Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) is a rare malignancy in pediatric populations, with most ovarian tumors in adolescents typically being of germ cell origin. LGSOC is a distinct subtype of serous ovarian carcinoma characterized by slow progression, frequent estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, and resistance to traditional chemotherapy. Despite its indolent nature, most patients ultimately experience disease recurrence, highlighting the need for alternative treatment approaches.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe purpose of the present study was to explore the experiences of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, or otherwise gender or sexually diverse (2SLGBTQIA+) couples pursuing third-party reproduction (TPR). A sample of 31 2SLGBTQIA+ couples (n = 62) from the USA and Canada attempting to conceive via third-party reproduction were recruited online, underwent a semi-structured interview about their experiences, and completed an online survey assessing fertility quality of life, anxious and depressive symptoms, and institutional betrayal in healthcare. Descriptive statistics were used to assess mean levels of quality of life, mental health symptoms, and institutional betrayal.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Many women struggling with infertility report that they frequently experience unhelpful social interactions with well-meaning loved ones and healthcare providers, contributing to a reluctance to confide in others about their infertility and emotional distress. However, it remains unclear what interaction content women experience as 'helpful' versus 'unhelpful,' making it difficult to provide concrete recommendations to the public about how best to support individuals struggling with infertility.
Methodology: Eighty women from Canada and the United States (ages 20-45 years) whose fertility treatments had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic were recruited via social media to complete an online survey, which included two open-ended questions about the most helpful and unhelpful social interactions they had had about their infertility.
The purpose of the current study was to understand the prevalence and patterns of cannabinoid use among LTC residents across Canada. We gathered data on cannabinoid prescriptions among LTC residents for one year before and after recreational cannabis legalization. Multi-level modelling was used to examine the effects of demographic and diagnostic characteristics on rates of cannabinoid prescription over time.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHerpes simples virus 1 (HSV-1) keratitis is a major cause of blindness globally. During primary infection, HSV-1 travels to the trigeminal ganglia and establishes lifelong latency. Although some treatments can reduce symptom severity and recurrence, there is no cure for HSV-1 keratitis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: In 2019, approximately 5% of blood draws in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) were hemolyzed compared to 1.1% across other hospital units. A preliminary review showed almost 60% of patients sampled blood employing arterial lines in the unit.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough our understanding of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) biology has been considerably enhanced, developing therapeutic strategies to eliminate HSV-1 in latently infected individuals remains a public health concern. Current antiviral drugs used for the treatment of HSV-1 complications are not specific and do not address latent infection. We recently developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing platform to specifically target the HSV-1 genome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPilot Feasibility Stud
August 2024
J Midwifery Womens Health
February 2025
Introduction: Evidence indicates that retraumatization has a detrimental effect for those women who are accessing perinatal services. One in five women worldwide has a history of childhood adversity. Between 18% and 34% of women experience trauma, which is a well-known risk factor for the onset of chronic mental health disorders.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: To educate the public on how best to support people with fertility problems, a narrative short film "Ten Things Not to Say to Someone Struggling with Infertility" was created, depicting the impact that helpful versus unhelpful dialogue has on someone with fertility problems.
Methods: Before and after watching the video, 419 participants from the public were presented with a hypothetical vignette describing a woman experiencing fertility problems and asked about the likelihood that they would endorse a series of helpful and unhelpful statements when communicating with the protagonist. Pre and post endorsement of helpful versus unhelpful statements were compared, as were self-perceived knowledge about the mental health aspects of fertility problems, confidence in providing emotional support to someone with fertility problems, and empathy for the protagonist.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
September 2024
Background: Digital interventions are increasingly popular for the provision of nonpharmacological pain interventions, but few exist for adolescents with menstrual pain. User-centered design involves incorporating users across phases of digital health intervention design, development, and implementation and leads to improved user engagement and outcomes. A needs assessment is the first step of this approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Approximately one in six couples are currently infertile, defined as unable to achieve pregnancy despite 12 or more months of active attempts to conceive. Experiencing infertility has been disproportionately associated with an array of psychological difficulties, particularly in women. However, currently available psychological interventions have had minimal benefits for distress, anxiety, or depression related to infertility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe potential risk for mental health conditions over the menopause transition shapes women's expectations and informs putative physiological mechanisms regulating women's mental health. We review evidence from prospective studies reporting on associations between mental health conditions and the menopause transition. Major depressive disorder and the more prevalent subthreshold depressive symptoms are the most common conditions studied.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Infertility-the inability to achieve pregnancy despite ≥12 months of focused attempts to conceive-is experienced by 1 in 6 couples. Women typically carry a disproportionate share of the psychological burden associated with infertility, experiencing poor quality of life, and 30%-40% experiencing depressive mood or anxiety. Unfortunately, currently available psychological interventions targeting infertility-related distress are associated with modest effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To analyze the impact of the early COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and initiation of treatment for patients with gynecologic cancer.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in the National Cancer Database during 2017-2020 were included. For the first aim, incidence rate ratios were calculated to compare gynecologic cancer diagnosis in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to the three years prior, and factors associated with a reduction in diagnosis were identified.
In this study, we demonstrate the safety and utility of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology for in vivo editing of proviral DNA in ART-treated, virally controlled simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infected rhesus macaques, an established model for HIV infection. EBT-001 is an AAV9-based vector delivering SaCas9 and dual guide RNAs designed to target multiple regions of the SIV genome: the viral LTRs, and the Gag gene. The results presented here demonstrate that a single IV inoculation of EBT-001 at each of 3 dose levels (1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Most women complain of cognitive deficits in the menopause transition, though the cause is unclear. The current study investigated the role that within-person changes in reproductive hormones, particularly estradiol, may play in triggering such perimenopausal cognitive difficulties.
Study Design: Participants were 43 women aged 45-55 years and currently in the menopause transition.
Women experience greater difficulties in quitting smoking than men, though the hormonal factors contributing to this sex difference remain to be clarified. The current study aimed to examine menstrual cycle effects on smoking cue-induced cravings as well as examine dynamic reproductive hormone change as a potential mediator underlying any cycle effects observed. Twenty-one women who smoke underwent two laboratory sessions - one in the mid-follicular phase and the other in the late luteal phase - involving an in-vivo smoking cue task, administered before and after exposure to a psychosocial laboratory stressor.
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