Rates Of Behavior Research Articles

Centering autonomy and choice to support oral PrEP utilization among people who inject drugs: qualitative lessons from HPTN 094 INTEGRA

BackgroundOral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. However, despite high rates of HIV risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID), this population remains underserved by current HIV prevention efforts in the United States. To address this challenge, we conducted an in-depth exploration of perspectives on using oral PrEP among PWID engaged in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 094 INTEGRA Study.MethodsGuided by the Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model (PRISM), our qualitative study drew on semi-structured interviews conducted as part of the embedded implementation science evaluation of HPTN 094 INTEGRA. Seventy-seven PWID participants from five sites across New York City, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington DC were interviewed to assess intervention delivery, care access, and engagement sustainability. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via an inductive and deductive thematic approach.ResultsMost participants (n = 46, 59.7%) discussed oral PrEP during their interview, though not directly prompted. Participants discussing PrEP had a mean age of 41.6 years and were predominantly white (54.3%) and cisgender men (60.9%). Among these, 15 participants described using PrEP. All participants had facilitated access to oral PrEP. Yet, the choice to use PrEP was influenced by personal risk perceptions, (mis)information about PrEP, and external factors (i.e. housing, financial security), which, for some, limited the autonomy to use PrEP. Two key themes emerged among participants using PrEP: ease of access and perceptions of high HIV risk. Those not using PrEP described two themes: low risk perception and prioritizing more urgent needs. Among participants not using PrEP a subgroup commonly described ambivalent interest, PrEP knowledge gaps, and PrEP readiness (i.e., contemplation).ConclusionsQualitative findings highlight that facilitated PrEP access was insufficient to motivate use for many participants. Rather, PrEP decision-making process (i.e., choice) was linked to risk perception and individuals’ capability to leverage PrEP as a resource based on their circumstances (i.e., autonomy). Participants’ descriptions of the centrality of choice and autonomy for PrEP use underscore that ease of access is a necessary pre-condition, but person-centered interventions should also address housing, financial stability, and urgent medical conditions to promote PrEP utilization among PWID.Clinical trial registrationNCT04804027.

How does Agricultural Expansion Affect Nipah Virus Ecology?

In locations experiencing rapid agricultural expansion, the Nipah virus is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that brings about a serious threat to public health. This study looks at the effects that agricultural expansion has on the ecology of the Nipah virus. The study examines the consequences of habitat loss on fruit bat populations, the natural reservoir hosts for the Nipah virus, and how these changes influence bat foraging behaviour and interaction rates with other living organisms. Through reviews of outbreak data, the research identifies a link between agricultural activities and the increased risk of Nipah virus spillover into populations. The findings suggest that the expansion of agriculture disturbs the natural habitats of bats, forcing them to forage near humans and livestock which encourages the virus's spread. The results emphasize the importance of strategies for agricultural biosecurity, wildlife conservation, and land-use planning in order to minimize the potential for Nipah virus outbreaks.

Machine Learning Prediction of Self-Injurious Outcomes in Adolescents by Sexual and Gender Identity

Objective Sexual and gender minority adolescents face elevated rates of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) relative to peers, yet fewer studies have examined risk in these youth, and reasons for higher risk remain unclear. Modeling SITBs using traditional statistical models has proven challenging. More complex machine learning approaches may offer better performance and insights. We explored and compared multiple machine learning models of suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury—both past-year frequency and dichotomous lifetime occurrence—among adolescents of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Method Data came from a large adolescent survey (N = 2,452) including psychological and demographic features. We compared prediction performance between generalized linear models, random forest models, and gradient boosting decision tree models using the full sample. Results Contrary to hypotheses, we found that these models generally performed comparably. We then selected the best-performing model families to run follow-up comparisons between cisgender and gender minority adolescents and between heterosexual and sexual minority adolescents. Depression was consistently the top-ranked feature across all models save one, in which discrimination was the top-ranked feature for lifetime occurrence of suicide attempt in the gender minority group. In addition, loneliness was more important in the gender minority group relative to the cisgender group for models of suicidal ideation. Conclusion Discrimination and loneliness emerged as important features in predicting SITBs amongst gender minorities. Future work should examine these factors both as possible statistical predictors of SITB risk and as treatment targets for gender minority youth.

