Privacy and Safety on Social Networking Sites: Autistic and Non-Autistic Teenagers’ Attitudes and Behaviors

Autistic teenagers are suspected to be more vulnerable to privacy and safety threats on social networking sites (SNS) than the general population. However, there are no studies comparing these users’ privacy and safety concerns and protective strategies online with those reported by non-autistic teenagers. Furthermore, researchers have yet to identify possible explanations for autistic teenagers’ increased risk of online harms. To address these research gaps, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 autistic and 16 non-autistic teenagers assessing their privacy- and safety-related attitudes and behaviors on SNS, and factors affecting them. We used videos demonstrating relevant SNS scenarios as prompts to engage participants in conversation. Through our thematic analyses, we found evidence that autistic teenagers may be more averse to taking risks on SNS than non-autistic teenagers. Yet, several personal, social, and SNS design factors may make autistic teenagers more vulnerable to cyberbullying and social exclusion online. We provide recommendations for making SNS safer for autistic teenagers. Our research highlights the need for more inclusive usable privacy and security research with this population.

Fungal Seed Endophyte FZT214 Improves Dysphania ambrosioides Cd Tolerance Throughout Different Developmental Stages

Phytoremediation is a promising remediation method of heavy metal (HM)–contaminated soils. However, lower HM tolerance of metal accumulator inhibits its practical application and effects. The current study was aimed to illustrate the role of fungal seed endophyte (FZT214) in improving Dysphania ambrosioides Cd tolerance during different developmental stages under various Cd stresses (5, 15, 30 mg kg–1) by pot experiments. The results showed that FZT214 significantly (p < 0.05) improved the host plant’s growth at the flowering and fruiting stage in most of the treatment, while at the growing stage the increase was less (p > 0.05). The seed yield was also improved (p < 0.05) in the FZT214-inoculated plants (E+) and induced early flowering was observed. Moreover, the inoculation also positively affected total chlorophyll content, antioxidant process, and lipid peroxidation in most of the treatments throughout three developmental stages. Not all but in most cases, IAA and GA were more in E+ plants while JA was more in the E− plants (non-inoculated plants) during three developmental stages. The results suggested that the colonization of FZT214 to the D. ambrosioides might trigger multiple and comprehensive protective strategies against Cd stress, which mainly include activation of the dilution effects, induced biochemical changes to overcome damage from Cd toxicity, and alteration of the endogenous phytohormones. FZT214 can find competent application in the future to improve the growth of other crop plants.

Vicarious Trauma: Exploring the Experiences of Qualitative Researchers Who Study Traumatized Populations

Objective: A substantial body of research exists regarding vicarious trauma (VT) exposure among helping professionals across disciplines and settings. There is limited research, however, on exposure to VT in qualitative researchers studying traumatized populations. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of qualitative researchers who study traumatized populations and to identify potential protective strategies for reducing the risk of VT. Methods: The study utilized a qualitative methodological design. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured script. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify both risk factors and protective factors associated with VT. A sample of 58 research participants were recruited using a multimodal recruitment strategy. Results: Using thematic analysis, the following key themes emerged: exposure to primary trauma, the impact of stigma, organizational context, individual context, and research context. The opportunity for posttraumatic growth was also identified. Conclusion: Qualitative researchers of traumatized populations need to recognize the potential for VT and implement appropriate protection strategies from the risk of VT. The development of policies and guidelines that recognize the importance of both self-care and plan for researcher safety and well-being is a potential strategy for building researcher resilience and preventing VT.

Severe Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress and Oxidant Damage in Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19: Implications for GlyNAC (Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine) Supplementation

Humanity is battling a respiratory pandemic pneumonia named COVID-19 which has resulted in millions of hospitalizations and deaths. COVID-19 exacerbations occur in waves that continually challenge healthcare systems globally. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand all mechanisms by which COVID-19 results in health deterioration to facilitate the development of protective strategies. Oxidative stress (OxS) is a harmful condition caused by excess reactive-oxygen species (ROS) and is normally neutralized by antioxidants among which Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant. GSH deficiency results in amplified OxS due to compromised antioxidant defenses. Because little is known about GSH or OxS in COVID-19 infection, we measured GSH, TBARS (a marker of OxS) and F2-isoprostane (marker of oxidant damage) concentrations in 60 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Compared to uninfected controls, COVID-19 patients of all age groups had severe GSH deficiency, increased OxS and elevated oxidant damage which worsened with advancing age. These defects were also present in younger age groups, where they do not normally occur. Because GlyNAC (combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine) supplementation has been shown in clinical trials to rapidly improve GSH deficiency, OxS and oxidant damage, GlyNAC supplementation has implications for combating these defects in COVID-19 infected patients and warrants urgent investigation.

Mechanical Ventilation in the Trauma Patient

In this chapter, we discuss the unique ventilatory strategies of the trauma patient. Injuries can be direct to the lung resulting from the trauma or indirect because of other injury to the body. We will discuss the airway and ventilation management and concerns in a patient with chest trauma, abdominal trauma, head trauma, orthopedic, and burn injury. The chapter will explain lung-protective strategies as well as innovative ventilation management techniques including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Cannabis use, attitudes, regulation and health: Survey data from an urban population of users and non-users

Background: Although illegal in most countries, cannabis remains the most common illicit drug in Switzerland and worldwide. While there is growing evidence on adverse effects of cannabis use, most users do not report any problems or negative consequences. In the face of a sustained high prevalence of cannabis use and the recent legalization waves in different parts of the world, it is important to know how cannabis is perceived in the general population and how current users regulate their own use. The present study aims to investigate users’ and non-users’ attitudes towards cannabis regulations and towards current users. Additionally, self-rated health measures as well as protective behavioral strategies and other cannabis related variables were assessed.Design and Method: We collected data from 380 current users and 659 non-users who were recruited by invitation letter or online media platforms. The data was analyzed using basic descriptive statistical procedures.Results: Results revealed that both groups favor moderate cannabis regulation measures over prohibition and no regulation at all. On average, they report the same subjective health. Protective strategies are often used and are associated with better health and lower severity of dependence in cannabis users.Conclusions: Taken together, results indicate that safe use of cannabis is possible for most users, while there is a group of users at risk of 15-20 %, which may benefit from control by regulatory measures.