193 research outputs found
âI see it everywhere...â young peopleâs exposure to sexual content in social media: a qualitative study of Australian adolescentsâ social media use
Background: Surveys suggest over 40% of young people 13-16 years have seen some form of sexual content online in the past 12 months. There is little research exploring the pathways through which exposure occurs or descriptions of such content. While there is much public concern regarding exposure to sexual content, Australian students receive little or no education on mitigating the impact of sexual content online. Methods: We conducted focus groups with high school students in an aim to discover young peopleâs experience of exposure to sexual content in social media. In this paper we describe these pathways to sexual content exposure, the nature of the sexual content young people are exposed to and their views about this exposure. Results: Focus groups found that exposure to sexual content through social media occurred through networks of âfriendsâ or followers, or paid-for advertising. Content ranged from subtle messages/photos to explicit pornographic pictures/videos. Young people described much of their exposure was unwanted. Conclusions: Exposure to sexual content, no matter the scope and intensity, is almost unavoidable among young people who use social media. Utilising this information to educate young people on mitigating the impact of sexual content, rather than trying to prevent young people from viewing it, could be a more effective approach
Approach to the patient : pharmacological management of trans and gender-diverse adolescents
Internationally, increasing numbers of children and adolescents with gender dysphoria are presenting for care. In response, gender-affirming therapeutic interventions that seek to align bodily characteristics with an individual's gender identity are more commonly being used. Depending on a young person's circumstances and goals, hormonal interventions may aim to achieve full pubertal suppression, modulation of endogenous pubertal sex hormone effects, and/or development of secondary sex characteristics congruent with their affirmed gender. This is a relatively novel therapeutic area and, although short-term outcomes are encouraging, longer term data from prospective longitudinal adolescent cohorts are still lacking, which may create clinical and ethical decision-making challenges. Here, we review current treatment options, reported outcomes, and clinical challenges in the pharmacological management of trans and gender-diverse adolescents
Associations between Maternal Cadmium Exposure with Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: Effect of Mediterranean Diet Adherence on Affected Prenatal Outcomes
Prenatal cadmium exposure at non-occupational levels has been associated with poor birth outcomes. The intake of essential metals, such as iron and selenium, may mitigate cadmium exposure effects. However, at high levels, these metals can be toxic. The role of dietary patterns rich in these metals is less studied. We used a linear and logistic regression in a cohort of 185 motherâinfant pairs to assess if a Mediterranean diet pattern during pregnancy modified the associations between prenatal cadmium exposure and (1) birth weight and (2) preterm birth. We found that increased cadmium exposure during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight (ÎČ = â210.4; 95% CI: â332.0, â88.8; p = 0.008) and preterm birth (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.72; p = 0.04); however, these associations were comparable in offspring born to women reporting high adherence to a Mediterranean diet (ÎČ = â274.95; 95% CI: â701.17, 151.26; p = 0.20) and those with low adherence (ÎČ = â64.76; 95% CI: â359.90, 230.37; p = 0.66). While the small sample size limits inference, our findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern may not mitigate cadmium exposure effects. Given the multiple organs targeted by cadmium and its slow excretion rate, larger studies are required to clarify these findings
Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase and Hormonal Contraceptives on Resting Metabolic Rate and Body Composition
