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Adolescents who engage in unprotected intercourse are at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although adolescents in rural areas participate in levels of sexual risk taking similar to that of nonrural youth, few data are available identifying factors that influence condom use among rural adolescents. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive value of selected personal, environmental, and behavioral factors for condom use among rural adolescents in grades 9-12. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among sexually active youth ("N" = 613), ages 14-19, in three rural school districts in the Northeast. Using logistic regression, identified predictors for condom use include personal standards (odds ratio [OR] = 2.45; confidence interval [CI]: [2.39, 6.47]), condom use goals (OR = 1.32; CI [1.21, 1.45]), condom use at first intercourse (OR = 3.93; CI [2.39, 6.47]) and male gender. School nurses are encouraged to incorporate identified predictors of condom use when considering interventions promoting safer sexual behaviors among rural youth. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)

Research, at times, can be risky. In the area of social deviance or criminal behavior, it may seem common sense to consider risk involved. Yet, safety precautions are neither well established nor universally embraced. This study explored utilization of safety precautions and their level of success. An online survey was completed by researchers (n = 805) who have conducted qualitative and/or quantitative fieldwork or non-fieldwork based research on the topic of social deviance or criminal behavior. The frequently used safety precautions, consider or discuss possible safety issues, set limits, and develop a professional/social network of support, were found to be very successful or better by the majority of respondents. Respondents also provide guidance for those considering research on deviance or crime. Narrative responses are reviewed and discussed. Study findings can be used to enhance the education and preparedness of novice researchers in the area of researcher safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion channels activated by the binding of cyclic nucleotides first were discovered in retinal rods where they generate the cell's response to light. In other systems, however, it has been difficult to unambiguously determine whether cyclic nucleotide-dependent processes are mediated by protein kinases, their classical effector enzymes, or cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels. Part of this difficulty has been caused by the lack of specific pharmacological tools. Here we report the purification from the venom of the Australian King Brown snake of a peptide toxin that inhibits current through CNG channels. This toxin, which we have named Pseudechetoxin (PsTx), was purified by cation exchange and RP-HPLC and has a molecular mass of about 24 kDa. When applied to the extracellular face of membrane patches containing the [Alpha]-subunit of the rat olfactory CNG channel, PsTx blocked the cGMP-dependent current with a [K.sub.i] of 5 nM. Block was independent of voltage and required only a single molecule of toxin. PsTx also blocked CNG channels containing the bovine rod [Alpha]-subunit with high affinity (100 riM), but it was less effective on the heteromeric version of the rod channel ([K.sub.i] [approximately equal to] 3 [[micro]molar]). We have obtained N-terminal and partial internal sequence data and the amino acid composition of PsTx. These data indicate that PsTx is a basic protein that exhibits some homology with helothermine, a toxin isolated from the venom of the Mexican beaded lizard. PsTx promises to be a valuable pharmacological tool for studies on the structure and physiology of CNG channels.

Anger could be an early warning signal of violent behavior. Early peer education health promotion in relation to anger management could help children before uncontrolled anger becomes a problem in adolescence and adulthood. Peer education has been identified as a viable intervention strategy worldwide with various prevention programs for youth. The purpose of this article is to describe an anger management program (Teaching Kids to Cope with Anger, TKC-A 4th—8th graders) co-led by high school peer educators in an urban school district’s summer school enhancement program. A program of five modules will be described. This paper discusses the peer educator implementation and recommendations for future implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]