Young Adults Research Articles

Social determinants of health impact on cancer affecting children, adolescents, and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis

Social determinants of health impact on cancer affecting children, adolescents, and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis

Variability in Lipid Profiles During Young Adulthood and the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcium Incidence in Midlife: Insights From the CARDIA Study.

Intraindividual variability in lipid profiles is recognized as a potential predictor of cardiovascular events. However, the influence of early adulthood lipid profile variability along with mean lipid levels on future coronary artery calcium (CAC) incidence remains unclear. A total of 2395 participants (41.6% men; mean±SD age, 40.2±3.6 years) with initial CAC =0 from the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) were included. Serial lipid measurements were obtained to calculate mean levels and variability of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglycerides. CAC incidence was defined as CAC >0 at follow-up. During a mean follow-up of 9.0 years, 534 individuals (22.3%) exhibited CAC incidence. Higher mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C were associated with a greater risk of future CAC incidence. Similarly, 1-SD increment of lipid variability, as assessed by variability independent of the mean, was associated with an increased risk of CAC incidence (LDL-C: hazard ratio, 1.139 [95% CI, 1.048-1.238]; P=0.002; non-HDL-C: hazard ratio, 1.102 [95% CI, 1.014-1.198]; P=0.022; and triglycerides: hazard ratio, 1.480 [95% CI, 1.384-1.582]; P<0.001). Combination analyses demonstrated that participants with both high lipid levels and high variability in lipid profiles (LDL-C and non-HDL-C) faced the greatest risk of CAC incidence. Specifically, elevated variability of LDL-C was associated with an additional risk of CAC incidence even in low mean levels of LDL-C (hazard ratio, 1.396 [95% CI, 1.106-1.763]; P=0.005). These findings remained robust across a series of sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Elevated variability in LDL-C and non-HDL-C during young adulthood was associated with an increased risk of CAC incidence in midlife, especially among those with high mean levels of atherogenic lipoproteins. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining consistently low levels of atherogenic lipids throughout early adulthood to reduce subclinical atherosclerosis in midlife. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00005130.

Age-related Electrophysical Correlates of Cross-modal Attention Switching.

The human experience demands seamless attentional switches between sensory modalities. Aging raises questions about how declines in auditory and visual processing affect cross-modal attention switching. This study used a cued cross-modal attention-switching paradigm where visual and auditory stimuli were simultaneously presented on either spatially congruent or incongruent sides. A modality cue indicated the target modality, requiring a spatially left versus right key-press response. EEG recordings were collected during task performance. We investigated whether the mixing costs (decreased performance for repetition trials in a mixed task compared with a single task) and switch costs (decreased performance for a switch of target modality compared with a repetition) in cross-modal attention-switching paradigms would exhibit similarities in terms of behavioral performance and the ERP components to those observed in the traditional unimodal attention-switching paradigms. Specifically, we focused on the ERP components: cue-locked P3 (mixing/switch-related increased positivity), target-locked P3 (mixing/switch-related decreased positivity), and target-locked lateralized readiness potential (mixing/switch-related longer latency). In addition, we assessed how aging impacts cross-modal attention-switching performance. Results revealed that older adults exhibited more pronounced mixing and switch costs than younger adults, especially when visual and auditory stimuli were presented on incongruent sides. ERP findings showed increased cue-locked P3 amplitude, prolonged cue-locked P3 latency, decreased target-locked P3 amplitude, prolonged target-locked P3 latency in association with switch costs, and prolonged onset latency of the target-locked lateralized readiness potential in association with the mixing costs. Age-related effects were significant only for cue-locked P3 amplitude, cue-locked P3 latency (switch-related), and target-locked P3 latency (switch-related). These findings suggest that the larger mixing costs and switch costs in older adults were because of the inefficient use of modality cues to update a representation of the relevant task sets and required more processing time for evaluating and categorizing the target.

Transcranial Doppler With Microbubbles: Screening Test to Detect and Grade Right-to-Left Shunt After an Ischemic Stroke: A Literature Review.

