A domestic-like carrot cooking methodology for multiple research applications.

Domestic-oriented research focusing on food requires methodologies that closely mimic practices occurring in home kitchens while meeting scientific standards. Currently however, there is a lack of methodologies that can be implemented in both laboratory and home environments. This paper proposes a method that fulfills the scientific requirements of repeatability and reproducibility, while utilizing commonly available materials and processes found in the average household. The method is applied to the preparation, boiling, and seasoning of roots of Daucus carota L. ("carrots"), which can be employed in various scientific fields with only minor adjustments. Three scientific experiments utilizing this methodology are presented, namely sensory evaluation, ionic chromatography measurements, and NMR experiments. In the existing literature, numerous protocols have been used for carrot sample preparation, hindering direct comparisons between studies. In this paper we would like to highlight the ability of the methodology to enhance comparability, as well as its potential utilization in other research applications. The main principles underlying the proposed methodology can also be extrapolated to prepare samples of several other vegetables or cereals.•Comprehensive guidelines for standardizing the shapes, lengths, and widths of carrots are outlined, ensuring minimal variability while preserving the integrity of the raw material.•The cooking method for carrots is tailored to utilize commonly available household materials, while meeting scientific standards required for research purposes.•Seasoning practices involving readily available domestic materials, like commercial salt, are suggested.

Green leadership in manufacturing industry: Unveiling the green Revolution's impact on organizational performance.

This study aims to analyze the role of green transformational leadership and human resource management in organizational performance with the mediating effect of green innovation. The study also proposes the moderating role of commitment to management change. The study used a quantitative research method with a random sampling technique and surveyed 235 managers from the Cement industry across Pakistan. The statistical techniques used to assess the study's hypotheses were partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and SPSS. The findings show that green transformational leadership and HRM positively impact organizational performance, with green innovation partially mediating effect. Furthermore, affective commitment to management change strongly moderates the relationship between green innovation and organizational performance. In addition, the proposed relationship is based on the resource-based view (RBV) theory. Therefore, Managers and executives should adopt green principles and practices and build an environmentally friendly culture that encourages employees to engage in green behaviors and activities to improve organizational performance. To successfully implement green practices in a developing country like Pakistan, the Cement sector must understand how the cement industry improves its performance and whether employees demonstrate green innovation.

Actual practices of community pharmacists in the management of diabetes: a comparison of simulated patient-based study with perceived role of involvement.

Objectives: This study evaluated the level of community pharmacy professionals' (CPPs) actual practices and contrasted it with their self-reported perceived involvement in diabetes management. Methods: A self-reported cross-sectional and simulated patient (SP)-based study were employed at community drug retail outlets (CDROs) in Northwest Ethiopia. SP-case scenarios were used to examine the actual practices of CPPs in diabetes management and were compared with self-reported perceived involvement. The data were managed and analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: About 184 participants in the self-reported and 100 CPPs' actual practices using three SP visits were included. The overall actual practice (17.8%) was found to be significantly different compared with the perceived level of involvement (73.5%) (p-value <0.05). About 94.3% of CPPs dispensed requested medications to the SP without a prescription. Despite most participants being perceived to be involved, more than 76% of CPPs did not counsel the SP for lifestyle modifications, avoiding risky behaviours, adherence to treatment, routine blood glucose checkups, diabetic foot care techniques, or consultation with physicians for further management. Conclusion: A significant discrepancy between actual practices and perceived CPPs' involvement in the management of diabetes was observed. The findings may suggest that exploring possible gaps may be crucial.

Consideration for alpha-gal syndrome in two critically ill persons with group O blood who received group B plasma.

