Beyond the Boundaries: Exploring the Identity-Related Experiences of Biracial/Multiracial and Bisexual Adults.

Most prior bisexual research takes a monolithic approach to racial identity, and existing racial/ethnic minority research often overlooks bisexuality. Consequently, previous studies have rarely examined the experiences and unique health needs of biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals. This exploratory qualitative study investigated the identity-related experiences of biracial/multiracial and bisexual adults within the context of health and well-being. Data were collected through 90-min semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants were recruited through online social network sites and included 24 adults between ages 18 and 59 years. We aimed to explore how identity-related experiences shape biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals' identity development processes; how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals negotiate their identities; how the blending of multiple identities may contribute to perceptions of inclusion, exclusion, and social connectedness; and how biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals may attribute positive and negative experiences to their identities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Analysis highlighted four major themes: passing and invisible identities, not measuring up and erasing complexity, cultural binegativity/queerphobia and intersectional oppressions, and navigating beyond boundaries. Our findings imply promoting affirmative visibility and developing intentional support networks may help biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals cultivate resiliency and navigate sources of identity stress. We encourage future research to explore mental health and chronic stress among this community.

Skin Color and Skin Tone Diversity in Human Sexuality Textbook Anatomical Diagrams.

Little is known about skin tone and skin color representation within sexuality education materials. A content analysis was performed to assess skin tone and skin color diversity among anatomical images (n = 182) within eight contemporary, college-level human sexuality textbooks. Of these images, 1.1% represented dark skin tones while 83.5% represented light skin tones. Skin colors commonly associated with Black and Brown people were underrepresented in comparison to colors generally associated with white or white-presenting people such as conch, which comprised 42.3% (n = 77) of anatomical images. We encourage sex therapists to use racially conscious and inclusive imagery and educational materials when serving clients.

Assessing determinants of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence among a sample of rural Midwestern men who have sex with men (MSM).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) efficacy in preventing HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) is dependent upon adherence. Little is known about the PrEP adherence experiences among MSM who live in rural areas of the US. This qualitative study was informed by a modified version of Straussian Grounded Theory. Thirty-four 34 rural Midwestern MSM participated in telephone interviews that assessed their PrEP adherence factors. Overall, participants adhered to the PrEP regimen, ranging from missing none to a couple of doses per month. Participants had high self-efficacy (competence) and self-reliance (autonomy) in taking PrEP daily. Participants incorporated PrEP into their already existing routines. Participants were motivated to adhere to prevent HIV acquisition and be financially responsible. All participants mentioned their PrEP provider discussed the importance of adherence with PrEP's effectiveness, but future patient-provider PrEP adherence communication varied among participants. Future PrEP adherence interventions should address counseling strategies that leverage these constructs to support pill taking. Future research should explore patient-provider conversations surrounding PrEP adherence to inform provider- and patient-level interventions.

Facilitators and Barriers of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake Among Rural Men who have Sex with Men Living in the Midwestern U.S.

Facilitators and barriers of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake have been established in prior studies; however, most of these studies comprise samples of MSM from metropolitan cities and hypothetical PrEP use. There is a dearth of literature on the uptake factors among rural U.S. MSM who are prescribed PrEP. Thirty-four rural Midwestern MSM who currently take PrEP participated in semi-structured telephone interviews about their barriers and facilitators to their PrEP use. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. There were four barriers: (1) lack of rural dissemination of PrEP information, (2) concern about side and adverse effects of using PrEP, (3) cost of PrEP uptake and engagement, and (4) lack of access to PrEP care and PrEP care quality. Individual and social facilitators that participants utilized to overcome these barriers are discussed. Findings elevate the importance of multilevel interventions that address PrEP adoption from a patient, provider, and healthcare system perspective.

Exploring the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Health Care Experiences Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) Who Live in Rural Areas of the Midwest.

Most pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) research samples men who have sex with men (MSM) who live in metropolitan cities. There is a limited understanding of the PrEP experiences among rural MSM. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the PrEP health care experiences among 34 rural Midwestern MSM. Of the 34 participants, 23 obtained PrEP from their non-primary care provider (PCP). Three themes were present: (1) PrEP is unavailable in rural areas, (2) PrEP is inaccessible in rural areas due to PCPs being unwilling to prescribe PrEP, and (3) PrEP services are unamicable in rural areas due to stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors of PCPs. It is important to address PrEP care continuum factors in all settings; however, these factors are often exacerbated in rural areas due to social determinants. Without further research and programming, organizational and social determinants may contribute to lower rates of PrEP outcomes in rural areas.

