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Student behavior problems in general-education classrooms present a major barrier to effective teaching. Behavior challenges, such as disruptions, noncompliance, and peer conflicts, reduce instructional time, whereas prosocial behaviors, such as paying attention, being ready to work, asking for help, participating in class, and completing homework, improve academic performance. Most interventions developed to address student behavior problems were not designed for general-education students in typical classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to present preliminary results from a novel intervention developed to enhance behavioral self-management skills among all upper-elementary students in general-education classrooms. "We Have Choices," a universal intervention, was designed to increase students' capacity to make appropriate behavioral choices and decrease teachers' responsibility by transferring behavior management to students. An initial randomized controlled trial with 86 fourth- to sixth-grade teachers and 2055 students suggested that "We Have Choices" was associated with improvements in student-reported use of self-management strategies, teacher-reported student prosocial behavior, and teacher-reported self-efficacy in behavior management and instruction. Teachers gave the program high scores for social validity, suggesting a good fit for their classrooms. [For the corresponding grantee submission, see ED619741.]

This paper reports the results of a randomized controlled trial evaluating "We Have Skills," a brief curriculum designed to teach early elementary students academic and social skills as well as improve teacher efficacy in classroom management. Intervention efficacy was tested with 127 teachers, randomly assigned to condition, and 2,817 of their students. On key outcomes of student academically related behavioral skills and classroom adjustment, intervention teachers reported greater gains for their students than comparison teachers (Hedges's g [greater than or equal to] 0.19). Baseline scores moderated effects, demonstrating greater differences between conditions for initially struggling students. Intervention teachers also reported greater improvements on their sense of self-efficacy for classroom management and concerns about student behavior (|g| [greater than or equal to] 0.30) relative to comparison teachers. Effect sizes were similar to or greater than those reported for similar programs, and an economic analysis suggested that "We Have Skills" was less costly than many. The findings support cost-effective solutions that teach social-behavioral skills in early elementary grades--and suggest that such programs may be especially beneficial for students who struggle with academically related behaviors.

We describe the development and initial evaluation of the efficacy of "We Have Skills!" (WHS), a video-based social skills instructional program for early elementary school students. The components of WHS were designed to be scientifically sound, maximally useful to elementary school teachers, and effective in increasing students' social skills. Results from feasibility and social validity testing showed that teachers felt the program was easy to implement and highly recommended its use. The initial efficacy evaluation of WHS conducted with 70 classrooms randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions showed that teachers in the intervention group scored significantly higher on self-efficacy than teachers in the control group. Students in the intervention classrooms were rated significantly higher on key social skills by their teachers at posttest compared to students in the control group. Implications for further testing of WHS are discussed, along with study limitations and recommendations for future research and practice.

Purpose: With the rise of the Latinx student population in the United States and the urgency to meet the needs of this diverse community, there has been an increased concern and interest in preparing more Latinx educators and school leaders. This study contributes to this knowledge base by centering the voices and experiences of four Latina school leaders in the United States. All of the school leaders were current or former school principals and/or assistant principals at the time of the study, with three being from Texas and one from California. Research Approach: Drawing on the methodological tenets of "testimonio," this study asked: What are Latina school leaders' professional experiences like, both positive and negative, given the intersectionality of their social identities? Utilizing intersectionality as a theoretical framework provided the means to analyze and understand Latina school leaders' multiple social identities and the role that such identities played in their professional roles and career trajectories as school leaders within the larger context of educational politics and systemic inequities. Findings: "Testimonios" of participants centered on four themes related to how they confronted gender roles and expectations of motherhood, the criticality of mentorship, how they confronted and addressed racism and sexism, and harnessed bilingualism to empower self and others. Implications: Findings help inform those seeking to meet the needs of our growing Latinx student population, including school district administrators, current and upcoming school leaders, and those working to prepare a more diverse school leadership pipeline.

