Community engagement with genetics: public perceptions and expectations about genetics research

Background

Knowledge of molecular biology and genomics continues to expand rapidly, promising numerous opportunities for improving health. However, a key aspect of the success of genomic medicine is related to public understanding and acceptance.

Design

Using community consultations and an online survey, we explored public attitudes and expectations about genomics research.

Results

Thirty‐three members of the general public in Newfoundland, Canada, took part in the community sessions, while 1024 Atlantic Canadians completed the online survey. Overall, many participants noted they lacked knowledge about genetics and associated research and took the opportunity to ask numerous questions throughout sessions. Participants were largely hopeful about genomics research in its capacity to improve health, not only for current residents, but also for future generations. However, they did not accept such research uncritically, and a variety of complex issues and questions arose during the community consultations and were reflected in survey responses.

Discussion

With the proliferation of biobanks and the rapid pace of discoveries in genomics research, public support will be crucial to realize health improvements. If researchers can engage the public in regular, transparent dialogue, this two‐way communication could allow greater understanding of the research process and the design of efficient and effective genetic health services, informed by the public that will use them.     

Correlates of Sexual Activity and Satisfaction in Midlife and Older Women

PURPOSESexual activity is an important component of quality of life for women across their lifespan. Prior studies show a decline in sexual activity with age, but these studies often fail to consider the role of sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study is to give updated prevalence estimates of sexual activity among women and to elucidate factors associated with sexual activity and sexual satisfaction.METHODSWe report a cross-sectional analysis of the second wave of a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 28 to 84 years, the Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. The survey used self-administered questionnaires to assess demographic data, self-rated physical and mental health, medical problems and medication use, relationship factors, and sexual activity and satisfaction.RESULTSOf 2,116 women who answered the questions regarding sexuality, 1,345 (61.8%) women were sexually active in the previous 6 months. The proportion of women who were sexually active decreased with advancing age. Women who were married or cohabitating had approximately 8 times higher odds of being sexually active (odds ratio = 7.91, 95% CI, 4.16–15.04; P <.001). Among women aged 60 years and older who were married or cohabitating, most (59.0%) were sexually active. Among women who were sexually active, higher relationship satisfaction (P <.001), better communication (P = .011), and higher importance of sex P = .040) were related to higher sexual satisfaction, but age was not (P = .79).CONCLUSIONSA considerable proportion of midlife and older women remain sexually active if they have a partner available. Psychosocial factors (relationship satisfaction, communication with romantic partner, and importance of sex) matter more to sexual satisfaction than aging among midlife and older women.     

The HDAC and PI3K dual inhibitor CUDC-907 synergistically enhances the antileukemic activity of venetoclax in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia

Venetoclax is a promising agent in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), though its antileukemic activity is limited to combination therapies. Mcl-1 downregulation, Bim upregulation, and DNA damage have been identified as potential ways to enhance venetoclax activity. In this study, we combine venetoclax with the dual PI3K and histone deacetylase inhibitor CUDC-907, which can downregulate Mcl-1, upregulate Bim, and induce DNA damage, as well as downregulate c-Myc. We establish that CUDC-907 and venetoclax synergistically induce apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary AML patient samples ex vivo. CUDC-907 downregulates CHK1, Wee1, RRM1, and c-Myc, which were found to play a role in venetoclax-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, we find that venetoclax treatment enhances CUDC-907-induced DNA damage potentially through inhibition of DNA repair. In vivo results show that CUDC-907 enhances venetoclax efficacy in an AML cell line derived xenograft mouse model, supporting the development of CUDC-907 in combination with venetoclax for the treatment of AML.     

Acceptability of a Dapivirine/Placebo Gel Administered Rectally to HIV-1 Seronegative Adults (MTN-026)

AIDS and Behavior - This study describes the acceptability of a rectal microbicide gel formulation using dapivirine (DPV) among men and women from two countries (United States and Thailand)...     

Could associations between breastfeeding and insulin‐like growth factors underlie associations of breastfeeding with adult chronic disease? The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children

Objective The influence of infant feeding method (breast/formula) on growth factor levels could underlie associations of breastfeeding with childhood growth and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We investigated associations of having been breastfed with serum IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 in childhood. Methods Prospective birth cohort study (subsample of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, UK) based on 871 children born in 1991/1992 who underwent clinical follow‐up and blood tests at age 7–8 years. A total of 488 (56%) children had complete data. Results In children with complete data, the age‐ and sex‐standardized IGF‐I levels of those who were partially or exclusively breastfed were 6·1 and 13·8 ng/ml higher, respectively, than those who were never breastfed (increase in IGF‐I levels per category of breastfeeding exclusivity: 7·1 ng/ml; 95% CI: 0·3–13·9; P = 0·04). In models also controlling for birthweight, gestational age, mother's age, and socioeconomic and dietary factors, the breastfeeding–IGF‐I association was attenuated (regression coefficient: 3·3 ng/ml; ?4·2–10·7; P = 0·4); further adjustment for IGFBP‐3 made little difference (regression coefficient: 4·1 ng/ml; ?2·8–10·9; P = 0·2). There was little evidence for an association between breastfeeding and IGFBP‐3 or the molar ratio IGF‐I/IGFBP‐3. Conclusions The positive association between breastfeeding and IGF‐I could be due to residual confounding or to chance. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the fully adjusted effect estimate and the novelty of the association suggest that larger studies should now be conducted to confirm or refute the hypothesis that variations in IGF‐I by infant feeding mode explain associations of breastfeeding with health in later life.     

Does Intraprocedural CT Improve the Success Rate of Adrenal Venous Sampling? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Data from 809 Patients

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology - To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the technical success rate of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) with and without...