The introduction of cell-free DNA prenatal genetic screening has rekindled discussion of ethical and social questions surrounding prenatal testing, perceptions of disability, and abortion. The growing use of prenatal genetic screening presents a unique opportunity to assess decision-making around new methods of prenatal testing; especially as there is little available research comparing individual and cultural differences that affect a pregnant woman's decision-making on prenatal testing. We performed a content analysis of online pregnancy forums in the United States and Mainland China. Content from January 2012 to December 2013 was identified through search methodologies and refined to remove duplication. China-based content was translated by a native Mandarin speaker. We used qualitative analysis methods to identify common themes in the dataset. There were 333 English responses and 519 Mandarin responses. Three main themese were identified in the data: decision making factors, attitude towards the pregnancy, and attitudes towards abortion. Women's narratives reflected how broader social forces can have an impact on intimate personal decision-making. Women in the Mandarin dataset evoked stronger narratives of community and/or family decision-making in pregnancy and were more accepting of the possibility of abortion in the event of a finding of fetal abnormality. Narrative in the English dataset more frequently evoked ideas of unconditional love, regardless of fetal diagnosis, but also acknowledged much stronger support services for individuals with disability and less awareness of stigma. These results highlight the necessity of awareness around how broader cultural and social factors can consciously or unconsciously impact women's decisions and highlight potential focus areas for future counseling efforts.
The mouse eye has physiological and genetic advantages to study conventional outflow function. However, its small size and shallow anterior chamber presents technical challenges to efficient intracameral delivery of genetic material to conventional outflow cells. The goal of this study was to optimize methods to overcome this technical hurdle, without damaging ocular structures or compromising outflow function. Gene targeting was monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy after transduction of adenovirus encoding green fluorescent protein driven by a CMV promoter. Guided by a micromanipulator and stereomicroscope, virus was delivered intracamerally to anesthetized mice by bolus injection using 33 gauge needle attached to Hamilton syringe or infusion with glass micropipette connected to syringe pump. The total number of particles introduced remained constant, while volume of injected virus solution (3–10 µl) was varied for each method and time of infusion (3–40 min) tested. Outflow facility and intraocular pressure were monitored invasively using established techniques. Unlike bolus injections or slow infusions, introduction of virus intracamerally during rapid infusions (3 min) at any volume tested preferentially targeted trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal cells, with minimal transduction of neighboring cells. While infusions resulted in transient intraocular pressure spikes (commensurate with volume infused, Δ40–70 mmHg), eyes typically recovered within 60 minutes. Transduced eyes displayed normal outflow facility and tissue morphology 3–6 days after infusions. Taken together, fast infusion of virus solution in small volumes intracamerally is a novel and effective method to selectively deliver agents to conventional outflow cells in living mice.
Asian Americans hold a complex racial position in the U.S. They have been considered “honorary Whites,” unaffected by racial discrimination while simultaneously viewed as perpetual foreigners in their homeland. This study was conducted in the context of a historic uprising against racism and police brutality. Semi-structured interviews with 12 Asian American emerging adults explored how participants defined “Asian American” and their position in sociopolitical dialogue. An inductive/deductive thematic approach revealed: participants (1) challenged a monolithic Asian American identity, (2) experienced discrimination and stereotyping related to anti-Muslim sentiments, the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, and the model minority myth, and (3) described a lack of visibility and representation of Asian Americans in the racial dialogue. In this time of increased racial tension, Asian American emerging adults face discrimination and stereotyping due to misconceptions about Asians. Participants demonstrated active engagement in racial meaning making and found solidarity in relationships with other racial minorities.
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