Right-to-left shunt, mainly due to patent foramen ovale (PFO), is likely responsible for ≈5% of all ischemic strokes and 10% of those occurring in young and middle-aged adults. Randomized clinical trials demonstrated that, in selected young and middle-aged patients with otherwise cryptogenic acute ischemic stroke and high-risk PFO, percutaneous PFO closure is more effective than antiplatelet therapy alone in preventing recurrence. However, PFO is generally a benign finding and is present in about one-quarter of the population. Therefore, in clinical practice, identifying PFOs that are likely to be pathogenetic is crucial for selecting suitable patients for PFO closure to prevent recurrent stroke and to avoid potentially harmful and costly overtreatment. Contrast transthoracic echocardiography has a relatively low sensitivity in detecting PFO, whereas transesophageal echocardiography is currently considered the gold standard for PFO detection. However, it is a relatively invasive procedure and may not always be easily feasible in the subacute setting. Contrast transcranial Doppler is a noninvasive, inexpensive, accurate tool for the detection of right-to-left shunt. We conducted a literature review on the use of contrast transcranial Doppler to detect and grade right-to-left shunt after an acute ischemic stroke and present a clinical workflow proposal for young and middle-aged patients.

'Effects of dehydration on central blood pressure in young healthy adults'.

Brachial blood pressure (BP) is the current gold standard for BP assessment; however, measures of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central blood pressure (CBP) may contribute uniquely to assessment of cardiovascular health status. As of yet, standards for assessment of CBP and PWV have not addressed the impact of hydration status on proper measurement. To understand the impact of hydration, PWV and CBP should be measured in a euhydrated and hypohydrated state. Forty-three young, healthy participants (21 ± 2 years) completed a dehydration protocol utilizing moderate aerobic activity until they lost 1%-2% of their body weight. PWV and CBP were measured before and following the dehydration protocol. Linear regression was utilized to assess change in hydration status and change in PWV and CBP. No significant relationships were observed between the change in hydration status (% body weight lost) and PWV (β = 0.05, p = 0.78) or central diastolic BP (β = -3.8, p = 0.10), however, a significant relationship was observed with central systolic BP (β = -5.0, p = 0.03). In conclusion, the assessment of hydration status before measurement of CBP or PWV may not be necessary in young, healthy individuals.

The influence of age on gambling problems worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk among younger, middle-aged, and older adults.

Problem gambling (PG) represents a significant public health concern with widespread effects in various cultures and regions globally, with younger individuals and males at a particularly higher risk. This disparity is attributed to a mix of cultural, developmental, and biological influences. To date, there has not been a comprehensive examination to determine whether this risk pattern holds consistently across different jurisdictions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA framework, identifying 21 eligible studies from 18 countries, encompassing 156,249 participants (47.6% male and 52.4% female). The studies varied considerably by region (Asia: 19%, Europe: 52%, Oceania: 19%, North America: 10%), the diagnostic criteria for PG, and participation rates in gambling (ranging from 12% to 92%). Data on PG prevalence was categorised by gender and three age groups (young: 18-35, middle: 30-55, and older: 45-65). Using a random-effects meta-analysis, we found a global PG prevalence of 1.9%. Europe reported a significantly lower prevalence (1.3%) compared to North America (5.3%). Men were found to be 3.4 times more likely than women to engage in problem gambling, although the gap narrows in North America. The young demographic showed a 1.51 times higher likelihood of reporting PG compared to themiddle-aged group, whereas older adults were 0.80 times less likely to report PG. Notably, age-related effects varied significantly across regions. Our findings confirm that age and gender significantly influence PG risk across cultures, with significant heterogeneity observed across jurisdictions.

Psychodrama as group intervention on minority stress, identity and psychosocial well-being of LGBTQ+ Italian young adults: A qualitative case study

ABSTRACT Background Growing attention is given to LGBTQ+ well-being, mainly using the minority stress model, although it’s seldom applied in group therapy research. This study aims to investigate individual experiences and identity processes related to minority stress while exploring the effectiveness of group psychodrama on LGBTQ+ well-being and stress levels. Methods Seven LGBTQ+ participants aged 19 to 27 years attended 10 weekly sessions of group psychodrama. The study utilized a qualitative exploratory case study design, where interview data underwent inductive thematic analysis and were triangulated with quantitative data concerning well-being, alexithymia, and LGBT Minority Stress. Results Participants manage their minority-contextualized identity and stigma within their narratives, indicating that group psychodrama may benefit young LGBTQ+ adults by raising awareness and resolving stressors. Conclusions The study validates the minority stress model but suggests broader theoretical integration, emphasizing the role of social identity and therapeutic impact of psychodrama in managing minority stress.

