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The involvement of grassroots activist groups in the production of knowledge used to challenge or inform abortion policy remains underexplored. Despite this, modes of abortion activism which incorporate knowledge production activities are increasingly common. In this article, we propose the term 'evidence-based abortion activism' to describe knowledge production activities by activist groups, which aim to influence abortion policy and provision and which advocate for the lived, embodied experiences of abortion-seekers as crucial forms of knowledge for policymaking. As a case study, we present research by the Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC) – a grassroots organization which campaigns for free, safe, and legal abortion across Ireland – analysing the experiences of those who have accessed or attempted to access abortion care in the Republic of Ireland since legal services were made available there in January 2019. This article explores one sub-section of ARC's data, relating to the strikingly negative experiences of abortion-seekers attempting to access care between ten and twelve weeks in Irish hospitals: a thus far underexplored aspect of abortion experience in the Republic of Ireland. We argue that evidence-based abortion activism such as that carried out by ARC is important, not only because it provides a method for activists to attempt to influence abortion policy and provision but also because it creates space for forms of evidence which are epistemologically and politically 'unruly' in political debate and policy discussions. Specifically, ARC's model of evidence-based abortion activism argues that the embodied testimonies of abortion-seekers themselves must be fully integrated and considered in policymaking to improve the material experience of abortion-seekers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness has been gaining momentum in the field of school psychology, however compared to other applied psychology fields, less research on mindfulness interventions has been conducted. This study systematically reviewed mindfulness literature and empirical studies in nine school psychology journals from 2006-2016. The prevalence of mindfulness articles and research specifically focused on mindfulness intervention were examined. Additionally, the type of intervention implemented, tier of intervention, and targets of intervention were examined. Results indicated that 0.57% of articles during the ten-year time frame were related to mindfulness (n = 17). Eight of the 17 articles investigated mindfulness interventions, with interventions ranging from informal practices (e.g., Mandala coloring) to specific intervention programs (e.g., Compassion and Attention in the Schools). Majority of interventions were implemented at the universal level for students. Future directions for mindfulness research and the importance of mindfulness in school psychology are discussed.

Most interventions intended to improve subjective well-being, termed "positive psychology interventions" (PPIs), have neglected to include relevant stakeholders in youth's lives and have not included booster sessions intended to maintain gains in subjective well-being. The current study investigated the impact of a multitarget, multicomponent (i.e., students plus parents), small group PPI on students' mental health (subjective well-being as well as symptoms of internalizing and externalizing forms of psychopathology) at postintervention and approximately two months follow-up. Forty-two seventh-grade students were randomly assigned either to immediately receive the PPI or to a wait-list control group. At postintervention, students who participated in the PPI evidenced significant gains in all indicators of subjective well-being (life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect), and there was a trend for practically meaningful reductions in internalizing and externalizing problems relative to the control group. At follow-up, gains in positive affect were maintained. Findings provide preliminary support for this multicomponent PPI as an evidence-based school-based intervention that causes long-lasting improvements in early adolescents' positive affect, a primary indicator of subjective well-being.

High school students in accelerated curricula face stressors beyond typical adolescent developmental challenges. The Student Rating of Environmental Stressors Scale (StRESS) is a self-report measure of environmental stressors appropriate for students in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. We developed the StRESS in parallel with a new measure of coping designed for this same population. Items were derived from sentiments expressed during focus groups and individual interviews with 177 students, 72 parents, and 47 teachers. Multiple iterations of expert review and item analyses focusing on conceptual clarity and comprehensiveness resulted in 75 items reflecting stressors across domains, including school, home, and peers. High school students in AP or IB (N = 727) completed the 75-item inventory. Exploratory factor analyses and additional item review indicated a five-factor solution with 32 items. Cronbach's alpha reliabilities ranged from 0.67 to 0.88. Five additional items representing a composite of Major Life Events also were included. The five factors and Major Life Events composite had test-retest reliabilities greater than 0.70. These scores were related to multiple conceptualizations of stress, as well as academic outcomes (GPA and attendance) and mental health (life satisfaction and anxiety), thus supporting the construct validity of the StRESS scores. Further support for the five-factor structure of the StRESS was provided by results of a confirmatory factor analysis (standardized root mean square residual = 0.051, root mean square error of approximation = 0.048, comparative fit index = 0.900) with a separate sample of 2,193 AP and IB students.