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increasing rates of alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic response after meat ingestion (AGS). AGS has been associated with prior exposure to tick bites or other biologics characterized by a life-threatening immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) an oligosaccharide structurally similar to the group B antigen on red blood cells (RBC) found in most non-primate mammalian meat and products derived from these mammals. In 2023, Transfusion reported 3 group O recipients of group B plasma in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with no history of meat allergy who had anaphylactic transfusion reactions compatible with AGS. AIMS: We investigated allergic reactions in 2 additional patients who received ABO minor-incompatible blood products at 2 hospitals in the D.C. area during fall 2023. METHODS: For both patients, a medical chart review was performed and IgE levels to alpha-gal were measured. RESULTS: The first patient, a 64-year-old, O-positive patient status post heart transplant with no known allergies, was admitted with acute COVID-19 induced antibody-mediated transplant rejection and placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). While undergoing plasma exchange (PLEX) (50% albumin/50% fresh frozen plasma (FFP)), the patient tolerated 2 units of group O FFP and 1 unit of group A FFP before becoming hemodynamically unstable during transfusion of 1 unit of B-positive FFP. PLEX was stopped. The patient later died of sepsis from underlying causes. The second patient, a 57-year-old O-positive man with a history of melanoma and neuro fibromatosis type 1, was undergoing an abdominal resection including transfusion of 3 units of O-positive RBC when he suffered hypotension and ventricular tachycardia requiring intraoperative code after receiving 2 units of group B FFP. Hiveswere noted after resuscitation. The patient had a history of tick bites but no known allergies. He is alive 5 months after the possible allergic event. Both patients had full transfusion reaction evaluations and immunology testing results above the positive cutoff for anti-alpha-gal IgE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Two patients with O-positive blood and no known allergies experience danaphyl axis after transfusion with group B FFP. The symptoms cannot definitively be imputed to an allergic transfusion reaction, but the presence of IgE against alpha-gal supports an association. Medicating patients with antihistamines and IV steroids pre-transfusion may prevent allergic reactions. Restricting group B plasma-containing products (plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate) for patients who experience AGS-like symptoms may be considered.

Causal learning by infants and young children: From computational theories to language practices.

Causal reasoning-the ability to reason about causal relations between events-is fundamental to understanding how the world works. This paper reviews two prominent theories on early causal learning and offers possibilities for theory bridging. Both theories grow out of computational modeling and have significant areas of overlap while differing in several respects. Explanation-Based Learning (EBL) focuses on young infants' learning about causal concepts of physical objects and events, whereas Bayesian models have been used to describe causal reasoning beyond infancy across various concept domains. Connecting the two models offers a more integrated approach to clarifying the developmental processes in causal reasoning from early infancy through later childhood. We further suggest that everyday language practices offer a promising space for theory bridging. We provide a review of selective work on caregiver-child conversations, in particular, on the use of scaffolding language including causal talk and pedagogical questions. Linking the research on language practices to the two cognitive theories, we point out directions for further research to integrate EBL and Bayesian models and clarify how causal learning unfolds in real life. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Learning Cognitive Biology > Cognitive Development.

Insights into primary care physicians' detection, intervention and management of patients with substance use disorders in Egypt.

Egypt is experiencing an increasing drug problem (cannabis, heroin, amphetamines, pharmaceutical opioids, synthetic cannabinoids). Whilst harm reduction and addiction treatment are provided by government and non-governmental organizations in Egypt, very little is known about physicians experience of handling patient substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) in primary care. A cross-sectional national study of 392 Egyptian Family Physicians (FPs) & General Practitioners (GPs) explored their knowledge, attitude and professional practice regarding management of SUD in primary care, as a first step toward identifying professional development support needs and informing general practice. Findings underscore the need for greater depth of addiction training during undergraduate medical education and in continuing professional development, so that Egyptian FPs/GPs can better prevent harmful substance use, detect patients with SUD, intervene and support those in treatment. This study provides unique information which will inform further development and scale of evidence based SUD brief intervention and treatment within Egyptian primary care.

Using Video Modeling to Teach Neurotypical Adolescents to Interact Socially with Peers with ASD.

Research has shown video modeling to be effective for training adult service providers to administer evidence-based practices to children with autism. This study examined the effects of video modeling training (VMT) on neurotypical adolescents' performance of peer mediated social interaction (PMSI), a 10-step procedure of simplified behavioral practices, during roleplay with an adult actor. A multiple probe design across participants evaluated the effects of VMT on delivery of PMSI by five neurotypical adolescents. All participants demonstrated immediate increases and generalized delivery of PMSI to four adolescents with autism following VMT. Social interaction for two additional youths with autism also improved when evaluated within a peer mediated setting, as a measure of social validity, before and after VMT.

The Lure of the Podium: The Seductive Appeal of Predatory Conference Speaker Invitations.