Global overview of suicidal behavior and risk factors among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization in early 2020, rapidly escalated from a global health crisis to a significant public health issue worldwide. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive global overview of suicidal behavior and associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAdhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, literature searches were conducted across five databases: Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Academic Search Complete. The review encompassed studies published from January 1, 2019, to November 29, 2023. A total of 286 studies met the inclusion criteria, offering a broad perspective on suicidal behaviors during the pandemic. The studies underwent quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal for Checklist for Prevalence Studies Scale (CACPSS).ResultsThe highest rates of suicidal behavior were observed in the Americas, Europe, and the Western Pacific Region, with China and the United States reporting significant cases. Key risk factors included demographic characteristics, mental health conditions, and social support factors. Suicidal ideation prevalence rates ranged significantly, with the highest in some regions exceeding 50%. Suicide attempts and completed suicides also showed considerable variation across different countries and regions.ConclusionThe findings emphasize the need for targeted mental health interventions and policies to reduce suicide risk, highlighting the multifaceted nature of suicidal behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches are necessary to address this pressing concern, and understanding the interplay among diverse risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Incidence rate of suicidal behavior stratified by diagnosis among high-risk patients

BackgroundPsychiatric diagnoses are known to increase suicide risk, but whether this risk varies across specific disorders remains unclear. Previous studies have often relied on retrospective designs or population-based databases, limiting comparability due to heterogeneous methodologies and follow-up periods. AimsThis study aimed to compare the incidence rates of unfavorable events (suicide or suicide attempts) among high-risk patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), and Schizophrenia over a 24-month follow-up period. MethodsThis secondary analysis was conducted as part of a multicenter prospective cohort study involving 324 patients admitted to emergency departments for suicidal ideation or a recent suicide attempt. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline and every six months to assess for unfavorable events. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curves were estimated for each diagnosis, and Cox regression models were used to evaluate whether the diagnosis is associated with unfavorable events, adjusted for covariates such as age, history of childhood sexual abuse, and number of previous suicide attempts. ResultsThe incidence rates of suicide attempts were 27,000, 20,400, and 21,100 per 100,000 person-years for patients with MDD, BD, and Schizophrenia, respectively, while suicide rates were 1,600 per 100,000 person-years across all groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the risk of unfavorable events among diagnostic groups (p = 0.653), as confirmed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models. ConclusionsOver a 2-year follow-up, psychiatric diagnosis alone did not predict significant differences in unfavorable events rates. Comprehensive suicide risk assessments should prioritize individual risk profiles over diagnostic categories. These findings underscore the importance of integrating biopsychosocial factors in suicide prevention strategies for high-risk psychiatric populations.

Process evaluation of the digital Health4Life intervention among a sample of disadvantaged adolescents and teachers.

Disadvantaged adolescents, including those from lower socioeconomic status (SES) or geographically remote backgrounds, engage in higher rates of risk behaviours, including poor diet, alcohol and tobacco use. While digital interventions targeting lifestyle risk behaviours show potential, few studies have focused on their implementation and relevance for this population. This study conducted a process evaluation of 'Health4Life', a universal school-based digital program targeting multiple behaviours, among a sample of disadvantaged adolescents. Participants were from six schools classified as low SES (Index of Community Socio-educational Advantage percentile score ≤ 25%), and/or regional using the Australian Statistical Geography Standard. Self-reported student (n = 214) and teacher evaluations (n = 16) assessed Health4Life's acceptability, with qualitative questions capturing areas for improvement. Teacher-reported implementation data (n = 16) measured intervention fidelity and feasibility. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses were thematically analysed. Compared to the entire sample, this subset of students evaluated Health4Life less favourably (66% versus 75%), with fewer enjoying the stories (63% versus 75%) and planning to use the skills and information (60% versus 70%). Teacher evaluations were mostly positive and aligned closely with the entire sample. Fidelity data also indicated comparable levels of student engagement (~92% versus ~85%). Key themes for refinement included improving content relevance and technical execution to better resonate with disadvantaged adolescents. While teacher evaluations suggest Health4Life is a valuable program in low SES or regional contexts, students' lower ratings indicate refinements are needed. Identified areas for improvement will guide co-designing the program's adaptation to improve effectiveness and relevance for disadvantaged adolescents. Trial registration: The Health4Life trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000431123).