The Latinx population continues to be underrepresented in higher education.This qualitative study explored the perceptions of 137 Latinx first-year students on factors that affected their college adjustment. Two primary domains emerged through consensual qualitative research analysis: (a) Detrimental Factors (i.e., issues that hindered adjustment) and (b) Beneficial Factors (i.e., aspects that helped adjustment).The Detrimental domain included seven categories: Academic Challenges, Poor Time Management, Cultural Difficulties, Family Problems, Financial Limitations, Health Problems, and Social Struggles. The Beneficial Factors domain included six categories:Belonging, Cultural Identity, Motivation, Perseverance, Study Skills, and Social Support.Findings demonstrate the complex factors that first-year Latinx students grapple with as they attempt to adjust to college, with the role of Latinx peers emerging as a central factor. Findings stress the need for comprehensive programs that not only attend to social, financial, and academic needs, but also address cultural factors.

For nearly 2 decades, lawsuits filed on behalf of students who have endured anti-queer bias in schools have resulted in favorable verdicts and settlements for the plaintiffs, thus spurring an increasing number of school districts across the United States to establish antidiscrimination policies and other initiatives to protect students from homophobic harassment. While these legal victories mark an important turn toward creating safe schooling environments for all students, they also reveal an inattention to the intersections of multiple identities and oppressions that can mediate the harassment experienced by queer students. Drawing upon critical scholarship on queers of color, or "a queer of color critique," this article interrogates the absence of race in legal discourses on the rights of queer students in California. Through its focus on the intersections of race and sexual orientation, this article considers new forms of knowledge on queer youth of color that not only may inform legal protections on their behalf, but also may shape the efforts of school districts and community stakeholders to improve the educational experiences of queer students of color.

A retrospective account of the evolution of the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) program shows how English learners and students of diverse cultural backgrounds were marginally considered throughout the development of the "California Standards for the Teaching Profession" and BTSA induction development, implementation, and evaluation. In 1999, BTSA induction began to address the needs of students of linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds in a specialized program. The Riverside, Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino BTSA Project received state funding to establish the BTSA English Language Learner Pilot Project. But despite demonstrated success, this pilot project was not adopted by the state. (Contains 3 figures and 3 tables.)

Active-learning strategies are increasingly being integrated into college-level science courses to make material more accessible to all students and to improve learning outcomes. One active-learning pedagogy, case-based learning (CBL), was developed as a way to both enhance engagement in the material and to accommodate diverse learning styles. Yet, adoption of CBL approaches in undergraduate biology courses has been piecemeal, in part because of the perceived investment of time required. Furthermore, few CBL lesson plans have been developed specifically for upper-division laboratory courses. Here, we describe four cases that we developed and implemented for a senior cell and molecular biology laboratory course at San Francisco State University, a minority-serving institution. To evaluate the effectiveness of these modules, we used both written and verbal assessments to gauge learning outcomes and attitudinal responses of students over two semesters. Students responded positively to the new approach and seemed to meet the learning goals for the course. Most said they would take a course using CBL again. These case modules are readily adaptable to a variety of classroom settings. (Contains 3 tables and 4 figures.)

Climate change is producing shifts in the distribution and abundance of marine species. Such is the case of kelp forests, important marine ecosystem-structuring species whose distributional range limits have been shifting worldwide. Synthesizing long-term time series of kelp forest observations is therefore vital for understanding the drivers shaping ecosystem dynamics and for predicting responses to ongoing and future climate changes. Traditional methods of mapping kelp from satellite imagery are time-consuming and expensive, as they require high amount of human effort for image processing and algorithm optimization. Here we propose the use of mask region-based convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNN) to automatically assimilate data from open-source satellite imagery (Landsat Thematic Mapper) and detect kelp forest canopy cover. The analyses focused on the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera along the shorelines of southern California and Baja California in the northeastern Pacific. Model hyper-parameterization was tuned through cross-validation procedures testing the effect of data augmentation, and different learning rates and anchor sizes. The optimal model detected kelp forests with high performance and low levels of overprediction (Jaccard's index: 0.87 ± 0.07; Dice index: 0.93 ± 0.04; over prediction: 0.06) and allowed reconstructing a time series of 32 years in Baja California (Mexico), a