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Creative Nursing Nov 2023This analysis elucidates the concept of stigma in the sexual and gender diverse population, and how it impacts interactions with the health-care system. Significant... (Review)
Review
This analysis elucidates the concept of stigma in the sexual and gender diverse population, and how it impacts interactions with the health-care system. Significant research into social determinants of health has given rise to a greater understanding of their impact on health-care accessibility and utilization. The impact of stigma experienced by persons with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations has not been similarly studied. Utilizing Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis and the Minority Stress Model, this article explicates stigma in an inclusive manner that directly addresses health care. Records retrieved from PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsychINFO were screened for inclusion, supplemented by editorials and seminal earlier works. Review of the literature clarified the power imbalance perpetuating stigma, its defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences. Although the preponderance of consequences are negative outcomes, positive interactions with providers can empower sexual and gender diverse individuals to disclose their identity more willingly, navigate the health system effectively, and experience greater well-being. Nurses can combat stigma by acknowledging and respecting diverse identities; creating trusting, co-equal relationships; and advocating for sexual and gender diverse persons at both practice and policy levels.
Topics: Humans; Gender Identity; Delivery of Health Care; Social Stigma; Minority Groups
PubMed: 37956539
DOI: 10.1177/10784535231212476 -
Nursing Standard (Royal College of... Dec 2023As part of a project to review the delivery of healthcare services in Torbay and South Devon, England, the author undertook a literature review focusing on the specialty... (Review)
Review
As part of a project to review the delivery of healthcare services in Torbay and South Devon, England, the author undertook a literature review focusing on the specialty of men's health. Men have a shorter life expectancy than women and this discrepancy is particularly pronounced in areas of social deprivation such as those found in the coastal and rural communities of the author's locality. The concept of men's health is complex, and this literature review identified five main themes that can have a significant influence on the delivery of healthcare services for men: masculinity, ethnicity, mental health, relevance of place, and access to services. In this article, the author discusses these themes and considers approaches that could be used to improve the provision of men's healthcare.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Men's Health; Masculinity; Delivery of Health Care; Mental Health; England
PubMed: 37718546
DOI: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12160 -
Archives of Sexual Behavior Oct 2023
Topics: Humans; Gender Identity
PubMed: 37698737
DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02695-3 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Sep 2023Several stomach diseases are attributed to the dysregulation of physiological function of gastric mucosal barrier by pathogens. Gastric organoids are a promising tool to...
Several stomach diseases are attributed to the dysregulation of physiological function of gastric mucosal barrier by pathogens. Gastric organoids are a promising tool to develop treatment strategies for gastric infections. However, their functional features of in vivo gastric mucosal barrier and host-microbe interactions are limited due to the lack of physiological stimuli. Herein, a human stomach micro-physiological system (hsMPS) with physiologically relevant gastric mucosal defense system is described based on the combination of organoid and MPS technology. A fluid flow enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal interaction in the hsMPS enables functional maturation of gastric epithelial cells, which allows for the recreation of mesh-like mucus layer containing high level of mucus protective peptides and well-developed epithelial junctional complexes. Furthermore, gastroprotection mechanisms against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are successfully demonstrated in this system. Therefore, hsMPS represents a new in vitro tool for research where gastric mucosal defense mechanism is pivotal for developing therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Stomach; Mucous Membrane; Epithelial Cells; Organoids; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 37525340
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300164 -
Neurosurgical Focus Nov 2023The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of neurosurgeons in terms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) gender and sexual minority... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of neurosurgeons in terms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) gender and sexual minority status using the Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) as the single nationalized source of LGBTQ+ identification. Additionally, inclusivity was assessed through interviews by residents and attendings in the field.
METHODS
First, a PRISMA literature review was conducted and independently reviewed by two authors on studies involving LGBTQ+ representation in neurosurgery from PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Then, aggregate responses of 16,901 participants' sexual and gender identities from the GQ administered between 2016 and 2022 were compiled. To statistically analyze the response frequencies, the authors performed a chi-square analysis. Finally, interviews were conducted with individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and are currently neurosurgical residents or attendings. Direct invitations were extended to participate in interviews, and all participants gave informed consent prior to the interview. Interviews were conducted using standardized questions and were video recorded.
RESULTS
Two studies were identified by literature review that referenced the LGBTQ+ community in neurosurgery. A GQ chi-square analysis comparing neurosurgical with nonneurosurgical LGBTQ+ identification proved statistically insignificant (p = 0.65). More broad analysis of majority sexual and gender identification (heterosexual and cisgendered) compared with the total gender and sexual minority group also proved statistically insignificant (p = 0.32) in response frequency. Five interviews, including 4 residents and 1 attending, provided several overarching themes including self-identification as an invisible minority, self-limiting behavior to ensure inclusion, and LGBTQ+ status as a direct departure from the stereotypical neurosurgeon.
CONCLUSIONS
Results from the GQ analysis indicate that neurosurgery is achieving LGBTQ+ diversity of its incoming members comparable to that of other fields in medicine. However, qualitative data from the interviews and a lack of specific literature indicate that despite obtaining diversity, inclusion of LGBTQ+ neurosurgeons and trainees is lacking.
Topics: Female; Humans; Neurosurgery; Sexual Behavior; Gender Identity; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Cultural Diversity
PubMed: 37913532
DOI: 10.3171/2023.8.FOCUS23285 -
Nature Communications Nov 2023Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is historically understood as a prevalent commensal and pathogen of dogs, though modern clinical diagnostics reveal an expanded...