Genomic Landscape of Malignant Phyllodes Tumors Identifies Subsets for Targeted Therapy.

Malignant phyllodes tumors (MPTs) are rare fibroepithelial tumors of the breast with aggressive biologic behavior and high recurrence rates. Surgery remains the primary treatment modality for these tumors; however, initial investigations suggest a potential for targeted therapies in managing this disease. Therefore, we aimed to assess the molecular landscape of MPTs to reveal possible treatment opportunities. MPTs (n = 57) from primary and metastatic sites underwent genomic sequencing (592-gene panel or whole exome), whole-transcriptome sequencing, and immunohistochemistry (PD-L1, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]) at Caris Life Sciences (Phoenix, AZ). Immune cell fractions in the tumor microenvironment were estimated using quanTIseq. Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used to determine significance (P < .05). MPTs had low ERBB2 expression, comparable with the HER2-negative subset of a large cohort of breast adenocarcinoma samples (N = 9,926). Frequent alterations included TERT promoter; MED12, TP53, and NF1 mutations; and less frequently EGFR, PIK3CA, and BRAF. Differences in mutation prevalences were observed between primary sites, lung metastases, and nonlung metastases. One MPT specimen harbored a pathogenic TPM4:NTRK1 fusion, and treatment with larotrectinib for over 16 months suggested a clinical response to therapy. PD-L1+ status was observed in 15.2% of MPTs overall, with similar prevalence in primary sites and lung metastases. B cells, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells had the highest median cell fractions in MPTs. Considering the occurrence of several actionable alterations including a TPM4:NTRK1 fusion reported herein, these results support the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) including RNA analysis for fusion detection to identify such alterations in patients with MPTs. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive NGS in MPT research to uncover potential targeted treatment options for these patients.

[Artículo traducido] Influencia de los factores socioeconómicos y psicológicos en los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la artrosis trapecio-metacarpiana

Objective: This study aimed to investigate to what extent people with carpometacarpal thumb osteoarthritis that are socioeconomically disadvantaged and have psychological disorders report higher pain levels and worse patient-rated upper-extremity functionality after surgical treatment.Material and method: A single center, retrospective observational cohort study analysing 100 patients diagnosed with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis between 2013 and 2019. Patients were divided into two groups (50/50), depending on whether they received surgical or conservative treatment. The socio-economic status (ESeC classification) and presence of psychological comorbidities were investigated. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Q-DASH questionnaire and Kapandji score. Current mental disorders were evaluated using STAI, PHQ-9 and PCS screening scales.Results: Measures of functional hand scores (Q-DASH) were higher and had considerably less pain in surgically treated participants, although thumb mobility (Kapandji) was more restricted. They were also associated with higher scores on psychological assessment scales. Sixty-four per cent of the patients came from lower socio-economic classes and suffered from poorer scores on the mental health screening questionnaires. Of the patients manage surgically, 54% were diagnosed of dysthymic disorder and showed significantly worse patient-rated upper-extremity function (Q-DASH questionnaire, median [IR]:31,8 [20,5-54,6] than patients without psychological disorders (median [IR]: 13,6 [2,3-36,5]). No differences were found for patients with and without disthymic disorder managed nonoperatively.Conclusions: Patients with higher rates of depression, anxiety and pain catastrophising behaviour showed significantly worse outcomes after surgery for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint. Lower socio-economic class significantly influences levels of depression and anxiety but did not affect functional outcome. Surgical treatment of carpometacarpal thumb osteoarthritis achieved better self-perceived hand function (QDASH, VAS, Kapandji) than conservative treatment.