Housing instability patterns among low-income, urban Black young adults in California and associations with mental health outcomes: baseline data from a randomized waitlist-controlled trial

BackgroundDeep-rooted racial residential segregation and housing discrimination have given rise to housing disparities among low-income Black young adults in the US. Most studies have focused on single dimensions of housing instability, and thus provide a partial view of how Black young adults experience multiple, and perhaps overlapping, experiences of housing instability including homelessness, frequent moves, unaffordability, or evictions. We aimed to illuminate the multiple forms of housing instability that Black young adults contend with and examine relationships between housing instability and mental health outcomes.MethodsUsing baseline data from the Black Economic Equity Movement (BEEM) guaranteed income trial with 300 urban low-income Black young adults (aged 18–24), we conducted a three-stage latent class analysis using nine housing instability indicators. We identified distinct patterns by using fit indices and theory to determine the optimal number of latent classes. We then used multinomial logistic regression to identify subpopulations disproportionately represented within unstable housing patterns. Finally, we estimated associations between housing experience patterns and mental health outcomes: depression, anxiety, and hope.ResultsWe found high prevalence of housing instability with 27.3% of participants reporting experiences of homelessness in the prior year and 39.0% of participants reporting multiple measures of housing instability. We found the 4-class solution to be the best fitting model for the data based on fit indices and theory. Latent classes were characterized as four housing experience patterns: 1) more stably housed, 2) unaffordable and overcrowded housing, 3) mainly unhoused, and 4) multiple dimensions of housing instability. Those experiencing unaffordable and overcrowded housing and being mainly unhoused were more than four times as likely to have symptoms of depression (Unaffordable: aOR = 4.57, 95% CI: 1.64, 12.72; Unhoused: aOR = 4.67, 95% CI:1.18, 18.48) and more than twice as likely to report anxiety (Unaffordable: aOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.03, 5.04; Unhoused: aOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.12, 10.05) compared to the more stably housed pattern. We found that hope scores were similarly high across patterns.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of housing instability and mental health challenges among low-income Black young adults demands tailored interventions to reduce instability, given widening racial disparities and implications for future well-being into adulthood.

Self-reported benzodiazepine use among adults with chronic spinal cord injury in the southeastern USA: associations with demographic, injury, and opioid use characteristics.

Cross-sectional cohort study. To examine: (1) the self-reported frequency of specific prescription benzodiazepine use, (2) concurrent benzodiazepine and opioid use, and (3) sociodemographic, SCI, and opioid use factors associated with frequent benzodiazepine use. Community. Participants included 918 community dwelling adults with chronic ( > 1 year) traumatic SCI originally identified from a specialty hospital or a state-based surveillance system. Self-reported frequency of specific prescription benzodiazepines and opioids used, concurrent use, and factors associated with use were assessed. Twenty percent reported any benzodiazepine use in the past year and 13% reported at least weekly use. Concurrent daily or weekly use of benzodiazepines and opioids was reported by 6.5%, with those individuals taking an average of 1.1 (0.4) benzodiazepines and 1.4 (0.6) opioids. Compared to younger adults, those 50-65 years old had lower odds of at least weekly benzodiazepine use (OR = 0.50, 95% CI, 0.29-0.89, p-value = 0.02). Non-Hispanic Blacks reported lower use of benzodiazepines compared to non-Hispanic whites (OR = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.15-0.68, p-value = <0.01). Weekly opioid use was associated with higher odds of using benzodiazepines (OR = 3.10, 95%CI, 1.95-4.95, p-value = <0.01). Benzodiazepine use was commonly reported among those with SCI. Despite the potential risks, a high portion of those who reported benzodiazepine use also reported prescription opioid use. The findings highlight the need for monitoring of prescription medication use to avoid potentially risky concurrent use and adverse outcomes.

A - 82 Differences in Cognitive Effort-Based Decision Making between Younger and Older Adults