region known for its high variability in kelp owing to El Niño events. The proposed framework based on Mask R-CNN now joins the list of cost-efficient tools for long-term marine ecological monitoring, facilitating well-informed biodiversity conservation, management and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among Latino communities, with an emphasis on understanding barriers and facilitators to vaccine intention prior to the development of the vaccine. Methods: Qualitative data were collected between April and June 2020 from 3 focus groups with Latino adults (n = 21) and interviews with administrators of community-based organizations serving Latino communities (n = 12) in urban (Los Angeles) and rural (Fresno) California, supplemented by Community Advisory Board input in May 2021to elucidate the findings. Data were analyzed with deductive content analysis. Results: We have identified four main themes that are barriers to vaccinating against COVID-19: 1) concerns about accessing appropriate healthcare services, 2) financial issues and 3) immigration matters, as well as 4) misinformation. Conclusions: Findings illustrate the pervasive role of addressable social determinants of health in the intention of rural and urban Latino communities in being vaccinated, which is a pressing public health issue. Policy implications: Findings provide evidence for a systemic shift to prioritize equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to Latino communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Racial/ethnic minority women have disproportionately lower breast cancer survival rates compared to white women. As minorities in the US are exposed to higher levels of discrimination, and exposure to discrimination has been associated with shorter telomere lengths (TLs), we investigated the association between perceived everyday discrimination and TL in a multiethnic sample of breast cancer survivors. Design: We examined a cohort of 58 breast cancer survivors who participated in a pilot study to investigate biological stress. Participants were drawn from the Equality in Breast Cancer Care (EBCC) study and were asked to provide saliva samples for DNA extraction. Ordinary least squares linear regression was used to derive regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Higher levels of everyday discrimination were associated with longer TLs (eβ = 1.04, CI: 1.01–1.07), adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, breast cancer stage, and breast cancer subtype. Luminal B subtypes were associated with longer telomeres relative to luminal A, while African Americans were less likely than Whites to have longer telomeres. Conclusions: Further research, particularly longitudinal studies, is needed to understand how discrimination, and other social stressors, impact biological stress and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite evidence that Hispanic/Latino populations are 1.5 times more likely than non-Latino Whites to develop Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), Latinos are underrepresented in clinical trials testing treatments for ADRD. Data are needed on facilitators of ADRD clinical trial participation in Latinos. We leveraged in-depth qualitativemethods to elucidate barriers and facilitators to participating in ADRD clinical trials in a large and diverse sample of Latinos; and to provide timely and actionable strategies to accelerate representation of Latinos in clinical trials on ADRD. Methods: Data were collected in California between January 2019 and June 2020 from 25 focus groups (FGs): eight with Latino adults ages 18 to 49 (n = 54), nine with Latino adults ages 50+ (n = 75), and eight with caregivers of Latino older adults with ADRD (n = 52). Twelve community-based organization administrators were also interviewed. Transcripts of FGs and interviews were entered into Atlas.ti software. Three independent team members analyzed the transcripts with inductive/deductive qualitative content analysis. We triangulated data from stakeholder groups across sites, we used collaborative coding, and used the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Results: An overarching theme was a tension between wanting to learn more about ADRDand to participate inADRDresearch but having limited awareness and opportunity. Five themeswere identified: (1) remaining in limbo, (2) wanting information about ADRD, (3) wanting information on research about ADRD, (4) clearing researchers through trusted local organizations, and (5) practicing altruism through engagement in research opportunities. Discussion: To increase representation of Latino communities in clinical trials on ADRD, bilingual information and education on ADRD and clinical trials needs to be better disseminated. Also, working with trusted local, regional, and national organizations can increase participation. Importantly, Latino participation can increase when research teams demonstrate altruistic actions and inform participants of public health reasons requiring their involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sequencing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral genome from patient samples is an important epidemiological tool for monitoring and responding to the pandemic, including the emergence of new mutations in specific communities. Methods SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences were generated from positive samples collected, along with epidemiological metadata, at a walk-up, rapid testing site in the Mission District of San Francisco, California during 22 November to 1 December, 2020, and 10–29 January 2021. Secondary household attack rates and mean sample viral load were estimated and compared