Problematic Substance Use in Depressed Youth: Associations with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt History

Objective: Depressed youth exhibit higher rates of suicidal behavior compared to healthy controls, with problematic substance use potentially intensifying this risk. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the impact of comorbid depression and problematic substance use and its association with suicidality in youth populations. Methods: We examined differences in clinical features and demographic characteristics between 797 depressed youth ages 8–20 years with and without problematic substance use from the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN). Additionally, to assess whether the effect of depression severity on suicidal ideation and suicide attempt history were influenced by problematic substance use, multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Depressed youth with problematic substance use (versus those without) were significantly older, more likely to exhibit suicidal ideation and a history of suicide attempts and had significantly worse school functioning after controlling for age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Problematic substance use did not moderate the effect of depression severity on suicidal ideation or suicide attempt history. Conclusions: Findings shed light on the impact of problematic substance use in depressed youth which may allow for earlier and more specified intervention efforts aimed at identifying and targeting youth suicidality.

Comparative analysis of thermally evaporated nanoscale CdS thin film's structural, morphological, optical and nanomechanical properties

CdS nanoscale thin films were deposited on glass substrates at 1, 5 and 10 Å/s deposition rates by thermal evaporation process. The structural, morphological, compositional, optical and nanomechanical properties of CdS thin films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), UV-vis spectrophotometer and nanoindentation. XRD diffractogram indicate that the deposited CdS thin films have hexagonal structure with preferred orientation towards (002) plane and nearly stoichiometric composition. Various crystal structure parameters like lattice constant, crystallite size, defect density, dislocation density, lattice strain, number of crystallite per unit surface, stacking fault were determined. From XRD results, the calculated crystal structure parameters such as the crystallite size, microstrain and defect density were in the range of 20.4-14.7 nm, 7.74-10.62 and 2.3-4.52 × 1011 lines/cm2, at 1, 5 and 10 Å/s deposition rates, respectively .The AFM images indicated that the film's rms surface roughnesses were 2.73 nm, 2.94 nm and 3.18 nm at 1, 5 and 10 Å/s, respectively. The SEM images indicated that the films were uniform, continuous and defect free. The EDX examination revealed that at 1 Å/s deposition rate the film was nearly stoichiometic. The optical band gaps were determined to be in the range of 2.37-2.43 eV. Nanoindentation tests evaluated the hardness, Young's modulus, creep behavior and strain rate of CdS films. Hardness evaluated to be 0.14-1.48 GPa, 0.15-2.46 GPa, and 0.21-2.55 GPa at 1,5 and 10 Å/s deposition rate, respectively for 20-50 µN load. The Young's modulus decreases 1-5 Å/s deposition rate and becomes almost constant 5-10 Å/s deposition rate at 70 µN load. The characterization of CdS thin film recommend it as a favorable window layer in applications like photovoltaic, optoelectronic, thermoelectric and solar cells.

Emergent collective behavior evolves more rapidly than individual behavior among acorn ant species

Emergence is a fundamental concept in biology and other disciplines, but whether emergent phenotypes evolve similarly to nonemergent phenotypes is unclear. The hypothesized process of emergent evolution posits that evolutionary change in at least some collective behaviors will differ from evolutionary change in the corresponding intrinsic behaviors of isolated individuals. As a result, collective behavior might evolve more rapidly and diversify more between populations compared to individual behavior. To test whether collective behavior evolves emergently, we conducted a large comparative study using 22 ant species and gathered over 1,500 behavioral rhythm time series from hundreds of colonies and isolated individuals, totaling over 1.5 y of behavioral data. We show that analogous traits measured at individual and collective levels exhibit distinct evolutionary patterns. The estimated rates of phenotypic evolution for the rhythmicity of activity in ant colonies were faster than the evolutionary rates of the same behavior measured in isolated individual ants, and total variation across species in collective behavior was higher than variation in individual behavior. We hypothesize that more rapid evolution and higher variation is a widespread feature of emergent phenotypes relative to lower-level phenotypes across complex biological systems.