Abstract Objective Goal-directed decision-making relies on age-dependent reward processing. Current measures of motivation have yet to be validated for use among older adults (OA). This study aimed to compare the performance of younger adults (YA) and OAs on an objective effort-based decision-making behavioral task. Method Thirty-five YAs (21.9 ± 3.6 years of age) and thirty-five OAs (68.4 ± 8.5 years of age) completed a cognitive screening measure, self-report questionnaires assessing mood/motivation, and a computerized game in which individuals can choose to expend greater effort for larger reward that vary in magnitude and probability. Performance parameters were compared across groups. Results YAs displayed a greater willingness to exert effort for reward. YAs had faster decision-making time when compared to OAs, except conditions when the magnitude and probability for reward was lower. OA’s task difficulty selection was significantly influenced by the magnitude and probability for reward, as well as by previous trial outcomes. This behavior was not observed in YAs who were not sensitive to the magnitude of reward. Moreover, in OAs, lower levels of fatigue were correlated with expending greater effort in some reward probability conditions. Lower levels of apathy were also correlated with expending greater effort after following a small win. Conclusion(s) This study revealed preliminary evidence supporting the motivation task could recognize subtle motivational deficits and was well tolerated by YA and OAs. The measure was applicable in the context of age-related limitations. Our findings contribute to the existing body of research aimed at developing tools to accurately measure motivation levels among OAs.

“Do you practice what you preach?” The effects of celebrities’ pro-environmental messages on social media on young adults’ pro-environmental behavior

Purpose Celebrities communicating about environmental sustainability on social media have the power to inspire young adults to engage in pro-environmental behavior, such as reducing their consumption behavior or only buying local and organic food. However, at the same time, celebrities’ carbon-rich and luxurious lifestyles might generate skepticism when they preach about environmental action. Thus, this study aims to shed light on the effects of celebrity pro-environmental messages on young adults’ perceived authenticity and greenwashing and, subsequently, on young adults’ pro-environmental behavior. Moreover, this study examined the moderation effect of congruent (vs incongruent) messages in the celebrity’s social media profile depicting an environmentally friendly (vs unfriendly) lifestyle. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a 3 (celebrity pro-environmental messages: with concrete action claim vs without vs control group) x 2 (celebrity message-lifestyle congruence: congruent vs incongruent) between-subjects experimental study (N = 400) with young adults (16–26 years old). Findings Results showed a significant positive effect of celebrity pro-environmental messages with concrete green action claims on authenticity perceptions only when the social media profile depicted a congruent environmentally friendly lifestyle. Moreover, higher perceived authenticity of the celebrity by social media audiences led to a higher likelihood of young adults’ engagement in pro-environmental behavior. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to consider celebrity message characteristics and young adults’ perceptions of authenticity and greenwashing when investigating the effects of celebrity pro-environmental messages on young adults’ pro-environmental behavior.

A - 85 Age-Related Differences in Cognitive Mechanisms: Exploring the Role of Processing Speed in Working Memory and Prospective Memory

Abstract Objective Research links working memory (WM) and prospective memory (PM) on cognitively demanding tasks. Older adults demonstrate more frontal lobe activation than young adults during WM and PM tasks; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study hypothesized processing speed (PS) as a mediator between WM and PM with age cohort as a possible moderator. Method Healthy older adults (n = 80; age 60–89, M = 72.51, SD = 7.08) and young adults (n = 63; age 18–29, M = 19.27, SD = 2.12) were administered WAIS-IV Digit Span, WAIS-IV Coding, and the Virtual Kitchen Protocol for Prospective Memory. Results A moderated mediation model revealed that WM positively influenced PM (c:B = 0.69, p &amp;lt; 0.001) with a positive indirect relationship through PS among older adults (ab:B = 0.26, 95% CI [0.13, 0.43]), but not young adults (ab:B = −0.08, 95% CI [−0.19, 0.03]). Conclusion PS appears to play a significant role in older adults’ use of WM for PM but not in young adults. This could suggest that older adults recruit additional cognitive resources – those involved in PS – as a compensatory strategy for real-world PM tasks, which would support prior research indicating that diminished functioning in older adults results from reduced ability to redirect neurocognitive networks. Alternatively, age-related declines in PS could be a root cause underlying both worse WM and worse PM in older adults, as postulated by Salthouse. Future research would benefit from further differentiating the direction of influences between WM, PS, and PM in older adults.

Mediated relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and reduced pulmonary function by copper in Taiwanese young adults

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide and associated with worse outcomes in various lung diseases. This study examines the association between vitamin D deficiency and pulmonary function in healthy young adults. MethodsThis prospective cohort study (2017–2019) explored the impact of vitamin D deficiency on pulmonary function in a community-based young adult population. Pulmonary function was assessed via spirometry, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and urinary copper levels quantified. Multivariate regression was used to estimate the relationship between vitamin D levels and lung function, with mediation analysis evaluating copper's role. ResultsThe study included 1034 participants, average age 33.45 years, 41.93 % male. The median 25(OH)D level was 19.20 ng/mL (Interquartile Range: 13.48–24.90 ng/mL). Over half (54.74 %) had 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL. Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with better forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁). Trends suggested subgroup differences, but these were not statistically significant, indicating a consistent effect of 25(OH)D on pulmonary function across groups. SEM analysis suggested urinary copper as a mediator between 25(OH)D levels and FVC. ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with reduced pulmonary function in young adults in Taiwan.