This letter highlights an escalating concern regarding predatory conference speaker invitations that are currently plaguing academia. Such invitations are frequently issued to individuals outside their areas of expertise, for instance, non-healthcare professionals being invited to health-related conferences. This issue poses a substantial threat as it compromises the integrity of legitimate academic discourse and carries the risk of propagating unchecked and potentially detrimental information. To avoid becoming ensnared by these predatory practices, it is paramount to undertake thorough due diligence. Consequently, this letter also outlines the characteristics of predatory speaker invitations. These guidelines underscore the necessity for the academic community to remain vigilant and judicious, thereby recognizing these overtures for what they truly represent: a deceptive temptation that leads away from authentic scholarly engagement toward a facade of recognition and prestige.

Exploring self-care practices and health beliefs among men in the context of emerging infectious diseases: Lessons from the Mpox pandemic in Brazil.

Our goal was to explore self-care practices among men who have sex with men in the context of Mpox in Brazil. This study used qualitative research methods, including interviews and thematic analysis, to collect and analyze data from male participants across the Brazilian territory. The narratives unveil men's perspectives on self-care, risk reduction, and health beliefs during the Mpox pandemic. Our findings highlight a multifaceted approach to self-care among men, encompassing hygiene, physical contact management, mask usage, skin lesion vigilance, and adherence to official guidelines. Men's attitudes toward sexual behaviors emphasize the importance of reducing sexual partners, practicing safe sex, and combating misinformation through accurate information dissemination. The development of these behaviors and self-care practices can be facilitated by nurses guided by Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory, supported by patient-centered care, with strategies to address and confront the stigma associated with the disease and provide emotional support. Thus, the study underscores the pivotal role of self-care in mitigating infection risks, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases. It acknowledges the impact of socio-cultural factors and healthcare policies on men's preventive measures. However, it also recognizes limitations, such as potential bias due to stigma concerns and a nonrepresentative sample. Ultimately, the research advocates for tailored education, promotion of gender equity, and healthcare empowerment to effectively manage health risks in such contexts.

Comparative Evaluation of Quality Management Practices in the Public and Private Hospitals in Visakhapatnam District: An Original Research.

Background: In the Visakhapatnam District, this study compares the quality management procedures used by public and private hospitals. Knowing how these practices are similar and different from one another can help inform policy decisions and improve the quality of health care. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, and 100 hospitals from both public (50 hospitals) and private (50 hospitals) were included in the sample size. A standardized questionnaire that evaluated different aspects of quality management practices was used to gather the data. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were used in the quantitative analysis. Results: Significant variations in quality management procedures between public and private hospitals were found. In terms of patient happiness, service responsiveness, and technological use, private hospitals scored better. Regarding accessibility, cost, and equity of healthcare services, public hospitals fared better. Conclusion: The report emphasizes the necessity of focused initiatives to improve quality management procedures in both public and commercial institutions. Collaboration between the two sectors can make it easier to deploy evidence-based tactics and share best practices to raise overall healthcare quality in the Visakhapatnam area.

Developing a scale to explore self-regulatory approaches to assessment and feedback with academics in higher education.

Introduction: Students need to acquire high level self-regulatory skills if they are to be successful within higher education, and academics need support in facilitating this. In this article we explore how the current research gap between knowledge of self-regulatory assessment and feedback (SRAF) practices, and academics' professional training in it can be bridged. Methods: SRAF tools were used with academics to explore their understandings of and training needs in SRAF; central to this work was the development of a SRAF scale. We consider the value of such tools in supporting academics' professional development needs in SRAF. The reliability and validity of the SRAF scale was tested using exploratory factor analyses (EFA). Results: Iterative EFA resulted in a 17 item support required SRAF scale (SR). Two underpinning factors: Creating the Conditions for SRAF, and Supporting Students' SRAF Skills Development were identified. The reliability of the instrument supported its primary use as a tool to facilitate academics' professional development in fostering students' self-regulatory skills. Discussion: Our findings highlight the importance of supporting academics in developing strategies to maximize students' metacognitive skills and motivation in assessment and feedback, contingent on effective assessment design. Such professional development needs to be mindful of individual and contextual factors impacting academics' access to, and confidence and competence in, using SRAF in practice. This research is important in highlighting potential disconnects between where academics' focus their attention in assessment, and what is known to have most impact on student learning success. The SRAF tools have considerable potential in supporting translation of theory into practice as part of sustained professional development for academics in higher education.