Becoming Active in Beating osteoarthritiS: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of an information campaign in improving the management of osteoarthritis and quality of care in general practices in the Netherlands

IntroductionDespite recommendations, non-surgical treatment modalities in knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (KHOA) are underused. An information campaign was developed targeting patients with early stage KHOA and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to optimise...

Exploring Cyclists’ Behavior, Traffic Safety Literacy, and Crash Occurrence in Latvia

While the role of safe riding behavior as a safety contributor for cyclists has been increasingly studied in recent years, there have been few studies analyzing cycling behavior in relation to crash-related outcomes. Indeed, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this issue has been addressed in the case of Latvia. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the relationships among self-reported cyclists’ behavior, traffic safety literacy, and their cycling crash involvement rates. Method: A total of 299 cyclists aged M = 32.8 from across Latvia participated in an online survey, which included questions regarding respondents’ demographics, frequency of riding, cycling behaviors, and the number of crashes in the previous five years. The Cycling Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) and the Cyclist Risk Perception and Regulation Scale (RPRS) were applied to assess cyclists’ behavior patterns and traffic safety literacy. Results: According to the findings, it can be inferred that cyclists frequently engage in riding errors and traffic violations while cycling. Those who exhibit more anti-social behavior (such as traffic violations and riding errors) patterns are also more likely to be involved in road crashes. Conversely, cyclists with greater positive behavior rates more often also tend to possess better knowledge of traffic rules and exhibit a heightened risk perception, indicating a greater awareness of road traffic safety. Conclusions: This study underscores key age differences, with older individuals significantly less involved in riding crashes, exhibiting fewer driving errors and a higher level of risk perception, which serves as a relevant factor in road safety. At the practical level, these results stress the need to address both traffic safety literacy and protective cycling factors of cyclists, to improve overall road safety and promote active transport modes in Latvia.

Does physical activity affect social skills and antisocial behavior? The gender and only child status differences.

This study aims to explore the effects of physical activity on adolescents' social skills and antisocial behavior, as well as gender and only child status differences among Chinese adolescents. We used longitudinal data, collecting baseline data for 2021-2022 and follow-up in 2022-2023. A total of 3,206 students were enrolled, including 1,510 males (Age ± SE: 13.62 ± 1.69) and 1,696 females (Age ± SE: 14.09 ± 1.85), 1,339 only children (Age ± SE: 13.76 ± 1.95), and 1,867 non-only children (Age ± SE: 13.95 ± 1.66). The fixed effects model was used to identify the effects of different types of physical activity on adolescent social behavior and the heterogeneity analysis. (1) We found that skipping rope (β = 2.284, t = 5.76), walking (β = 3.495, t = 9.53), cycling (β = 1.271, t = 3.21), jogging (β = 2.614, t = 5.92), and badminton (β = 1.409, t = 2.96) had a positive impact on adolescents' social skills. Tag games (β = -1.615, t = -3.83), swimming (β = -2.862, t = -4.42), dancing (β = -1.11, t = -2.29), and skiing (β = -2.771, t = -3.27) had a negative impact on adolescents' social skills. Skipping rope (β = -1.596, t = -5.86), walking (β = -1.814, t = -7.44), cycling (β = -1.066, t = -4.07), and jogging (β = -1.617, t = -5.30) tended to reduce adolescents' antisocial behavior. Tag games (β = 1.685, t = 5.54), swimming (β = 0.947, t = 2.06), ice skating (β = 1.772, t = 2.71), and skiing (β = 1.468, t = 2.31) tended to increase adolescents' antisocial behavior. In addition, we found that these effects differ by gender and only child status. (2) Boys had significantly higher participation rates in activities. Only children had higher participation rates in skipping rope, baseball or softball, and volleyball, but non-only children had higher participation rates in walking, cycling, jogging, other aerobic exercises, and badminton. (3) Girls had higher social skills, but boys and only children had significantly higher rates of antisocial behavior. Our results provide a novel understanding that can inform interventions and improvements in social behavior among Chinese adolescents. Stakeholders such as educators, policymakers, and health professionals can develop more tailored and effective strategies to promote positive social development among adolescents.