Modern definitions of complete mental health include both positive and negative indicators of psychological functioning. We examined the associations between peer relationships (victimization and receipt of prosocial acts) and multiple indicators of mental health that represent subjective well-being (i.e., life satisfaction, positive and negative affect) and psychopathology (general internalizing symptoms and externalizing problems--aggressive behavior) among 500 high school students in Grades 9 to 11. Peer experiences explained the most variance in positive affect (R[superscript 2] = 18%) and internalizing psychopathology (R[superscript 2] = 19%). Different types of peer experiences drove these effects, with relational victimization particularly salient to internalizing psychopathology and prosocial acts by peers most predictive of positive affect. Moderation analyses indicated that peers' prosocial acts did not serve a protective role in the associations between victimization and mental health. Instead, the presence of overt victimization negated the positive associations between prosocial acts and good mental health (high life satisfaction, low internalizing psychopathology). Understanding these associations illuminates the range of student outcomes possibly impacted by victimization and suggests that both limiting peer victimization and facilitating positive peer experiences may be necessary to facilitate complete mental health among high school students.

Presents the results of study in which prime time television shows were rated by 85 adult volunteers in the Washington, D.C., area to determine how individuals with mental disorders were commonly portrayed by the mass media. A table summarizes the characteristics of mentally ill persons on prime time television. (JL)

This Article is an edited and expanded version of Rachel Roth's presentation at the 2016 Western New England Law Review Symposium on Gender and Incarceration. It provides an overview of reproductive justice and describes (1) how prisons and jails undermine reproductive health, rights, and justice for the people they confine, and (2) how mass incarceration undermines the prospect for reproductive justice in the United States overall. It focuses on examples from women's prisons and includes issues and advocacy work from Massachusetts and across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Determination of the primary site of origin for mucinous neoplasms identified in the peritoneal and/or pelvic cavities may be challenging, with major differential diagnoses including appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) and ovarian mucinous neoplasm (OMN). Special AT-rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2) has been shown to be highly selectively expressed in the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the appendix.Methods: We investigated the utility of a dual stain (DS) with SATB2 or caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) or villin in distinguishing AMNs from OMNs. Tissue microarrays with 40 AMNs and 18 OMNs were stained with SATB2 or CDX2 paired with either CK20 or villin.Results: SATB2 single stain showed a good sensitivity of 83% and the highest specificity of 78% for AMNs over OMNs among all four stains. DS with SATB2 and villin showed an identical sensitivity of 78% but specificity increased to 94%, while DS with SATB2 and CK20 showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100%. In contrast, DS with CDX2 and CK20/villin showed slightly higher sensitivity but much lower specificity.Conclusions: DS with SATB2/CK20 shows the greatest potential clinical utility in distinguishing AMNs from OMNs and is superior to DS with CDX2/CK20. Importantly, DS could be helpful for specimens with limited tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Determination of the primary site of origin for mucinous neoplasms identified in the peritoneal and/or pelvic cavities may be challenging, with major differential diagnoses including appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) and ovarian mucinous neoplasm (OMN). Special AT-rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2) has been shown to be highly selectively expressed in the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the appendix. Methods: We investigated the utility of a dual stain (DS) with SATB2 or caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) or villin in distinguishing AMNs from OMNs. Tissue microarrays with 40 AMNs and 18 OMNs were stained with SATB2 or CDX2 paired with either CK20 or villin. Results: SATB2 single stain showed a good sensitivity of 83% and the highest specificity of 78% for AMNs over OMNs among all four stains. DS with SATB2 and villin showed an identical sensitivity of 78% but specificity increased to 94%, while DS with SATB2 and CK20 showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100%. In contrast, DS with CDX2 and CK20/villin showed slightly higher sensitivity but much lower specificity. Conclusions: DS with SATB2/CK20 shows the greatest potential clinical utility in distinguishing AMNs from OMNs and is superior to DS with CDX2/CK20. Importantly, DS could be helpful for specimens with limited tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female athletes often negotiate their meanings of femininity and athleticism due to restrictive cultural norms, with muscularity at the center of this negotiation. Using a critical feminist interactionist