B - 108 Sleep Disordered Breathing, Cognition, and Anxiety in Young Adults

Abstract Objective Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) describes abnormal breathing during sleep due to upper airway dysfunction. SDB and anxiety are associated and independently affect cognition. The purpose of this study was to examine these associations among young adults in the domains of executive function, attention, working memory (WM), and long-term memory (LTM). Method Bronx students (N = 49, Mage = 19.8 years (SD = 1.30), female = 65%) were recruited via flyers. SDB risk assessment utilized the Berlin Questionnaire. Cognitive assessment included the Modified Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Trail Making Test A and B, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, and the Cogstate computerized battery (Groton Maze Learning Test, Identification Test, One Back Test, Two Back Test, and Groton Maze Learning Test Recall). Anxiety was assessed with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales. Individuals in the normal/mild ranges were categorized in the low anxiety group, and individuals in the moderate/severe/extremely severe ranges were categorized in the high anxiety group. Results Anxiety symptoms moderated the relationship between SDB risk and WM. For high anxiety individuals, as SDB risk increased, performance on WM measures decreased (F(1,45) = 6.06, p = 0.02, η2 = 0.12). There was a trend for anxiety symptoms to moderate the relationship between SDB risk and LTM – among high anxiety individuals, as SDB risk increased, performance on LTM decreased (F(1,44) = 4.04, p = 0.05, η2 = 0.084). Conclusion For young adults, anxiety symptoms moderated the relationships between SDB and WM and between SDB and LTM, suggesting that mild levels of anxiety may have a beneficial effect on the relationship between SDB and cognition, while more severe anxiety may worsen that relationship.

Summary of Research: Ten-Year Safety and Clinical Benefit from Open-Label Etanercept Treatment in Children and Young Adults with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

This is a summary of the original article 'Ten-year safety and clinical benefit from open label etanercept treatment in children and young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis'. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) usually appears before the age of 16. JIA causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. People with JIA receive treatment for several years until the disease goes into prolonged remission. Therefore, the long-term safety of these treatments is an important topic. Etanercept is a treatment for JIA, which acts on the body's immune system to reduce arthritis. This summary of research article describes safety and how well etanercept works in children with JIA taking it for up to 10years.

A - 80 Moderating Effect of Age on the Relationship between Mood and Executive Functioning among South Asians

Abstract Objective This study investigated whether depression and anxiety are associated with executive functioning (EF) performance among South Asians living in the United States (US). Further, we explored whether age moderated this relationship. Method This retrospective chart analysis study included 28 South Asians referred for a neuropsychological evaluation within multiple northeast US-based outpatient clinics. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-2nd edition (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Stroop Color Word Test- Color-Word Trial (SCWT-CW), and Verbal Fluency (FAS). Participants were dichotomized by age threshold (age 50 cut-off). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the moderating effect of age on mood and EF. Results The sample comprised 13 younger adults and 15 older adults (50+), with 60.7% male (Meducation = 16.0, SD = 2.3). Regression analysis indicated a significant overall model between age, BDI-II, and SCWT-CW (F(1,25) = 3.01, p &amp;lt; 0.05, ΔR2 = 0.27). Further interaction analysis showed a stronger positive interaction effect between BDI-II and SCWT-CW (β = 5.39, F(1,24) = 4.91, p &amp;lt; 0.05, ΔR2 = 0.15) in the younger adult group. Conclusions Findings suggest that South Asian older adults with lower levels of depression have worse performance on EF than younger adults. This is one of the first studies to identify links between age, mood, and EF. Interpretation is challenging given that the mean scores of depression and SCWT-CW were in the mild range. Future studies are needed to understand how factors, such as English speaking proficiency and acculturation, may moderate the association and impact clinical relevance.