Mental health and lifestyle-related behaviors in medical students in a Jordanian University, and variations by clerkship status

BackgroundThe rigors of medical education often take a toll on students' mental well-being, resulting in heightened stress, anxiety, depression, somatization, and thoughts of self-harm. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mental health problems among Jordanian medical students (Yarmouk University), explore the links between mental state and demographic and lifestyle factors, and compare mental health profiles between pre-clinical/pre-clerkship (years 1–3) and clinical/clerkship (years 4–6) students.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to undergraduate medical students at Yarmouk University. Mental health was measured using validated tools (depression: Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9; eating disorders: SCOFF; Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, GAD-7; Somatic Symptoms: Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-15; overall stress (single-item measure); ability to handle stress; stressors and coping mechanisms. Data on sociodemographic factors, academic performance, and lifestyle choices, also were collected. Bivariate and multivariable analyses evaluated the associations between academic level and mental health, accounting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.ResultsOf the 618 medical students who responded, 48.4% screened positive for depression, 36.7% for anxiety, and 63.6% for high level of stress. Slightly over half experienced somatic symptoms, and 28.6% exhibited signs of eating disorders. Roughly, 26% had suicidal thoughts, as measured by item 9 of the PHQ-9 scale. Low reported rates of healthy behaviors were observed (e.g. balanced diets, 5.7%; vigorous physical activity, 17.0%). Smoking prevalence was 24.6%, notably higher among clinical students. At the multivariable level, stress, insomnia, eating disorders and cigarette smoking were significantly associated with depression, anxiety and somatization. Higher physical activity scores were associated with lower depression risk. Females were significantly more likely than males to fall in more severe somatization categories.ConclusionThis study highlights the need to address the alarming rates of mental health problems among Jordanian medical students. While few significant differences were observed between pre-clinical and clinical students, the high rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and negative health practices in both groups suggest the need for interventions that begin at enrollment as well as during transitions to clinical settings. Prioritizing mental health support and promoting healthier lifestyles among medical students are vital steps toward nurturing resilient, well-rounded future medical professionals.

Impulsivity Moderates the Association Between Hazardous Alcohol Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Cisgender Bisexual Women

Bisexual women report higher rates of alcohol use and risky sexual behavior than lesbian and heterosexual women. Impulsivity (i.e., action without considering negative consequences) is a risk factor for greater alcohol use and sexual behavior, but few studies have examined the impact of impulsivity on alcohol use and sexual behavior among cisgender bisexual women. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to examine the moderating role of impulsivity on the association between hazardous alcohol use and sexual risk-taking among cisgender bisexual emerging adults. Participants were 225 self-identified cisgender bisexual women (Ma ge = 22.77, SD = 3.45) who completed an online survey about their hazardous alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), impulsivity, and sexual behaviors over the past 30 days. A moderated regression model examined main effects of impulsivity and alcohol use severity, and their interaction, on sexual risk-taking. The association between alcohol use severity and sexual risk-taking was moderated by impulsivity. Simple slopes analyses revealed that greater alcohol use severity was associated with greater sexual risk-taking, but this only occurred for participants with average or high scores of impulsivity. These results suggest prevention programs that target alcohol use should address the role that impulsivity may have on risky sexual behaviors among young bisexual women. Future research would benefit from looking at various outcomes related to sexual risk to determine which are most predominantly associated with alcohol use severity and impulsivity.

Homelessness and Maternal and Infant Health

This cross-sectional analysis of pregnancy risk data from US individuals with live births analyzes the association of homelessness with utilization of primary care, rates of stress-induced health behaviors, and allostatic load and anxiety.

Exploring the Influence of Masculine Norms on Suicidal Ideation and Help-Seeking Behavior.