Nurses' Attitudes, Practices, and Barriers to Assessing Symptoms of Discomfort in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Critically ill patients experience various stressful symptoms of discomfort, including dyspnea, pain, and sleep disruption. Notably, ventilated patients have difficulty self-reporting discomfort symptoms. Nurses need to assess discomfort symptoms to alleviate them, but limited research exists on discomfort symptom assessment and management in critically ill patients. Objective: To identify the practices, attitudes, and barriers among nurses related to the assessment of discomfort symptoms in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, descriptive study design, a web-based survey was conducted between May and June 2022 with critical care nurses sampled through Japanese academic societies and social networking services. The survey contained questions relative to the above-stated objective. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed without sample size calculation because of the descriptive and exploratory nature of this study. Results: There were 267 respondents to the questionnaire. The discomfort symptoms that nurses perceived as important to assess were pain (median 100 [interquartile range, IQR 90-100]), insomnia (99 [80-100]), and dyspnea (96.5 [75-100]). Most participants (89.8%) routinely assessed pain in mechanically ventilated patients using a scale; however, other discomfort symptoms were assessed by less than 40% (dyspnea [28.4%], fatigue [8.1%], thirst [13.1%], insomnia [37.3%], and anxiety [13.6%]). Two major barriers to assessing discomfort symptoms were lack of assessment culture within the intensive care unit and lack of knowledge of the relevant evaluation scales. Conclusions: Nurses were aware of the importance of using scales to assess the discomfort symptoms experienced by mechanically ventilated patients. However, except for pain, most nurses did not routinely use scales to assess discomfort symptoms. Barriers to routine discomfort symptom assessment included the lack of an assessment culture and the lack of knowledge of the assessment scales. Clinicians should be educated regarding the existence of validated rating scales and develop additional rating scales utilizable for minor discomforts in mechanically ventilated patients.

Reflections on the Saudi FDA Regulatory Experience with Smart GxP Inspections.

Smart GxP inspections have gained increasing attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which, understandably, made it challenging for regulatory authorities to conduct on-site inspections. Smart GxP inspections are an oversight approach developed by the SFDA to enable remote compliance assessments of establishments. In this type of inspection, appropriate technical methods and tools (such as livestreaming video) are used without requiring the presence of inspectors onsite, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and the efficiency of inspection process. The objective of this research is to examine and document the shared encounters involving remote inspections and evaluations carried out by SFDA from 2020 to 2022. This will be achieved through the evaluation of the accuracy of document evaluation and the extent to which the objectives of smart GxP inspections were met. Data were collected from local and international smart inspections reports conducted by SFDA between 2020 and 2022, covering medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, warehouses, accreditation offices, scientific offices, and food manufacturing facilities. The results indicate that smart GxP inspections were effective in achieving visit objectives, showing a high degree of document evaluation accuracy. The findings of this study support the use of smart GxP inspections as a valuable alternative to on-site inspections, offering a practical solution to regulatory compliance during the pandemic and beyond. Although the SFDA recognizes the usefulness of smart inspections in upholding regulatory oversight in the face of various challenges, it does not endorse the complete replacement of conventional on-site inspection methods. The SFDA acknowledges significant limitations associated with the current technological resources used in remote regulatory assessments, and these limitations will be explored in the relevant sections.

"No Abnormality Detected": A Mixed-Methods Examination of Emergency Department Coding Practices for People in Suicidal Crisis.

BACKGROUND: Accurate identification of suicidal crisis presentations to emergency departments (EDs) can lead to timely mental health support, improve patient experience, and support evaluations of suicide prevention initiatives. Poor coding practices within EDs are preventing appropriate patient care. Aims of the study are (1) examine the current suicide-related coding practices, (2) identify the factors that contribute to staff decision-making and patients receiving the incorrect code or no code. METHOD: A mixed-methods study was conducted. Quantitative data were collated from six EDs across Merseyside and Cheshire, United Kingdom from 2019 to 2021. Attendances were analyzed if they had a presenting complaint, chief complaint, or primary diagnosis code related to suicidal crisis, suicidal ideation, self-harm or suicide attempt. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff holding various ED positions (n = 23). RESULTS: A total of 15,411 suicidal crisis and self-harm presentations were analyzed. Of these, 21.8% were coded as 'depressive disorder' and 3.8% as 'anxiety disorder'. Absence of an appropriate suicidal crisis code resulted in staff coding presentations as 'no abnormality detected' (23.6%) or leaving the code blank (18.4%). The use of other physical injury codes such as 'wound forearm', 'head injury' were common. Qualitative analyses elucidated potential causes of inappropriate coding, such as resource constraints and problems with the recording process. CONCLUSION: People attending EDs in suicidal crisis were not given a code that represented the chief presentation. Improved ED coding practices related to suicidal crisis could result in considerable benefits for patients and more effective targeting of resources and interventions.