across observed variants. Results A total of 12 124 tests were performed yielding 1099 positives. From these, 928 high-quality genomes were generated. Certain viral lineages bearing spike mutations, defined in part by L452R, S13I, and W152C, comprised 54.4% of the total sequences from January, compared to 15.7% in November. Household contacts exposed to the "California" or "West Coast" variants (B.1.427 and B.1.429) were at higher risk of infection compared to household contacts exposed to lineages lacking these variants (0.36 vs 0.29, risk ratio [RR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.64). The reproductive number was estimated to be modestly higher than other lineages spreading in California during the second half of 2020. Viral loads were similar among persons infected with West Coast versus non-West Coast strains, as was the proportion of individuals with symptoms (60.9% vs 64.3%). Conclusions The increase in prevalence, relative household attack rates, and reproductive number are consistent with a modest transmissibility increase of the West Coast variants. Summary : We observed a growing prevalence and modestly elevated attack rate for "West Coast" severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in a community testing setting in San Francisco during January 2021, suggesting its modestly higher transmissibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is an urgent need to understand the dynamics and risk factors driving ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission during shelter-in-place mandates. Methods We offered SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antibody (Abbott ARCHITECT IgG) testing, regardless of symptoms, to all residents (aged ≥4 years) and workers in a San Francisco census tract (population: 5174) at outdoor, community-mobilized events over 4 days. We estimated SARS-CoV-2 point prevalence (PCR positive) and cumulative incidence (antibody or PCR positive) in the census tract and evaluated risk factors for recent (PCR positive/antibody negative) vs prior infection (antibody positive/PCR negative). SARS-CoV-2 genome recovery and phylogenetics were used to measure viral strain diversity, establish viral lineages present, and estimate number of introductions. Results We tested 3953 persons (40% Latinx; 41% White; 9% Asian/Pacific Islander; and 2% Black). Overall, 2.1% (83/3871) tested PCR positive: 95% were Latinx and 52% were asymptomatic when tested; 1.7% of census tract residents and 6.0% of workers (non–census tract residents) were PCR positive. Among 2598 tract residents, estimated point prevalence of PCR positives was 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2%–3.8%): 3.9% (95% CI, 2.0%–6.4%) among Latinx persons vs 0.2% (95% CI,.0–.4%) among non-Latinx persons. Estimated cumulative incidence among residents was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.0%–8.6%). Prior infections were 67% Latinx, 16% White, and 17% other ethnicities. Among recent infections, 96% were Latinx. Risk factors for recent infection were Latinx ethnicity, inability to shelter in place and maintain income, frontline service work, unemployment, and household income <$50 000/year. Five SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetic lineages were detected. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 infections from diverse lineages continued circulating among low-income, Latinx persons unable to work from home and maintain income during San Francisco's shelter-in-place ordinance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We developed a comprehensive measure to evaluate 11 domains of maternal social support for physical activity (PA) among Latina adolescents. Methods: The 26-item questionnaire included a version for mothers to rate how often they engaged in behaviors supporting their daughters' PA, and a version for daughters to rate how often their mothers engaged in the same behaviors. Bivariate correlations examined associations between mother-daughter perceived support for daughter's moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and associations between daughter's perceived support for PA and current MVPA. Results: Twenty-one Latina adolescents, which included 20 adolescent-mother dyads, enrolled in the study. Mother-daughter ratings of support showed significant positive correlations for reminders (r = .573, p = .01), watching daughters' sports (r = .566, p = .01), limit-setting (r = .564, p = .01), encouragement (r = .561, p = .01), transportation (r = .544, p = .02). We found statistically significant associations between MVPA and daughters' ratings of their mothers valuing (r = .544, p = .02) and facilitating PA (r = .48, p = .05). Conclusions: Mothers accurately perceive several supportive behaviors for PA given to daughters, but only daughters' perception of received support predicts their MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During April 2020-August 2020, a preemptive testing strategy combined with accessible isolation and symptom screening among people experiencing homelessness in congregant living settings in San Diego, California, contributed to a low incidence proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (0.9%). Proactively addressing challenges specific to a vulnerable population may prove impactful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is the first comprehensive legislative effort to reform groundwater management in the state of California after years of uncoordinated and voluntary governance of this resource. The objective of this study is to a) describe the SGMA in California, b) describe a method for estimating a water budget, and c) present the implementation of this method