Background Reading delays are well documented in children with fragile X syndrome (FXS), but few studies have examined linguistic precursors of reading in this population. This study examined the longitudinal development of phonological awareness and its relationship to basic reading in boys with FXS. Individual differences in genetic, social-behavioral and environmental factors were also investigated as predictors of phonological awareness. Methods Participants included 54 boys with FXS and 53 typically developing (TD) mental age-matched peers who completed assessments of phonological awareness, nonverbal intelligence, and reading annually for up to four years. FMRP level and autism symptomatology were also measured within the FXS group. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine change in phonological awareness over time and its predictors. Linear regression was used to examine phonological awareness as a predictor of word reading. Results Boys with FXS exhibited slower growth than TD peers in phonological awareness only when nonverbal cognitive abilities were not controlled. The rate of change in phonological awareness decreased significantly after age 10 in boys with FXS. Phonological awareness accounted for 18% unique variance in basic reading ability after controlling for nonverbal cognition, with similar relationships across groups. Conclusion Phonological awareness skills in the boys with FXS were commensurate with their nonverbal cognitive abilities, with similar relationships between phonological awareness and reading as observed in the TD mental age-matched peers. More research is needed to examine potential causal relationships between phonological awareness, other language skills, and reading abilities in individuals with FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Early patterns of temperament lay the foundation for a variety of developmental constructs such as self-regulation, psychopathology, and resilience. Children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) display unique patterns of temperament compared to age-matched clinical and non-clinical samples, and early patterns of temperament have been associated with later anxiety in this population. Despite these unique patterns in FXS and recent reports of atypical factor structure of temperament questionnaires in Williams Syndrome (Leyfer, John, Woodruff-Borden, & Mervis, 2012), no studies have examined the latent factor structure of temperament scales in FXS to ensure measurement validity in this sample. The present study used confirmatory factor analysis to examine the factor structure of a well-validated parent-reported temperament questionnaire, the Children's Behavior Questionnaire (Rothbart, Ahadi, Hershey, & Fisher, 2001), in a sample of 90 males with FXS ages 3-9 years. Our data produced a similar, but not identical, three-factor model that retained the original CBQ factors of negative affectivity, effortful control, and extraversion/surgency. In particular, our FXS sample demonstrated stronger factor loadings for fear and shyness than previously reported loadings in non-clinical samples, consistent with reports of poor social approach and elevated anxiety in this population. Although the original factor structure of the Children's Behavior Questionnaire is largely retained in children with FXS, differences in factor loading magnitudes may reflect phenotypic characteristics of the syndrome. These findings may inform future developmental and translational research efforts.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: This proposed qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives about PrEP among heterosexual, cisgender Black women currently enrolled at an HBCU. Specifically, this study will elucidate this populations knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs surrounding PrEP uptake and marketing. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Health Belief Model adapted from Chandler, Hull et al. (2020) will be utilized as the conceptual framework to guide this study. Multiple virtual semi structured focus groups will be conducted with individuals at two HBCUs. Study participants (n=20-25) will meet the following inclusion criteria: (a) self-identifies as Black/African American, (b) was assigned female at birth, (c) is enrolled at Morgan State University or Spelman College, (d) is 18 years or older, (e) is sexually active (anal, oral, vaginal, or experimental), (f) is HIV negative, (g) has multiple sexual partners and/or has inconsistent condom usage. A qualitative data analysis will be conducted utilizing MAXQDA software to perform a thematic analysis by creating a codebook and identifying prominent themes related to perceptions and use of PrEP. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The research is on-going pending IRB approval. Data collection will include questions focused on topics surrounding PrEP, barriers/facilitators to participation in a proposed PrEP campaign, and sexual/reproductive health. These findings will characterize the awareness of PrEP among Black HBCU women, identify factors that may facilitate or cause barriers to Black HBCU womens knowledge and uptake of PrEP, and identify best practices for successful marketing strategies for PrEP campaigns targeting uptake among HBCU women DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Findings from this study can help the public health community tailor PrEP campaigns designed for college-age Black women thereby curtailing HIV transmission among this at-risk group.

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The cold icy winter climate of Kingston is dangerous for driving commuters and can be treacherous for pedestrians. To prevent slippery conditions, roads are often salted using a basic sodium chloride mixture which has been shown in many studies to be detrimental to wildlife. Generally, policy makers and governing bodies have fought harder to ensure the safety of human lives over those of plants and animals – decisions that have caused road salting to continue for many years. We believe that the harmful impacts on the environment are numerous and should no longer be overlooked by the decision makers. In response to this problem, we are confident that there are solutions that can be implemented which can protect the livelihood of humans in the winter and reduce the negative impacts that are being forced on the environment. For example, using environmentally friendly alternatives such as sand and EcoTraction may have significant impacts on the conservation of wildlife throughout Eastern Ontario.