A comparative analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards influenza and influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in Kyrgyzstan prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza, a globally significant respiratory illness with pandemic potential, affects around 1 billion individuals annually, leading to increased risk for severe illness and mortality. Despite recommendations from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and MoH prioritization, influenza vaccination coverage rate among HCWs in Kyrgyzstan remains low, ranging between 16 % and 46 % over the past five years. Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) dynamics of HCWs regarding influenza vaccinations, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for refining national strategies and institutional approaches to enhance vaccination coverage rates in this important risk group. METHOD: This study employed cross sectional investigations aimed at assessing KAPs among HCWs regarding influenza disease and vaccination. Conducted prior to and during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project involved 2400 participants from diverse medical disciplines. EPI Info was utilized to run biostatistical analyses, with descriptive and logistic regression models, to elucidate the dynamics of KAP over time. RESULTS: The findings indicate that HCWs with over 5 years of experience were more likely to get vaccinated or recommend it to patients (p = 0.000). Low confidence in vaccine effectiveness influenced on recommendations of influenza vaccination in pre-pandemic time, where insufficient (95 %CI 0.08-0.6; p = 0.003) or uncertain assurance in vaccine effectiveness (95 %CI 0.007-0.18; p = 0.000) was a barrier for vaccine promotion during the pandemic. The study underscores to consider mandatory influenza vaccination for HCWs which may impact on likelihood of flu vaccination (p = 0.001). Priority groups for influenza vaccination shifted during the COVID-19 period, emphasizing older adults, individuals with existing conditions, and HCWs, compared to the pre-pandemic focus on HCWs, children, and patients with pre-existing conditions. CONCLUSION: Our investigation provides valuable insights into HCWs KAP concerning influenza vaccination in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing factors influencing vaccine acceptance. The study suggests policy implications, advocating for the revision of national strategies to strengthen capacity building for medical staff.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of community pharmacists regarding antibiotic use and resistance: a cross-sectional study from the United Arab Emirates.

One of the main contributing factors of antibiotic resistance is the dispensing of antibiotics without prescription. This study investigated community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to antibiotic dispensing and resistance in United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional survey was conducted using validated questionnaire. (40.1%) had an overall positive KAP score. A total of (88%) respondents were aware of the illegality of dispensing antibiotics without a prescription. Only (31%) had good knowledge regarding amoxicillin dosage for upper respiratory tract infection. The primary misconduct found numerous pharmacists prescribing antibiotics without a prescription, even though they were aware that this should never be done. Pharmacists who attended events focused on antibiotic use and resistance were more likely to have good knowledge about antibiotics (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 1.673; 95%CI: 1.029-2.719; p = 0.038), more likely to have positive attitude (AOR: 1.889; 95%CI: 1.133-3.149; p = 0.015), and more likely to have good practice (AOR: 3.182; 95%CI: 1.541-6.572; p = 0.002).

Effects of health educational and participatory consumer group interventions in improving food handling practices in regional director of health services area Kalutara, Sri Lanka: non-randomized controlled community trial.

INTRODUCTION: Safe and nutritious food is the key to sustaining life and promoting good health. Unsafe food creates a vicious cycle of disease and malnutrition, particularly affecting infants, young children, the elderly, and the sick. METHODS: The study consisted of two phases, a descriptive cross-sectional study, and an intervention study. Both studies were conducted in the Regional Director of Health Services area, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. The descriptive cross-sectional study [food handlers (n = 904), food establishments (n = 421)] was conducted with the objective of determining factors associated with food handling practices among food handlers and in food establishments. The interventional study was a three-arm non-randomized controlled community trial (n = 50 per arm) with interventions of a participatory consumer group, educational package group, and control group. RESULTS: The food establishments assessment tool (FEAT) contained 11 domains including 75 items with more than a hundred assessment points with a guide to conduct an assessment of food handling. The descriptive cross-sectional study found that food handlers' knowledge of food handling practices of storing milk, fish, and meat and fast-food items containing fish and meat was very poor (96.6%). Visibility of the last place of processing inside the food establishments to consumers was inadequate (19.2%) and the absence of the above-mentioned factor was significantly associated with an unsatisfactory level of food handling score in food establishments (p = 0.03). The unsatisfactory level of food handling was significantly higher among food establishments with non-personal ownership (p = 0.005), a low number of notices issued by legal authorities (p = 0.02), dereliction of duty by owners/managers on supervising (p < 0.001) and lack of medical certification to food handlers (p < 0.0001). Participatory consumer group intervention and educational package interventions were effective in improving food handling practices in food establishments and among food handlers (p < 0.0001). Two independent sample analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test showed, the best improvement in food handling practices was by participatory consumer group intervention (p < 0.0001) and the second was educational package intervention (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge and practices of food handling among participants were poor. A participatory consumer group is more effective than an educational package on improving food handling practices both among food handlers and in food establishments.