for the Ukiah Valley Groundwater Basin (UVGB). An estimated water budget, done on a monthly time step from 1991 to 2015, was developed in order to characterize the UVGB. Results suggest that the groundwater basin is not in overdraft, and that a portion of the Russian River is a gaining river (approximately 18,952 AF/y) from November to June, and a losing river (approximately 393 AF/y) from July to October. Furthermore, lateral groundwater movement is identified through the groundwater mass balance. Based on previous work and the results of this study, the observed later groundwater losses signify connectivity between the UVGB and the Sanel Valley Groundwater Basin (SVGB). Local groundwater managers and users can use this information to inform proposed action plans and monitoring protocols that will allow them to achieve and maintain groundwater sustainability in the UVGB by the year 2040. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spanish-speaking Latinas have some of the lowest rates of meeting physical activity guidelines in the U.S. and are at high risk for many related chronic diseases. The purpose of the current study was to examine the maintenance of a culturally and individually-tailored Internet-based physical activity intervention for Spanish-speaking Latinas. Inactive Latinas ( N = 205) were randomly assigned to a 6-month Tailored Physical Activity Internet Intervention or a Wellness Contact Control Internet Group, with a 6-month follow-up. Maintenance was measured by assessing group differences in minutes per week of self-reported and accelerometer measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at 12 months after baseline and changes in MVPA between the end of the active intervention (month 6) and the end of the study (month 12). Potential moderators of the intervention were also examined. Data were collected between 2011 and 2014, and were analyzed in 2015 at the University of California, San Diego. The Intervention Group engaged in significantly more minutes of MVPA per week than the Control Group at the end of the maintenance period for both self-reported (mean diff. = 30.68, SE = 11.27, p = .007) and accelerometer measured (mean diff. = 11.47, SE = 3.19, p = .01) MVPA. There were no significant between- or within-group changes in MVPA from month 6 to 12. Greater intervention effects were seen for those with lower BMI (BMI × intervention = −6.67, SE = 2.88, p = .02) and lower perceived places to walk to in their neighborhood (access × intervention = −43.25, SE = 19.07, p = .02), with a trend for less family support (social support × intervention = −3.49, SE = 2.05, p = .08). Acculturation, health literacy, and physical activity related psychosocial variables were not significant moderators of the intervention effect during the maintenance period. Findings from the current study support the efficacy of an Internet-delivered individually tailored intervention for maintenance of MVPA gains over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a statewide telephone service in identifying low-income women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and referring them to free genetic counseling. Methods: From June 2010 through August 2011, eligible callers to California's toll-free breast and cervical cancer telephone service were screened for their family histories of breast and ovarian cancer. High-riskwomenwere identified and called for a baseline survey and randomization to an immediate offer of genetic counseling or a mailed brochure on how to obtain counseling. Clinic recordswere used to assess receipt of genetic counseling after 2 months. Results: Among 1212 eligible callers, 709 (58.5%) agreed to answer family history questions; 102 (14%) were at high risk (25% Hispanic, 46% White, 10% Black, 16% Asian, 3% of other racial/ethnic backgrounds). Of the high-risk women offered an immediate appointment, 39%received counseling during the intervention period, as compared with 4.5% of those receiving the brochure. Conclusions: A public health approach to the rare but serious risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer can be successful when integrated into the efforts of existing safety net organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The social context of poverty is consistently linked to Trichomonas vaginalis infection, yet few studies regarding T. vaginalis have been conducted exclusively among low-income individuals. We identified social determinants of health associated with prevalent T. vaginalis infection among homeless and unstably housed adult women.Methods: Between April and October of 2010, we conducted cross-sectional T. vaginalis screening and behavioural interviews in an existing cohort of San Francisco homeless and unstably housed women. Data were analysed using multivariable logistical regression.Results: Among 245 study participants, the median age was 47 years and 72% were of non-Caucasian race/ethnicity. T. vaginalis prevalence was 12%, compared to 3% in the general population, and 33% of infected individuals reported no gynaecological symptoms. In adjusted analysis, the odds of T. vaginalis infection were lower among persons older than 47 years, the population median (OR=0.14, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.38), and higher among those reporting recent short-term homeless shelter stays (OR=5.36, 95% CI 1.57 to 18.26). Race and income did not reach levels of significance. Sensitivity analyses indicated that testing all women who report recent unprotected sex would identify more infections than testing those who report gynaecological symptoms (20/30 vs 10/30; p=0.01).Conclusions: The prevalence of T. vaginalis is high among homeless and unstably