Self-Reported Health Concerns and Healthcare Experiences among Diverse Bisexual Men: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

Bisexual individuals have disproportionately higher rates of physical and mental health concerns compared to both heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. Few studies have examined diverse bisexual-identified men's perceived health concerns for themselves and other bisexual men or their experiences in healthcare settings. This qualitative study explored health and healthcare experiences among cisgender and transgender bisexual men, most of whom were also men of color. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Participants included 31 self-identified bisexual men from the Chicago area. Participants were asked questions surrounding bisexual men's health and healthcare experiences in general and their personal experiences, drawing connections between intersecting bisexual and racial/ethnic identities. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants reported sexual health and mental health as the top health concerns for bisexual men. Participants viewed their bisexual identity as a motivator for seeking healthcare services and adopting safer sex practices. Mental health challenges faced by respondents were connected to bisexual stereotypes and fear of disclosing bisexual and transgender identities. Furthermore, perceptions of masculinity amongst bisexual men of color were particularly salient in connecting to their mental health experiences. The intersection of participants' transgender and bisexual identities impacted their healthcare experiences in general healthcare settings, with many participants reporting a lack of cultural competence and provider knowledge concerning their identities. LGBTQ Federally Qualified Health Centers, however, were described as providing compassionate care. Our findings suggest the need for more interventions that account for bisexual men's intersecting identities. Furthermore, increased provider training is necessary for providing affirmative care to bisexual men.

Knowledge of Zika and perception of risk among sexually-active adults in the United States of America: results from a nationally representative sample

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To examine knowledge of Zika transmission and risk perception and to assess variability by condom use in a probability sample of sexually-active adults in the United States. Methods. Data for this study came from the 2016 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States. Data were collected in November 2016 via a cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to members of a Knowledge Panel, an address-based random sample service managed by GfK. A weighted subsample (n = 1 713) of sexually active adults, 18 – 50 years of age, was included in analyses. Results. More than 90% of men and women reported low or no perceived risk of Zika. Most participants identified mosquito bite as a route of transmission, while significantly fewer identified sexual intercourse (≈ 40%) and vertical (29% men, 41% women) transmission routes. Conclusion. Sexually-active adults in the United States, especially young men, lack awareness of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika Virus. Given the likely endemic nature of Zika, this low-risk perception is an important prevention challenge. Zika prevention messaging should address lesser known transmission routes, emphasize male education, and promote correct and consistent condom use.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Examinar el conocimiento y la percepción del riesgo en cuanto a la transmisión del virus del Zika y evaluar la variabilidad en el uso de preservativos en una muestra probabilística de adultos sexualmente activos en los Estados Unidos. Métodos. Los datos usados en este estudio se tomaron de las respuestas que una muestra probabilística representativa a nivel nacional de adultos de los Estados Unidos dio en el 2016 como parte de la Encuesta nacional sobre salud y comportamiento sexual. La recopilación de datos se hizo en noviembre del 2016 mediante un cuestionario transversal en línea que respondieron los miembros de Knowledge Panel, un servicio de muestras aleatorias seleccionadas por la dirección de los usuarios que presta la empresa GfK. Para los análisis se usó una submuestra ponderada (n = 1 713) de adultos sexualmente activos de 18 a 50 años de edad. Resultados. Más de 90% de los hombres y mujeres encuestados informaron que su nivel de percepción sobre el riesgo del virus del Zika era bajo o nulo. La mayoría de los participantes sabía que la picadura de mosquitos es una vía de contagio, y un número significativamente menor de participantes sabía que el virus puede transmitirse por relaciones sexuales (≈ 40%) y de madre a hijo (29% de los hombres, 41% de las mujeres). Conclusiones. Los adultos sexualmente activos en los Estados Unidos —y en particular, los hombres jóvenes— tienen escaso conocimiento acerca de la transmisión sexual y vertical del virus del Zika. Dada la probable naturaleza endémica de este virus, esta percepción de que el riesgo es bajo constituye un reto importante para las iniciativas de prevención. Los mensajes sobre la prevención de la infección por el virus del Zika deben abordar las rutas de transmisión menos conocidas, hacer hincapié en educar a los hombres, y promover el uso correcto y sistemático de preservativos.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Examinar o conhecimento sobre a transmissão do vírus zika e a percepção de risco de infecção e avaliar a variabilidade no uso de preservativos em uma amostra probabilística de adultos sexualmente ativos nos Estados Unidos. Métodos. Os dados do estudo foram obtidos do ciclo de 2016 da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde e Comportamento Sexual, uma amostra probabilística representativa nacional da população adulta dos Estados Unidos. A coleta foi realizada em novembro de 2016 em uma pesquisa transversal realizada pela internet administrada aos participantes de um painel de conhecimento, um serviço de amostragem aleatória por endereço gerido pela GfK. Uma submostra ponderada (n = 1.713), composta por adultos sexualmente ativos com idade de 18 a 50 anos, foi incluída nas análises. Resultados. Acima de 90% dos homens e mulheres informaram percepção de baixo ou nenhum risco de infecção pelo vírus zika. A maioria dos participantes identificou a picada de mosquito como uma via de transmissão e uma proporção significativamente menor identificou a relação sexual (≈40%) e a transmissão vertical (29% dos homens e 41% das mulheres) como vias de transmissão. Conclusões. Falta conhecimento sobre a transmissão sexual e a transmissão vertical do vírus zika aos adultos sexualmente ativos nos Estados Unidos, sobretudo aos jovens do sexo masculino. Diante da provável endemicidade do vírus, a percepção de baixo risco é um grande desafio à prevenção. As mensagens para prevenção de zika devem abordar as vias de transmissão menos conhecidas, concentrando-se em instruir indivíduos do sexo masculino e promover o uso correto e consistente de preservativos.