Dataset of concerns for privacy information practices and consumer behavior in online market: A survey in Vietnam.

This dataset presents survey results on concerns for consumer privacy information practises in business, online trust; and purchase intention in the online marketplace in Vietnam. The raw data was collected via an online questionnaire of 467 respondents aged 18 and over recruited randomly. The survey included questions on demographic attributes as well as ratings and rankings for various statements related to privacy information concerns, such as Collection, Unauthorized secondary use (internal), Improper Access, Error; consumer online trust; and purchase intention when shopping online. The de-identified dataset is available in CSV format, including the question/statement text, collection method details, and coded response values. This novel dataset further investigates the impact of privacy information concerns on consumer behaviors in an emergent Southeast Asian e-commerce market. As one of the first collections of empirical data focused distinctly on perspectives within Vietnam, this dataset has high reuse potential for research on information privacy attitudes, responses, and needs within the country and in comparison to regional/global trends.

Italian women who have sex with women: prevalence and co-occurrence of sexual practices.

Background: Sexuality research on the sexual practices of women who have sex with women (WSW) has thus far mostly centered on risk factors and addressed a limited number of practices, with a focus on oral sex and insertive vaginal sex. Aim: This study arises from the need to fill such a significant gap, which prevents researchers, clinicians, and policy makers from being adequately up-to-date on the sexual habits and tendencies of this population. Methods: A multiple-choice questionnaire was completed by 723 WSW with a mean (SD) age of 29.14 (6.94) years. Outcomes: The survey included closed questions on sexual practices, including genital and oral sex, but also nongenital sexual contact (petting and intercrural sex), anal sex, and kinky practices. Results: The most common sexual practices were self-masturbation (99.03%), oral sex (performed or received, 98.20%), and insertive genital sex (performed or received, 89.07%). Half of our sample had tried kinky practices at least once in a lifetime (51.31%). Respondents tended to experiment sexually more with stable partners rather than with casual ones. Comparisons among practices in the lesbian and bisexual population are presented. Clinical Implications: Providers should be aware that sexual orientations have their own specificities, including sexuality and practices, which should increase their knowledge and comfort in working with sexual minorities. Strengths and Limitations: The novel topic of the study addresses the gap in sexuality research among WSW. Strengths include the sex-positive approach, the inclusion of an array of sexual practices, and the consideration of the specificities of the group. Limitations in the generalization of the results are the cross-sectional design and the explicit topic, which may have kept some persons from responding. Conclusion: We propose the framing of sex as going beyond genital contact, and we invite clinicians and researchers who come into contact with WSW to be aware that sexual orientation can be associated with specificities regarding sexuality and sexual practices.

Russian young people's subjective health evaluations, self-care practices, and therapeutic networks.

This study investigates the relationship between young people's subjective health evaluations, self-care practices, and therapeutic networks using semi-structured interviews and the computerized qualitative thematic analysis capabilities of the MAXQDA software. In the summer of 2022, 41 Russian youths, ages 16 to 25, took part in this investigation. The major findings demonstrate that young people who had low health evaluations were more likely to conduct self-care with the intention of enhancing their health and to have mothers and other medical experts in their therapeutic networks. Furthermore, individuals who claimed that their health was inadequate engaged in more sports and took care of themselves even when they were ill. There was no association between the objectives of self-care practices, members of the therapeutic network, and self-care activities in terms of the type of health evaluation. Overall, it is possible to suggest that the practices and the structure of therapeutic networks are related to self-evaluated health, but quantitative study is needed to verify the causal relationship.