The cyclical changes in sex hormones across the menstrual cycle (MC) are associated with various biological changes that may alter resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition estimates. Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use must also be considered given their impact on endogenous sex hormone concentrations and synchronous exogenous profiles. The purpose of this study was to determine if RMR and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates change across the MC and differ compared with HC users. This was accomplished during a 5-week training camp involving naturally cycling athletes (n = 11) and HC users (n = 7 subdermal progestin implant, n = 4 combined monophasic oral contraceptive pill, n = 1 injection) from the National Rugby League Indigenous Women's Academy. MC phase was retrospectively confirmed via serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations and a positive ovulation test. HC users had serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations assessed at the time point of testing. Results were analyzed using general linear mixed model. There was no effect of MC phase on absolute RMR (p = .877), relative RMR (p = .957), or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates (p > .05). There was no effect of HC use on absolute RMR (p = .069), relative RMR (p = .679), or fat mass estimates (p = .766), but HC users had a greater fat-free mass and lean body mass than naturally cycling athletes (p = .028). Our findings suggest that RMR and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates do not significantly differ due to changes in sex hormones in a group of athletes, and measurements can be compared between MC phases or with HC usage without variations in sex hormones causing additional noise
A Novel Mechanism for Calmodulin Dependent Inactivation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 6
The paralogues TRPV5 and TRPV6 belong to the vanilloid subfamily of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels and both play an important role in overall Cahomeostasis. The functioning of the channels centres on a tightly controlled Ca-dependent feedback mechanism where the direct binding of the universal Ca-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) to the channel's C-terminal tail is required for channel inactivation. We have investigated this interaction at the atomic level and propose that under basal cellular [CaCaM is constitutively bound to the channel's C-tail via CaM C-lobe only contacts. When cytosolic [Ca] increases charging the apo CaM N-lobe with Ca, the CaM:TRPV6 complex rearranges and the TRPV6 C-tail further engages the CaM N-lobe via a crucial interaction involving L707. In a cellular context, mutation of L707 significantly increased the rate of channel inactivation. Finally, we present a model for TRPV6 CaM-dependent inactivation, which involves a novel so-called "two-tail" mechanism whereby CaM bridges between two TRPV6 monomers resulting in closure of the channel pore
Attitudes and Performance: An Analysis of Russian Workers
This paper investigates the relationship between locus of control and performance among Russian employees, using survey data collected at 28 workplaces in 2002 in Taganrog and at 47 workplaces in 2003 in Ekaterinburg. We develop a measure that allows us to categorize the Russian employees participating in our survey as exhibiting an internal or external locus of control. We then assess the extent to which there are significant differences between âinternalsâ and âexternalsâ in work-related attitudes that may affect performance. In particular, we focus on (1) attitudes about outcomes associated with hard work, (2) level of job satisfaction, (3) expectation of receiving a desired reward, and (4) loyalty to and involvement with oneâs organization. In each case we identify where gender and generational differences emerge. Our main objective is to determine whether Russian employees who exhibit an internal locus of control perform better than employees with an external locus of control. Our performance measures include earnings, expected promotions, and assessments of the quantity and quality of work in comparison to others at the same organization doing a similar job. Controlling for a variety of worker characteristics, we find that (1) individuals who exhibit an internal locus of control perform better, but this result is not always statistically significant; (2) even among âinternals,â women earn significantly less than men and have a much lower expectation of promotion; (3) even among âinternals,â experience with unemployment has a negative influence on performance.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/40144/3/wp758.pd
Minimal influence of the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptives on performance in female rugby league athletes
We examined performance across one menstrual cycle (MC) and 3 weeks of hormonal contraceptives (HC) use to identify whether known fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone/progestin are associated with functional performance changes. National Rugby League Indigenous Women's Academy athletes [n = 11 naturally menstruating (NM), n = 13 using HC] completed performance tests [countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), isometric mid-thigh pull, 20 m sprint, power pass and Stroop test] during three phases of a MC or three weeks of HC usage, confirmed through ovulation tests alongside serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations. MC phase or HC use did not influence jump height, peak force, sprint time, distance thrown or Stroop effect. However, there were