perspective, this study seeks to understand how female collegiate athletes negotiate their meanings of muscularity and femininity within the strength and conditioning environment. Negotiation strategies emerged from the data, including the gendered body and the weight room environment. The findings suggest that while the strength and conditioning coach is responsible for training athletes in power and speed, they must do so within the cultural context that often attempts to limit women's physicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Lynch syndrome (LS) predisposes individuals to developing synchronous and metachronous LS-associated neoplasms (LSANs). Mismatch repair protein (MMRP) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is widely used to identify LS, but its utility in patients with synchronous/metachronous lesions has not been studied. We studied MMRP IHC in patients with LS with more than one LSAN to provide screening recommendations in patients with synchronous/metachronous neoplasms.Methods: All patients with LS diagnosed at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center from 2009 through 2014 with more than one LSAN and available tumor tissue for immunostaining were identified. Tumors were stained for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS-2 proteins, and immunoreactivity was scored as intact or lost.Results: Thirteen patients with LS with 29 synchronous and/or metachronous primary LSANs were identified. Neoplasms involved large and small intestine (n = 19), ampulla (n = 1), endometrium (n = 1), and skin (sebaceous neoplasms, n = 8). Nine (69%) of 13 patients showed concordant MMRP results in all tumors, and four (31%) showed discordant MMRP results.Conclusions: LS diagnosis could have been missed in 31% of the study cases if only the LSAN exhibiting intact MMRP expression was screened. Accordingly, our findings support the recommendation to perform LS screening in all primary, synchronous, and metachronous intestinal and endometrial cancers if a previous tumor screened intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sexually transmitted infectious (STI) colitis often raises concern for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we compare histologic features of IBD with STI colitis caused by syphilis and lymphogranuloma venereum.Methods: The STI colitis group included 10 unique colorectal biopsy specimens in patients with clinically confirmed syphilis and/or lymphogranuloma venereum. The STI biopsy specimens were compared with patients matched for age, sex, and site with Crohn disease (n = 10) or ulcerative colitis (n = 10). All IBD controls had an established history of IBD (up to 276 months of follow-up, mean follow-up = 102 months).Results: Discriminating features (P < .05) of STI colitis included its exclusive identification in human immunodeficiency virus-positive men who have sex with men, anal pain, and anal discharge. STI colitis contained the triad of (1) minimal active chronic crypt centric damage, (2) a lack of mucosal eosinophilia, and (3) submucosal plasma cells, endothelial swelling, and perivascular plasma cells. Nondiscriminating features (P > .05) included rectal bleeding, endoscopic appearance, skip lesions, ulcerations, aphthoid lesions, granulomata, foreign body giant cells, neural hyperplasia, fibrosis, and lymphoid aggregates.Conclusions: While STI colitis shares many overlapping features with IBD, histologic and clinical discriminating features may be helpful when confronted with that differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Somatic BRAF mutation in colon cancer essentially excludes Lynch syndrome. We compared BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry (IHC) with BRAF mutation in core, biopsy, and whole-section slides to determine whether IHC is similar and to assess the cost-benefit of IHC. Methods: Resection cases (2009-2013) with absent MLH1 and PMS2 and prior BRAF mutation polymerase chain reaction results were chosen (n = 57). To mimic biopsy specimens, tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed. In addition, available biopsies performed prior to the resection were available in 15 cases. BRAF V600E IHC was performed and graded on TMAs, available biopsy specimens, and whole-section slides. Mutation status was compared with IHC, and cost-benefit analysis was performed. Results: BRAF V600E IHC was similar in TMAs, biopsy specimens, and whole-section slides, with only four (7%) showing discordance between IHC and mutation status. Using BRAF V600E IHC in our Lynch syndrome screening algorithm, we found a 10% cost savings compared with mutational analysis. Conclusions: BRAF V600E IHC was concordant between TMAs, biopsy specimens, and whole-section slides, suggesting biopsy specimens are as useful as whole sections. IHC remained cost beneficial compared with mutational analysis, even though more patients needed additional molecular testing to exclude Lynch syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histopathologic techniques are insufficient for distinguishing primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from metastatic SCC, which is clinically important. A patient with SCC of the anus was found to also have SCC of the lung, and the question of metastatic versus synchronous primary diseases was raised. Immunohistochemical and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining on sections of tissue could not discriminate between the two entities. Immunostain