avoidance of especially risky piercing sites or techniques may also be advisable.