An Interspecies Investigation of Thyroid Plasma Hormone Concentrations, Histology, and Gene Expression

A high prevalence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs) has raised concerns as to the health and fitness of fish and wildlife. It is not well understood to what extent existing contaminants, many with continuing inflows into the environment, may impact fish populations. This study provides an initial characterization of thyroid endocrine-related effects in two indigenous fish species sampled from Great Lakes AOCs. Biomonitoring was conducted on a pelagic, top predator species, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and benthic, omnivorous brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) at 7 sites in spring and fall of 2012. Thyroidal endpoints, such as plasma hormone levels (plasma thyroid stimulating hormone—TSH, thyroxine—T4, and triiodothyronine—T3), thyroid histology (thyroid epithelial cell height and colloid depletion), and expression levels of thyroid-related genes (Thyroid receptor alpha—THRα, Thyroid receptor beta—THRβ, deiodinase type I—DIO1, and deiodinase type II—DIO2) were measured in both species, and relationships between the endpoints were evaluated to see if associations exist between thyroid endpoints at multiple biological levels. Histological evaluation of the thyroid tissue indicated hyperstimulation (as indicated by increased thyroid epithelial cell height and partially depleted colloid) in smallmouth bass and brown bullhead sampled in the spring. Despite observed histologic alterations, changes in thyroid gland histology did not coincide with changes in concentrations of circulating thyroid hormones. However, gene transcript abundance of THRα was negatively correlated with TSH and T3 while levels of DIO2 were positively correlated with TSH and T3 in smallmouth bass, suggesting these genes are sensitive and stable indicators for thyroid status. The results demonstrate the importance of using a multi-tiered approach to evaluate the potential risks of EDCs on the teleost thyroid system, as well as the importance of choosing sensitive species and accounting for seasonality

‘Bangers to Cancer’: Social media, charity fundraising and objectification

This paper examines images from the ‘Bangers to Cancer’ breast cancer fundraising campaign in the light of feminist perspectives on the gaze and Objectification Theory. I argue that the images circulated from this charitable campaign objectify women in four ways: 1) women’s bodies are fragmented for visual consumption as sexual objects, 2) it is suggested that this display has financial value, 3) the possibilities for viral nomination afforded online perpetuates this objectification, 4) women with cancer are ‘othered’ as less feminine. I propose that the images from ‘Bangers to Cancer’ epitomise the problem of women’s objectification in digital spaces

Illness & The One-to-One Encounter (co-authored with Emily Underwood-Lee)

While the performance encounter of healthcare has been examined from the perspective of bedside manner, and in terms of the training of healthcare practitioners, this chapter looks at the experience of illness through the lens of contemporary one-to-one performance practice. The chapter examines what the world of medicine can learn from one-to-one performances, and what one-to-one arts practitioners might learn from the patient/medicine encounter. One-to-one performance has always had a critical relationship with issues of care, mutuality, shared vulnerability, and encountering the Other. Its proliferation as an art form and area of critical discourse demonstrates an ever-growing area of possibilities, particularly for the Arts/Health agenda. This chapter theorises that by purposefully considering one-to-one performance methods, artists and medical staff may find new possibilities for engaged practice. This article will use the authors’ 2019-2020 project Kicking Up Our Heels, which was created with/for 100 parents and patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Telenovela: an innovative colorectal cancer screening health messaging tool

Background. Alaska Native people have nearly twice the rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality as the US White population. Objective. Building upon storytelling as a culturally respectful way to share information among Alaska Native people, a 25-minute telenovela-style movie, What\u27s the Big Deal?, was developed to increase CRC screening awareness and knowledge, role-model CRC conversations, and support wellness choices. Design. Alaska Native cultural values of family, community, storytelling, and humor were woven into seven, 3–4 minute movie vignettes. Written post-movie viewing evaluations completed by 71.3% of viewers (305/428) were collected at several venues, including the premiere of the movie in the urban city of Anchorage at a local movie theater, seven rural Alaska community movie nights, and five cancer education trainings with Community Health Workers. Paper and pencil evaluations included check box and open-ended questions to learn participants\u27 response to a telenovela-style movie. Results. On written-post movie viewing evaluations, viewers reported an increase in CRC knowledge and comfort with talking about recommended CRC screening exams. Notably, 81.6% of respondents (249/305) wrote positive intent to change behavior. Multiple responses included: 65% talking with family and friends about colon screening (162), 24% talking with their provider about colon screening (59), 31% having a colon screening (76), and 44% increasing physical activity (110). Conclusions. Written evaluations revealed the telenovela genre to be an innovative way to communicate colorectal cancer health messages with Alaska Native, American Indian, and Caucasian people both in an urban and rural setting to empower conversations and action related to colorectal cancer screening. Telenovela is a promising health communication tool to shift community norms by generating enthusiasm and conversations about the importance of having recommended colorectal cancer screening exams