for p16 and chromogenic in situ hybridization for human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 were positive in both tumors. Additionally, allelotyping for loss of heterozygosity displayed similar findings and confirmed the histopathological impression of anal SCC metastasis to the lung. The patient was treated with palliative chemotherapy instead of additional surgical treatment. When multiple tumors are present, determining metastatic versus synchronous primary tumors is necessary for appropriate treatment. Identification can be achieved using allelotyping for loss of heterozygosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid light chain amyloidosis involving the kidneys is not uncommon in patients with monoclonal gammopathy. The mainstay of treatment of amyloid light chain amyloidosis is autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Evidence that the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been successful is the absence of free monoclonal light chains in serum and urine. Herein, we report 2 cases of progressive renal amyloid light chain amyloidosis after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, documented by kidney biopsy, despite the absence of monoclonal protein in the serum and urine. Kidney function declined progressively in both patients. During that time, numerous immunofixation and protein electrophoresis test results were negative for monoclonal protein, both in serum and urine, concealing the progression of the amyloidosis. We conclude that close monitoring of kidney function is warranted following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with amyloid light chain amyloidosis, even with negative results from monoclonal protein testing. Unexplained, worsening renal function warrants a kidney biopsy to assess whether retreatment of the monoclonal gammopathy is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kidney biopsy is a vital tool in the diagnosis of kidney disease. Although it has become a routine procedure, it is not complication-free. Some serious complications of percutaneous kidney biopsy include retroperitoneal hemorrhage and death. There is an increased belief that smaller biopsy needle size results in a lower complication rate. As renal pathologists, we witness an increased number of kidney biopsies performed with a small needle size (as low as gauge 22), which results in inadequate tissue sampling and often non-diagnostic biopsy results. Herein we report the diagnostic value of kidney biopsies according to the size of the biopsy needles. Methods: We performed kidney biopsies from nephrectomy specimens using biopsy needles of different sizes. Morphologic parameters were analyzed. Results: We found that biopsies performed by small needles (gauges 20 and 22) contain significantly lower numbers of glomeruli and blood vessels, which limits pathologic evaluation. Data from our institution do not show differences in kidney biopsy complication rates between 16- and 18-gauge needles. Conclusions: Our data indicate that small biopsy needles do not provide sufficient material for diagnosis, and they increase the likelihood for a repeat biopsy. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the perception of prisons as barriers to abortion care and medical care for pregnancy and how prison employees and policies impede access to such care in the U.S. It explores the judicial interpretations regarding women's claims to care related to pregnancy as a serious medical importance. It also looks into the impact of the violations of women's rights to reproductive decision-making and medical care within the prison system on the prospects for social justice.

Oxidative myofibers, also known as slow-twitch myofibers, help maintain the metabolic health of mammals, and it has been proposed that decreased numbers correlate with increased risk of obesity. The transcriptional coactivator PPARgamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) plays a central role in maintaining levels of oxidative myofibers in skeletal muscle. Indeed, loss of PGC-1alpha expression has been linked to a reduction in the proportion of oxidative myofibers in the skeletal muscle of obese mice. MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is encoded by mkp-1, a stress-responsive immediate-early gene that dephosphorylates MAPKs in the nucleus. Previously we showed that mice deficient in MKP-1 have enhanced energy expenditure and are resistant to diet-induced obesity. Here we show in mice that excess dietary fat induced MKP-1 overexpression in skeletal muscle, and that this resulted in reduced p38 MAPK-mediated phosphorylation of PGC-1alpha on sites that promoted its stability. Consistent with this, MKP-1-deficient mice expressed higher levels of PGC-1alpha in skeletal muscle than did wild-type mice and were refractory to the loss of oxidative myofibers when fed a high-fat diet. Collectively, these data demonstrate an essential role for MKP-1 as a regulator of the myofiber composition of skeletal muscle and suggest a potential role for MKP-1 in metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background & aims: It is not known whether arginine homeostasis is negatively affected by a “long term” dietary restriction of arginine and its major precursors in healthy adults. To assess the effects of a 4-week arginine- and precursor-free dietary intake on the regulatory mechanisms of arginine homeostasis in healthy subjects. Methods: Ten