Health-related quality of life in young adults with perinatal HIV after transfer to adult health care in the Netherlands.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult people with HIV is lower than that of the general population. Previously, no differences were detected in HRQoL of Dutch children with perinatal HIV (PHIV) compared to norm groups. In this study we compared HRQoL of PHIV young adults (PHIV-YA, aged 18-30) to two norm groups; the healthy Dutch YA population and YA with various chronic conditions. Participants received questionnaires on HRQoL, adherence and demographics. Additional social and healthcare-related variables were collected from patients' medical files. We explored correlations between HRQoL and demographic characteristics. Effect sizes (ES, Hedges' g with confidence intervals) were calculated to quantify the difference between PHIV-YA and norm groups. Of 81 participants, 53 filled out the questionnaires. Compared with the healthy Dutch YA population, PHIV-YA 18-30 had significantly lower HRQoL scores in the school/work subscale. PHIV-YA aged 26-30 had significantly lower total, physical and psychosocial HRQoL scores as well. Participants in the older age category had lower HRQoL scores throughout all subcategories as compared to the younger age group.For PHIV-YA aged 18-25 lower scores on the school/work subscale were correlated with substance use and being born outside the Netherlands. PHIV-YA had low HRQoL scores in school/work functioning compared with the healthy Dutch YA population. The circumstances driving these outcomes are likely to be multi-dimensional, including HIV infection, social background and challenges in growing up with a chronic condition.

Large Language Models in an App: Conducting a Qualitative Synthetic Data Analysis of How Snapchat’s “My AI” Responds to Questions About Sexual Consent, Sexual Refusals, Sexual Assault, and Sexting

ABSTRACT Comprehensive sexual health education for young people often remains largely inaccessible, leaving gaps in knowledge about sexual consent, refusals, sexual assault, and sexting. Snapchat’s My AI, tailored to its users, offers accessible and potentially stigma-free responses to sexual health queries, showing promise in addressing these gaps. This study aimed to evaluate My AI’s effectiveness in handling questions related to sexual communication, assault, and sexting, and its response consistency across users. Collaborating with young adults and leveraging prior literature, our team formulated questions on sexual consent, refusals, sexual assault, and sexting submitted to My AI by 15 researchers. Each team member opened a chat with My AI in Snapchat and asked it a set of questions in the same order. We then conducted a qualitative content analysis to assess for consistency across users. My AI responses emphasized the importance of clear, honest consent and refusal communication through physical contact or direct conversation. With potential experiences of sexual assault or sexting, it advised consultation with a trusted caregiver. While My AI provided similar responses across researchers, variations were noted. My AI’s responses mirrored common sexual health education messages and the responses used language reflective of sympathy toward potential assault victims or those who were asked for sexual images. My AI’s potential to enhance accessibility to sexual health information could empower young people in making informed sexual health decisions. However, variability in responses may limit impact and comprehension, underscoring the importance of educators complementing these tools.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Body Image among Young Adults in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Body Image among Young Adults in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study

Middle cerebral artery blood velocity and end-tidal carbon dioxide responses to moderate intensity cycling in children, adolescents and adults.

This study investigated the middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) response to constant work-rate moderate-intensity cycling exercise in 21 children (9.3±0.8 years), 17 adolescents (12.3±0.4 years) and 20 young adults (23.6±2.4 years). Participants completed an incremental ramp test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer, to determine maximal oxygen uptake and gas exchange threshold (GET), before completing three 6-minute transitions at a moderate-intensity (90% GET), on separate visits. On each visit, bilateral MCAv was measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and breath-by-breath end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) via a metabolic cart. Data were ensemble-averaged for each participant and analysed using a mono-exponential model. Absolute MCAv was significantly higher throughout exercise in children and adolescents, compared to adults (P<0.001). Children had a significantly lower relative increase in MCAv from baseline (~12%) compared to adolescents (~20%) and adults (~18%, P<0.040). All adolescents and adults had a mono-exponential rise in MCAv and PETCO2, but this was observed in only eight children. Children and adolescents had a significantly faster MCAv time constant (τ , 12±6 and 14±8 s, respectively) compared to adults (27±9 s, P<0.001). MCAv τ was positively associated with faster PETCO2 τ in adolescents (r=0.70, P=0.002) but not children (r=-0.20, P=0.640).Time- and amplitude-based response parameters of MCAv kinetics were significantly associated with PETCO2 kinetics in adults (r=0.50 to 0.74, P≤0.025), but not in children (r=-0.19 to -0.48, P>0.227). These findings suggest that the transition from childhood to adulthood impacts the MCAv response to exercise, and the relationships between PETCO2 and MCAv kinetics during exercise.