Is Online Partner-Seeking Associated with Increased Risk of Condomless Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Individuals Who Engage in Heterosexual Sex? A Systematic Narrative Review.

Use of Internet websites and mobile applications to meet potential romantic and sexual partners is becoming increasingly popular. While the Internet might foster better communication and sexual negotiation between partners, it can also be a deceptive environment that instigates and accelerates sexual risk-taking. Given the complexities of the Internet, it is critical to examine the association between risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and online partner-seeking. Five databases (i.e., Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline) were searched for articles published before September 10, 2017, that examined the association between online partner solicitation (either for romantic and/or sexual reasons) and RSBs. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were empirical papers published in English-language peer-reviewed journals looking at samples of online partner seekers who practice heterosexual sex (with a comparison group) and reporting either condom use or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) status, which were the two primary outcomes. A total of 25 studies met the criteria to be included in our review. Results from this literature search do not indicate a clear association between online partner-seeking and condom use or STI status. Potential moderators (i.e., age, gender, reasons for online partner solicitation, duration of Internet correspondence, and Internet modalities) that should be included in future research were identified. Sexual health prevention efforts should address methods to negotiate safe practices between sexual partners and to encourage healthy non-virtual relationships, particularly among vulnerable populations.

The cell-type-specific spatial organization of the anterior thalamic nuclei of the mouse brain.

Understanding the cell-type composition and spatial organization of brain regions is crucial for interpreting brain computation and function. In the thalamus, the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) are involved in a wide variety of functions, yet the cell-type composition of the ATN remains unmapped at a single-cell and spatial resolution. Combining single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and multiplexed fluorescent in situ hybridization, we identify three discrete excitatory cell-type clusters that correspond to the known nuclei of the ATN and uncover marker genes, molecular pathways, and putative functions of these cell types. We further illustrate graded spatial variation along the dorsomedial-ventrolateral axis for all individual nuclei of the ATN and additionally demonstrate that the anteroventral nucleus exhibits spatially covarying protein products and long-range inputs. Collectively, our study reveals discrete and continuous cell-type organizational principles of the ATN, which will help to guide and interpret experiments on ATN computation and function.

Longitudinal Associations between Anhedonia and Internet-Related Addictive Behaviors in Emerging Adults.

Internet addiction (including online gaming) has been associated with depression. However, most prior research relating internet addiction symptomatology to depressive symptoms has been cross-sectional, conducted with children and adolescents, and only examined depressive symptoms as a broad construct. The purpose of the current study was to examine potential longitudinal associations between anhedonia (i.e., difficulty experiencing pleasure, a key facet of depression) and internet-related addictive behaviors in 503 at-risk emerging adults (former attendees of alternative high schools). Participants completed surveys at baseline and approximately one year later (9-18 months later). Results indicated that trait anhedonia prospectively predicted greater levels of compulsive internet use and addiction to online activities as well as a greater likelihood of addiction to online/offline video games. These findings suggest that anhedonia may contribute to the development of internet-related addictive behaviors in the emerging adult population. Thus, interventions that target anhedonia in emerging adulthood (e.g., bupropion treatment or behavioral activation therapy) may help prevent or treat internet addiction.

Vape shop retailers' perceptions of their customers, products and services: A content analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has spurred the growth of vape shops, but little is known about the retailers who may play an important role in the introduction and dissemination of vape products. In this paper we examine how retailers profile their customers and their perceptions of vaping, and the services their shops provide. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of retailers (n=77) located across southern California. Open-ended questions were coded and analyzed using a content analysis approach. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the content analysis: who vapes, why people vape, and the vape shop environment. Retailers profiled customers as friendly, health conscious, and interested in tobacco cessation or cessation maintenance. Retailers believed e-cigarettes were used recreationally or as products that help curb other addictive behaviors. While most retailers reported positive experiences with vaping, some reported potentially negative experiences including failed cessation attempts, dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes, and increased nicotine dependence. Retailers reported that they regularly answer questions about vaping and believe their shops function as social lounges that are tied to other recreational activities. CONCLUSIONS: Retailers attach certain characteristics to their clientele, perceive certain health benefits associated with vaping, and seek to establish their shops as places that provide guidance on vape products as well as shops with a recreational aesthetic. As vape shops grow in popularity, additional research on, and regulation of, these retailers will be necessary. Education campaigns are needed to inform retailers of the benefits and consequences of vaping.