housed adult women, over one-third of infected individuals have no gynaecological symptoms, and correlates of infection differ from those reported in the general population. Targeted screening and treatment among impoverished women reporting recent unprotected sex, particularly young impoverished women and all women experiencing short-term homelessness, may reduce complications related to this treatable infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Internet access has grown markedly in Latinos during the past decade. However, there have been no Internet-based physical activity interventions designed for Latinos, despite large disparities in lifestyle-related conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, particularly in Latina women. The current study tested the efficacy of a 6-month culturally adapted, individually tailored, Spanish-language Internet-based physical activity intervention. Methods: Inactive Latinas (N=205) were randomly assigned to the Tailored Physical Activity Internet Intervention or the Wellness Contact Control Internet Group. Participants in both groups received emails on a tapered schedule over 6 months to alert them to new content on the website. The primary outcome was minutes/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at 6 months as measured by the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall; activity was also measured by accelerometers. Data were collected between 2011 and 2014 and analyzed in 2015 at the University of California, San Diego. Results: Increases in minutes/week of MVPA were significantly greater in the Intervention Group compared to the Control Group (mean difference = 50.00, SE = 9.5, p < 0.01). Increases in objectively measured MVPA were also significantly larger in the Intervention Group (mean differences = 31.0, SE= 10.7, p<.01).The Intervention Group was also significantly more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines at 6 months (OR = 3.12, 95 % CI 1.46-6.66, p < .05). Conclusion: Findings from the current study suggest that this Internet-delivered individually tailored intervention successfully increased MVPA in Latinas compared to a Wellness Contact Control Internet Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between perceived walkability-related neighborhood characteristics (e.g., traffic safety) and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Latino adults. Method: We used baseline, 12-month, and 24-month in-person interview data collected from Latinos aged ≥60 years participating in an exercise intervention at 27 senior centers (N = 570). Results: In cross-sectional analyses, lower perceived neighborhood crime, indicative of greater neighborhood walkability, was associated with a lower odds of elevated symptoms of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.82, 0.996]; p = .04) after adjusting for demographic characteristics, linguistic acculturation, and medical comorbidities. Associations between Neighborhood Environment Walkability scales and incident depressive symptoms at 12- and/or 24-months were not statistically significant, but the point estimate for crime safety was consistent with cross-sectional findings (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = [0.64, 1.07]; p = .16), suggesting a protective effect for lower perceived neighborhood crime. Discussion: Lower perceived neighborhood crime is associated with reduced presence of elevated symptoms of depression in older Latinos. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Methamphetamine use is associated with adverse health outcomes and HIV incidence. Few studies have assessed methamphetamine use, sexual behavior and Internet use among HIV-infected patients. Surveys were administered to a sample of HIV-infected patients seeking medical care in a San Francisco county hospital and university-based clinic. In 2008, 35% of homosexual participants, 26% of heterosexual participants and 11% of female participants reported methamphetamine use in the past year. Of participants, 29% reported using the Internet to find sex partners; Internet-users versus non-Internet-users reported a higher median number of sex partners in 6 months (4 vs. 1), were more likely to report unprotected sex (32 vs. 10%), and higher rates of methamphetamine use in the past 12 months (48 vs. 24%). Given the association among methamphetamine use, increased sex partners and Internet use, the Internet may present a new and effective medium for interventions to reduce methamphetamine-associated sexual risk behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While numerous studies examine methamphetamine use and associated risky sexual behaviors in HIV-uninfected individuals, few studies have surveyed HIV-infected individuals in the health care setting. To assess the frequency and trends of methamphetamine use, sexual activity, injection drug use, patient-provider communication, and medication adherence among HIV-infected persons in care, we administered a one-page anonymous survey in 2004 and 2006. The survey was conducted at the two University of California, San Francisco outpatient HIV clinics: at Moffitt Hospital (Moffitt), serving primarily privately insured patients, and at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH), a county hospital serving primarily patients who are uninsured or publicly insured. In 2006, 39% of men who have sex with men (MSM), 33% of heterosexual men, and 11% of women reported methamphetamine use in the prior 12 months. Methamphetamine use was significantly associated with an increased number of sex partners among MSM and heterosexual men, and poor anti-retroviral medication adherence. Among MSM, methamphetamine use was more common at the SFGH