Knowledge of Zika and perception of risk among sexually-active adults in the United States of America: results from a nationally representative sample.

OBJECTIVE: To examine knowledge of Zika transmission and risk perception and to assess variability by condom use in a probability sample of sexually-active adults in the United States. METHODS: Data for this study came from the 2016 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States. Data were collected in November 2016 via a cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to members of a Knowledge Panel, an address-based random sample service managed by GfK. A weighted subsample (n = 1 713) of sexually active adults, 18 - 50 years of age, was included in analyses. RESULTS: More than 90% of men and women reported low or no perceived risk of Zika. Most participants identified mosquito bite as a route of transmission, while significantly fewer identified sexual intercourse (≈ 40%) and vertical (29% men, 41% women) transmission routes. CONCLUSION: Sexually-active adults in the United States, especially young men, lack awareness of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika Virus. Given the likely endemic nature of Zika, this low-risk perception is an important prevention challenge. Zika prevention messaging should address lesser known transmission routes, emphasize male education, and promote correct and consistent condom use.

Knowledge of Zika and perception of risk among sexually-active adults in the United States of America: results from a nationally representative sample / Conocimiento sobre el virus del Zika y percepción del riesgo en adultos sexualmente activos en los Estados Unidos de América: resultados de una muestra representativa a nivel nacional / Conhecimento e percepção de risco de zika em adultos sexualmente ativos nos Estados Unidos da América: resultados de uma amostra representativa nacional

ABSTRACT Objective To examine knowledge of Zika transmission and risk perception and to assess variability by condom use in a probability sample of sexually-active adults in the United States. Methods Data for this study came from the 2016 wave of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States. Data were collected in November 2016 via a cross-sectional Internet-based survey administered to members of a Knowledge Panel, an address-based random sample service managed by GfK. A weighted subsample (n = 1 713) of sexually active adults, 18 - 50 years of age, was included in analyses. Results More than 90% of men and women reported low or no perceived risk of Zika. Most participants identified mosquito bite as a route of transmission, while significantly fewer identified sexual intercourse (≈ 40%) and vertical (29% men, 41% women) transmission routes. Conclusion Sexually-active adults in the United States, especially young men, lack awareness of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika Virus. Given the likely endemic nature of Zika, this low-risk perception is an important prevention challenge. Zika prevention messaging should address lesser known transmission routes, emphasize male education, and promote correct and consistent condom use.