healthy adults received a complete amino acid diet for 1week (control diet) and following a break period, six subjects received a 4-week arginine, proline, glutamate and aspartate-free diet (APF diet). The other four subjects continued for 4weeks with the complete diet. On days 4 and 7 of the first week and days 25 and 28 of the 4-week period, the subjects received 24-h infusions of arginine, citrulline, leucine and urea tracers. Results: During the 4-week APF, plasma arginine fluxes for the fed state, were significantly reduced. There were no significant differences for citrulline, leucine or urea fluxes. Arginine de novo synthesis was not affected by the APF intake. However, arginine oxidation was significantly decreased. Conclusions: In healthy adults, homeostasis of arginine under a long term arginine- and precursor-free intake is achieved by decreasing catabolic rates, while de novo arginine synthesis is maintained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Engagement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on macrophages leads to activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which contribute to innate immune responses. MAPK activity is regulated negatively by MAPK phosphatases (MKPs). MKP-1, the founding member of this family of dual-specificity phosphatases, has been implicated in regulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) responses, but its role in TLR-mediated immune responses in vivo has not been defined. Here, we show that mice deficient in MKP-1 were highly susceptible to endotoxic shock in vivo, associated with enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and lL-6 and an anti-inflammatory cytokine, lL-10. We further examined the regulation and function of MKP-1 in macrophages. a major cell type involved in endotoxic shock. MKP-1 was transiently induced by TLR stimulation through pathways mediated by both myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (TRIF). MKP-1 deficiency led to sustained activation of p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in LPS-treated macrophages. In response to TLR signals, MKP-1-deficient macro- phages produced 5-to 10-fold higher IL-10, which could be blocked by a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Thus, p38 MAPK plays a critical role in mediating IL-10 synthesis in TLR signaling. TNF-α was found to be more abundant in MKP-1-deficient macrophages within 2 hours of TLR stimulation, but its production was rapidly down-regulated by IL-10. Our studies demonstrate that MKP-1 attenuates the activities of p38 MAPK and JNK to regulate both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in TLR signaling. These results highlight the complex mechanisms by which the MAPKs regulate innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the nature of the state that governs the reproductive rights of women imprisoned in the U.S. Questions raised about accountability for how governments regulate the lives of women; Difficulties encountered by imprisoned women when they try to obtain abortions; Other injustices experienced by incarcerated women.

Analyses of so-called maternal-fetal conflict typically take fetal rights as given. In contrast, this paper argues that rights are socially created and do not come free. It analyzes how courts participate in the social construction of fetal rights in the areas of pregnant women's medical treatment and drug and alcohol use. Women are forced to bear the costs of making fetal rights real, burdening them without demonstrating any clear patterns of benefit to fetuses. It concludes that social policy that cares about women and empowers them will serve fetuses as well. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Focuses on the fetal rights of unborn children in the United States. Socially-created rights; Women forced to bear the costs of making fetal rights real; Fetal advocacy politics; Fetal vulnerability; Women's legally-established rights to choose and refuse medical treatment.

AbstractIncarcerated women are confined in institutions designed to punish. These sites often ignore the complex mental and physical health needs of people who are incarcerated. Despite the World Health Organization stressing the need for access to reproductive healthcare in carceral institutions, stigma surrounding abortion care and health inequalities create contextually specific issues for incarcerated people seeking to access these services. There is also a dearth of research conducted directly with incarcerated women, trans men and non-binary people to examine their experiences of abortion. A systematic review of international peer-reviewed and grey literature was completed to summarise existing evidence from research conducted on the experiences of needing abortion care whilst incarcerated. Various experiences were identified including: conditions of confinement shaping abortion decisions; bureaucratic obstacles to accessing abortion services; incarcerated women, carceral staff and carceral healthcare staff’s lack of understanding of abortion rights and procedures; and a scarcity of support and empathy, including experiences of stigmatisation and lack of confidentiality. There exists a significant gap in research examining the experiences of incarcerated people who may need an abortion, emphasising the need for international collaboration and advocacy to address systemic issues that extend beyond local contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]