clinic. Between 2004 and 2006, reported methamphetamine use in the last 12 months decreased among MSM at Moffitt (38 to 20%, p<0.01), but increased at SFGH (40 to 50%, p<0.05). Among methamphetamine users we found a high frequency of injection of methamphetamine, which increased at SFGH from 38 to 55%, p<0.05. Patient-provider communication regarding methamphetamine use has increased from 2004 to 2006 but no significant change has been found for providers asking patients about sexual activity. Overall, we found methamphetamine use to be common among HIV-infected patients in care, and associated with an increased number of sex partners, a high frequency of injection drug use, and poor adherence to anti-retroviral medications. These findings support the need for improved screening and clinic-based interventions to reduce and treat methamphetamine abuse and associated high risk sexual behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) deaminase was purified from jumbo squid mantle muscle by chromatography in cellulose phosphate, Q-Fast and 5′-AMP sepharose. Specific activity of 2.5U/mg protein, 4.5% recovery and 133.68 purification fold were obtained at the end of the experiment. SDS–PAGE showed a single band with 87kDa molecular mass, native PAGE proved a band of 178kDa, whereas gel filtration detected a 180kDa protein, suggesting the homodimeric nature of this enzyme, in which subunits are not linked by covalent forces. Isoelectric focusing of this enzyme showed a pI of 5.76, which agrees with pI values of AMP deaminase from other invertebrate organisms. AMP deaminase presented a kinetic sigmoidal plot with V max of 1.16μM/min/mg, K m of 13mM, K cat of 3.48μM.s−1 and a K cat/K m of 267 (mol/L)−1.s−1. The apparent relative low catalytic activity of jumbo squid muscle AMP deaminase in the absence of positive effectors is similar to that reported for homologous enzymes in other invertebrate organisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Whenever a neighborhood or community group objects to a proposed development in their area, someone questions whether the objections are part of a NIMBY, or Not in My Backyard, pattern of responses. According to past studies, one characteristic of a typical NIMBY syndrome is a lack of trust in project sponsors or experts. Most researchers argue that distrust leads to the NIMBY syndrome. Margolis (1996), however, argues that opposition to a proposed development may cause distrust. In this article, we investigate opposition to off shore oil development in California using focusing groups of local political activists on both sides of the issue. Previous research has largely ignored project supporters when studying NIMBY responses. We find that supporters and opponents are quite similar, especially in their distrust of one another. That is, distrust characterizes both sides in NIMBY situations. We believe that our findings make Margolis's claim that distrust does not cause NIMBY responses more plausible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis ofPhrynosoma blainvilliiGray from Marina, Monterey County, California, using 150 bp paired-end Illumina sequences (Illumina, San Diego, CA) resulted in the assembly of its complete mitogenome. The mitogenome is 16,946 bp in length and contains a putative origin of light strand replication (OL), control region, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes. Its content and organization are similar to other Squamata. Phylogenetic analysis ofP. blainvilliiresolves it in a clade withP. sherbrookeiNieto-Montes de Oca, Arenas-Moreno, Beltrán-Sánchez & Leaché, sister in position toUma notataBaird. Mitochondrial marker analysis ofP. blainvilliifrom Marina shows that it belongs to a coastal Santa Lucia Mountain Range haplogroup that is distinct from other populations ofP. blainvilliiin California. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A growing number of direct-to-consumer telemedicine companies, such as Nurx and Pandia Health, offer contraception without a traditional office visit, but little data exist describing their use among a general population. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of using telemedicine companies for contraception in a sample of sexually active young adults. We collected survey data from May 2020 to May 2022 from individuals at risk of pregnancy aged 18–28 recruited at 29 community colleges in California and Texas (n=1,620 participants; 6,270 person-periods). We used multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models with random effects for site and individual to assess whether participants used telemedicine companies for contraception by sociodemographic characteristics, state of residence, and oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use. Participants reported using a telemedicine company for contraception in 412 of 6,270 observations (6.6%). Participants were more likely to report using a telemedicine company if they were Asian/Pacific Islander (adjusted OR (aOR), 4.15; CI, 1.90–9.06) compared to Hispanic respondents; were Texas residents (aOR, 3.20; CI, 1.79–5.73) vs. California residents; and if they were OCP users (aOR, 6.35; CI, 4.25–9.48). We found no differences by health insurance status. Among telemedicine company users, almost all (91%) were very satisfied or satisfied with their experience and almost all (96%) reported that ordering contraception online was very convenient or convenient. While relatively few young people used telemedicine companies for contraception, use varied by race/ethnicity and state of residence. Those who chose this alternative to traditional clinic visits reported high satisfaction levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]