RESUMEN Objetivo Examinar el conocimiento y la percepción del riesgo en cuanto a la transmisión del virus del Zika y evaluar la variabilidad en el uso de preservativos en una muestra probabilística de adultos sexualmente activos en los Estados Unidos. Métodos Los datos usados en este estudio se tomaron de las respuestas que una muestra probabilística representativa a nivel nacional de adultos de los Estados Unidos dio en el 2016 como parte de la Encuesta nacional sobre salud y comportamiento sexual. La recopilación de datos se hizo en noviembre del 2016 mediante un cuestionario transversal en línea que respondieron los miembros de Knowledge Panel, un servicio de muestras aleatorias seleccionadas por la dirección de los usuarios que presta la empresa GfK. Para los análisis se usó una submuestra ponderada (n = 1 713) de adultos sexualmente activos de 18 a 50 años de edad. Resultados Más de 90% de los hombres y mujeres encuestados informaron que su nivel de percepción sobre el riesgo del virus del Zika era bajo o nulo. La mayoría de los participantes sabía que la picadura de mosquitos es una vía de contagio, y un número significativamente menor de participantes sabía que el virus puede transmitirse por relaciones sexuales (≈ 40%) y de madre a hijo (29% de los hombres, 41% de las mujeres). Conclusiones Los adultos sexualmente activos en los Estados Unidos —y en particular, los hombres jóvenes— tienen escaso conocimiento acerca de la transmisión sexual y vertical del virus del Zika. Dada la probable naturaleza endémica de este virus, esta percepción de que el riesgo es bajo constituye un reto importante para las iniciativas de prevención. Los mensajes sobre la prevención de la infección por el virus del Zika deben abordar las rutas de transmisión menos conocidas, hacer hincapié en educar a los hombres, y promover el uso correcto y sistemático de preservativos.

RESUMO Objetivo Examinar o conhecimento sobre a transmissão do vírus zika e a percepção de risco de infecção e avaliar a variabilidade no uso de preservativos em uma amostra probabilística de adultos sexualmente ativos nos Estados Unidos. Métodos Os dados do estudo foram obtidos do ciclo de 2016 da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde e Comportamento Sexual, uma amostra probabilística representativa nacional da população adulta dos Estados Unidos. A coleta foi realizada em novembro de 2016 em uma pesquisa transversal realizada pela internet administrada aos participantes de um painel de conhecimento, um serviço de amostragem aleatória por endereço gerido pela GfK. Uma submostra ponderada (n = 1.713), composta por adultos sexualmente ativos com idade de 18 a 50 anos, foi incluída nas análises. Resultados Acima de 90% dos homens e mulheres informaram percepção de baixo ou nenhum risco de infecção pelo vírus zika. A maioria dos participantes identificou a picada de mosquito como uma via de transmissão e uma proporção significativamente menor identificou a relação sexual (≈40%) e a transmissão vertical (29% dos homens e 41% das mulheres) como vias de transmissão. Conclusões Falta conhecimento sobre a transmissão sexual e a transmissão vertical do vírus zika aos adultos sexualmente ativos nos Estados Unidos, sobretudo aos jovens do sexo masculino. Diante da provável endemicidade do vírus, a percepção de baixo risco é um grande desafio à prevenção. As mensagens para prevenção de zika devem abordar as vias de transmissão menos conhecidas, concentrando-se em instruir indivíduos do sexo masculino e promover o uso correto e consistente de preservativos.

Isolation of human cadaveric pancreatic islets for clinical transplantation.

Diabetes is a debilitating condition which can lead to chronic vascular, renal, and ophthalmic disease. Type I or Juvenile Diabetes is caused by the destruction of beta cells within the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. The beta cells are able to maintain tight control of blood glucose levels by virtue of their ability to secrete insulin in response to small increases in blood glucose concentration. In the absence of beta cells patients with Type I diabetes are dependent on the exogenous administration of insulin. This results in imperfect control of blood glucose levels. In early animal and human studies, it was shown that the transplantation of allogeneic pancreatic islets into the liver via the portal vein, coupled with low-dose immunosuppression, could lead to insulin independence and tight blood sugar control. Since these seminal studies, it has been clinically demonstrated that islets isolated from cadaveric pancreases and transplanted into the portal vein of immunosuppressed patients can maintain a state of insulin independence for upwards of 5 years. This chapter describes a method of isolating and formulating pancreatic islets from the human cadaveric pancreas.

Subcutaneous transplantation of islets into streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

Pancreatic islet transplantation into type 1 diabetic patients is currently being performed by intraportal infusion. This method, albeit reproducible, has some disadvantages including potential development of portal hypertension, hemorrhage, and an inability to retrieve or detect the transplanted tissue. Other transplant sites have been examined in animal models including the omentum, peritoneal cavity, and the spleen. A transplant site that has not been successful in supporting functional islet tissue transplantation in humans is the subcutaneous space due primarily to the lack of a well-defined vascular bed. This site has many favorable characteristics such as ease of access for transplantation and potential for removal of the transplanted tissue with a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This report addresses the evaluation of a subcutaneously placed device for the support of rat syngeneic islet transplantation in a streptozocin-induced diabetic model. The data generated support the use of this device for islet engraftment. In addition, beta cell function in this device compared favorably with the function of islets transplanted to the renal subcapsular space as well as islets within the native pancreas.