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is historically understood as a prevalent commensal and pathogen of dogs, though modern clinical diagnostics reveal an expanded host-range that includes humans. It remains unclear whether differentiation across S. pseudintermedius populations is driven primarily by niche-type or host-species. We sequenced 501 diagnostic and commensal isolates from a hospital, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, and within households in the American Midwest, and performed a comparative genomics investigation contrasting human diagnostic, animal diagnostic, human colonizing, pet colonizing, and household-surface S. pseudintermedius isolates. Though indistinguishable by core and accessory gene architecture, diagnostic isolates harbor more encoded and phenotypic resistance, whereas colonizing and surface isolates harbor similar CRISPR defense systems likely reflective of common household phage exposures. Furthermore, household isolates that persist through anti-staphylococcal decolonization report elevated rates of base-changing mutations in - and parallel evolution of - defense genes, as well as reductions in oxacillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole susceptibility. Together we report parallel niche-specific bolstering of S. pseudintermedius defense mechanisms through gene acquisition or mutation.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus; Oxacillin; Defense Mechanisms; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dog Diseases; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 37923729
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42694-5 -
Environmental Research Oct 2023Salinized land is slowly spreading across the world. Reduced crop yields and quality due to salt stress threaten the ability to feed a growing population. We discussed... (Review)
Review
Salinized land is slowly spreading across the world. Reduced crop yields and quality due to salt stress threaten the ability to feed a growing population. We discussed the mechanisms behind nano-enabled antioxidant enzyme-mediated plant tolerance, such as maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, enhancing the capacity of plants to retain K and eliminate Na, increasing the production of nitric oxide, involving signaling pathways, and lowering lipoxygenase activities to lessen oxidative damage to membranes. Frequently used techniques were highlighted like protecting cells from oxidative stress and keeping balance in ionic state. Salt tolerance in plants enabled by nanotechnology is also discussed, along with the potential role of physiobiochemical and molecular mechanisms. As a whole, the goal of this review is meant to aid researchers in fields as diverse as plant science and nanoscience in better-comprehending potential with novel solutions to addressing salinity issues for sustainable agriculture.
Topics: Antioxidants; Salt Stress; Oxidative Stress; Nanoparticles; Defense Mechanisms; Salinity
PubMed: 37437867
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116585 -
Pediatric Annals Dec 2023Gender identity development is conceptualized as a biopsychosocial process that is influenced by broader historical, social, and cultural contextual factors. This review... (Review)
Review
Gender identity development is conceptualized as a biopsychosocial process that is influenced by broader historical, social, and cultural contextual factors. This review outlines the current understanding of the biopsychosocial and contextual factors that influence gender identity development in children and adolescents. Developmental milestones for gender identity development in youth are presented, and unique developmental needs for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth are reviewed. This article also reviews emerging areas of relevance for TGD populations, such as detransitioning and transition regret. Clinicians working with TGD populations should aim to develop individualized, evidence-based care plans that flexibly meet each youth's distinct developmental and contextual psychosocial and health care needs. .
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Female; Male; Transgender Persons; Gender Identity; Transsexualism; Delivery of Health Care; Emotions
PubMed: 38049193
DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20231016-05 -
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal...Nurses play a critical role in providing gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. With heightened debate about the clinical care for transgender... (Review)
Review
Nurses play a critical role in providing gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. With heightened debate about the clinical care for transgender and gender-diverse youth in the national and global spotlight, now more than ever before nurses must equip themselves with the knowledge and the evidence spanning more than 4 decades that support the clinical use of gender-affirming care for youth and young adults. By exploring gender development and gender-affirming care approaches through the lifespan perspective, this review provides an up-to-date discussion about best practices and clinical implications for providing equitable care for transgender and gender-diverse youth from birth to childhood and through adolescence developmental phases. A transgender and gender-diverse youth's future willingness to access health care is dependent on how positive their interactions are with their care team at this sensitive moment in their life. Nurses must not let political rhetoric impede their practice and ethical guidelines to provide competent, skilled, and unbiased care. Knowledgeable, informed, and empowered nurses can provide life-saving care to transgender and gender-diverse youth and their families.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Delivery of Health Care; Gender Identity; Transgender Persons; Child
PubMed: 38112665
DOI: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000981 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Being the major cellular component of highly dynamic tissue, endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) are exposed to cycles of proliferation upon hormonal stimulation, which...
Being the major cellular component of highly dynamic tissue, endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) are exposed to cycles of proliferation upon hormonal stimulation, which might pose risks for the accumulation of mutations and malignization. However, endometrial stromal tumors are rare and uncommon. The present study uncovered defense mechanisms that might underlie the resistance of EnSCs against oncogenic transformation. All experiments were performed in vitro using the following methods: FACS, WB, RT-PCR, IF, molecular cloning, lentiviral transduction, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. We revealed that the expression of the mutant HRAS leads to EnSC senescence. We experimentally confirmed the inability of HRAS-expressing EnSCs to bypass senescence and resume proliferation, even upon estrogen stimulation. At the molecular level, the induction of oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) was accompanied by activation of the MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, p53/p21/Rb, and p38/p16/Rb pathways; however, inhibiting either pathway did not prevent cell cycle arrest. PTEN loss was established as an additional feature of HRAS-induced senescence in EnSCs. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated PTEN knockout, we identified PTEN loss-induced senescence as a reserve molecular mechanism to prevent the transformation of HRAS-expressing EnSCs. The present study highlights oncogene-induced senescence as an antitumor defense mechanism of EnSCs controlled by multiple backup molecular pathways.
Topics: Humans; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Cloning, Molecular; Stromal Cells; Defense Mechanisms; Oncogenes
PubMed: 37762392
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814089