small variations in kinetic and kinematic CMJ/SJ outputs. NM athletes produced greater mean concentric power in MC phase four than one [+0.41 W·kgâ1 (+16.8%), p = 0.021] during the CMJ, alongside greater impulse at 50 ms at phase one than four [+1.7 N·s (+4.7%), p = 0.031] during the SJ, without differences between tests for HC users. Among NM athletes, estradiol negatively correlated with mean velocity and power (r = â0.44 to â0.50, p < 0.047), progesterone positively correlated with contraction time (r = 0.45, p = 0.045), and both negatively correlated with the rate of force development and impulse (r = â0.45 to â0.64, p < 0.043) during the SJ. During the CMJ, estradiol positively correlated to 200 ms impulse (r = 0.45, p = 0.049) and progesterone to mean power (r = 0.51, p = 0.021). Evidence of changes in testing performance across a MC, or during active HC use, is insufficient to justify âphase-based testingâ; however, kinetic or kinematic outputs may be altered in NM athletes
School-based HPV vaccination positively impacts parentsâ attitudes toward adolescent vaccination
Introduction
This qualitative study aimed to explore parental attitudes, knowledge and decision-making about HPV vaccination for adolescents in the context of a gender-neutral school-based Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with parents of adolescents eligible for HPV vaccination were undertaken as part of an evaluation of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention in 40 schools (2013â2015). In this qualitative study, we purposively recruited a nested sample of parents from 11 schools across two Australian jurisdictions. Interviews explored parent knowledge and understanding of the HPV vaccine program; HPV vaccination decision-making; their adolescentâs knowledge about HPV vaccination; and their adolescentâs understanding about HPV vaccination, sexual awareness and behaviour. Transcripts were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis.
Results
Parentsâ of 22 adolescents had positive attitudes towards the program; the school-based delivery platform was the key driver shaping acceptance of and decision-making about HPV vaccination. They had difficulty recalling, or did not read, HPV vaccination information sent home. Some adolescents were involved in discussions about vaccination, with parentsâ responsible for ultimate vaccine decision-making. All parents supported in-school education for adolescents about HPV and HPV vaccination. Parentsâ knowledge about HPV vaccination was limited to cervical cancer and was largely absent regarding vaccination in males.
Conclusions
Parentsâ positive attitudes towards the NIP and inclusion of the HPV vaccine is central to their vaccine decision-making and acceptance. More intensive communication strategies including school education opportunities are required to improve parentsâ knowledge of HPV-related disease and to promote vaccine decision-making with adolescents
Prior human papillomavirusâ16/18 AS04âadjuvanted vaccination prevents recurrent high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after definitive surgical therapy: Postâhoc analysis from a randomized controlled trial
We evaluated the efficacy of the human papillomavirus (HPV)â16/18 AS04âadjuvanted vaccine in preventing HPVârelated disease after surgery for cervical lesions in a postâhoc analysis of the PApilloma TRIal against Cancer In young Adults (PATRICIA; NCT00122681). Healthy women aged 15â25 years were randomized (1:1) to receive vaccine or control at months 0, 1 and 6 and followed for 4 years. Women were enrolled regardless of their baseline HPV DNA status, HPVâ16/18 serostatus, or cytology, but excluded if they had previous or planned colposcopy. The primary and secondary endpoints of PATRICIA have been reported previously; the present postâhoc analysis evaluated efficacy in a subset of women who underwent an excisional procedure for cervical lesions after vaccination. The main outcome was the incidence of subsequent HPVârelated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN2+) 60 days or more postâsurgery. Other outcomes included the incidence of HPVârelated CIN1+, and vulvar or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN/VaIN) 60 days or more postâsurgery. Of the total vaccinated cohort of 18,644 women (vaccineâ=â9,319; controlâ=â9,325), 454 (vaccineâ=â190, controlâ=â264) underwent an excisional procedure during the trial. Efficacy 60 days or more postâsurgery for a first lesion, irrespective of HPV DNA results, was 88.2% (95% CI: 14.8, 99.7) against CIN2+ and 42.6% (â21.1, 74.1) against CIN1+. No VIN was reported and one woman in each group had VaIN2+ 60 days or more postâsurgery. Women who undergo surgical therapy for cervical lesions after vaccination with the HPVâ16/18 vaccine may continue to benefit from vaccination, with a reduced risk of developing subsequent CIN2+.139122812282
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