Background: Men account for 75% of all suicide deaths in Australia. Societally dominant masculine norms have been theorized to be linked with suicidality and reduced help-seeking. However, evidence is needed to establish this relationship further. Aims: To further understand the relationships between 11 masculine norms, suicidal ideation, and mental health help-seeking behavior longitudinally in Australian males. Method: We analyzed data from a cohort of 8,214 males (aged 18-55 years), using logistic regression to examine if conformity to any of the 11 masculine norms measured by the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-22) at Wave 1 was associated with suicidal ideation and help-seeking at Wave 2. Results: Analyses revealed that being in the high conformity group for the norm of emotional control at Wave 1 was associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation longitudinally. Being in the low conformity group for the global construct of masculine norms and the specific norms of emotional control and power over women was associated with higher rates of mental health help-seeking behavior longitudinally. Limitations: The CMNI-22 scale's limited construct validity and the use of a single-item measure for suicidal ideation may have restricted the accurate capture of masculine norms and suicidal behaviors in Australian men. Conclusion: These results provide support for the contention that suicidality is a profoundly gendered phenomenon by showing an association between masculine norms and suicidal ideation in men. These norms should be a point of focus of male suicide prevention initiatives.

What Are the Infection Prevention Behaviors of Kidney Transplant Recipients and the Factors Related to These?

The infection prevention behaviours of kidney transplant recipients have been investigated, but the factors affecting these have not. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the infection prevention behaviours of kidney transplant recipients and the factors related to these. The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional study included 148 kidney transplant recipients being followed in a kidney transplant outpatient clinic. Data were collected with a sociodemographic and clinical characteristics form, the Adherence to Measures against Infections Questionnaire and the Self-Control and Self-Management Scale between November 2022 and May 2023. The mean age of the patients was 50.29 ± 13.11 years. The rate of self-reported hand hygiene was 51%. Age caused a significant difference in receiving a vaccine against pneumonia and wearing a mask. The rate of self-reported behaviour of rinsing vegetables was higher among the married patients compared to single patients. Self-management created a significant difference in receiving a vaccine against influenza and pneumonia, eating salad in a café or restaurant and wearing a mask outside home and consuming raw food, delicatessen products and street food (p < 0.05). This study revealed that the kidney transplant recipients displayed incomplete infection prevention behaviours including hand hygiene. Infection prevention behaviours differed in terms of age and self-control and self-management. Education and interventions are needed to improve the infection prevention behaviours of kidney transplant recipients. This study illustrates the characteristics of, and relationship between, sociodemographic factors and self-management of infection prevention behaviours in kidney transplant recipients. Strengthening the reporting of cross-sectional studies (STROBE) was followed. The study demonstrates that there is a need for interventions that will improve both the self-management levels and infection protection behaviours of patients. Studies conducted in this direction will lead to a decrease in the infection rates of patients.

Screening and evaluation of phase change absorbents by molecular polarity index: Experimental and quantum chemical calculation studies

Phase change absorbents have recently received increasing attention due to their potential to reduce the energy penalty of CO2 capture. However, its complex composition makes the prediction of phase separation performance difficult. Phase separation behavior and phase separation rate have been investigated for the amine-aqueous 5.0 M amine blends by experimental and quantum chemical calculations (including MPI, hydrogen bonds and Gibbs free energy). The different phase behaviors upon CO2 absorption were discussed and well explained by the polarity change of components and the reaction products. A defined MPI value of tertiary amines was recommended to predict the immiscible type (MPI > 10.55 Kcal/mol), phase separation type (9.00 Kcal/mol < MPI < 10.08 Kcal/mol), and miscible type (MPI < 6.74 Kcal/mol). The electron density at the critical point of hydrogen bonds and interaction region indicators were employed to visually evaluate the influence of intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds on phase separation behaviors. The results show that the presence of excessive hydrogen bonds decreased the phase separation capacity. Furthermore, the relationship between the MPI, the Gibbs free energy of the proton transfer process and the phase separation time were explored. The increase of MPI caused by the tertiary amines can enhance the stability of the final product, delay the appearance of the phase separation peak and reach a maximum phase separation time of 230 min. Therefore, this study is significant for the screening and evaluation of efficient phase change absorbents with good potential for industrial applications in CO2 capture.