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Summary: The aim of this study is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the gendered condi- tions under which diplomats network. We still have limited knowledge of how female diplomats network when serving abroad in strongly male-dominated contexts. To what extent do they experience token tendencies (visibility, assimilation and contrast) and how are these tendencies perceived to affect their access to important contacts? Based on 28 interviews with diplomats and civil servants from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA), this study compares how female and male diplomats are expected and perceived to network. The results indicate that the greater visibility of female diplomats makes them assimilate to a stereotypical gender role that closely resembles that of diplomatic wives. Women thus legitimise their presence in the MFA and make it less intrusive. Still, they experience contrast in silent resistance and con- stant reminders of their presence in a gender-inappropriate profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Generally, health care consumption, especially primary care, is greater among women than men. The extent to which this sex difference is explained by reproduction and sex-specific morbidity is unclear. Methods: We examined age- and sex-specific health care service utilization and costs in the western region of Sweden. Data were retrieved from a regional health care database of information on total health care consumption in the population. Use of health care resources was divided into the following diagnosis categories: health care associated with reproduction; health care received for sex-specific morbidity; and health care provided for all other conditions. Results: Total per capita cost for health care was 20% higher for women than for men. When adjusted for reproduction and sex-specific morbidity, the cost-difference decreased to 8%. The remaining cost-difference could be explained by women’s substantially higher costs for mental and behavioral disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Women were more likely to receive more accessible, less expensive primary care, while men were more likely to receive specialist inpatient care. Conclusions: The substantially greater use of reproduction-associated care among women, which largely occurs within primary care, might make it easier to also seek health care for other reasons. Efforts to eliminate barriers that prevent men from investing in their health and seeking primary care could reduce future morbidity and costs for specialist care. More studies and appropriate actions are needed to determine why women are overrepresented in mental, behavioral and musculoskeletal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how young people's everyday patterns of social communication are affected by the increased use of mobile phones. We discuss three areas in which there are potential implications: (i) contact patterns and face-to-face interaction; (ii) other forms of spatial mobility; and (iii) individual planning and use of time. Empirically, we focus on change and rely on a two-wave panel study of 40 young persons living in Göteborg, Sweden. Data were collected through time-use diaries and in-depth interviews. The results show that young people's total interactions with their social environment in- crease as the mobile promotes a flexible lifestyle of instant exchange and constant up- dates. Thresholds — regarding space, time and content — for communicative action are reduced. A more impulsive practice of decision-making evolves and people become more careless about time-keeping. With the reduction in the constraints of time and space, the instant access of the mobile becomes difficult to refuse, and perceived dependency on mobiles increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosocomial transmission of Lassa virus (LASV) is reported to be low when care for the index patient includes proper barrier nursing methods. We investigated whether asymptomatic LASV infection occurred in healthcare workers who used standard barrier nursing methods during the first 15 days of caring for a patient with Lassa fever in Sweden. Of 76 persons who were defined as having been potentially exposed to LASV, 53 provided blood samples for detection of LASV IgG. These persons also responded to a detailed questionnaire to evaluate exposure to different body fluids from the index patient. LASV-specific IgG was not detected in any of the 53 persons. Five of 53 persons had not been using proper barrier nursing methods. Our results strengthen the argument for a low risk of secondary transmission of LASV in humans when standard barrier nursing methods are used and the patient has only mild symptoms.