The use, perceptions and knowledge of safety of over-the-counter medications during pregnancy in a Canadian population.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of prenatal over-the-counter medication use in Canadian women is unknown. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of prenatal over-the-counter medication use and safety knowledge was conducted among pregnant and post-partum women attending an academic hospital obstetrics clinic. RESULTS: Seventy-two women participated; 90.3% were Caucasian, 69.4% had a college/university degree, and 61.1% lived in an urban area. Of the 72 women, 87.5% used over-the-counter medications prenatally, first (55.6%), second (65.3%), and third (47.2%) trimesters, with prenatal acetaminophen use most common (72.2%). Women who used over-the-counter medications 1-0onths before conception were more likely to use over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, and 18% of women initiated over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. Women self-reported a medium level of over-the-counter medication safety knowledge (73.6%) and responded that not all over-the-counter medications are safe during pregnancy (95.8%). CONCLUSION: Despite limited safety profiles of some over-the-counter medications, pre-conception and prenatal over-the-counter medication use was high. Further research on the risk of over-the-counter medications and combinations in pregnancy is needed to help women to make safe choices during pregnancy.

Data on the cytotoxicity of chlorogenic acid in 3D cultures of HT-29 cells.

Functional foods, beyond basic nutrition, offer health benefits to consumers thanks to the presence of bioactive compounds such as some phytochemicals [1,2]. Today, these foods are of particular interest in biomedical research due to their chemopreventive potential, as they have been shown to induce various biological effects on tumor cells, including the ability to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, arrest cell cycle progression, and increase reactive oxygen species [3,4]. Multiple studies have confirmed the relationship between diet and the onset and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a malignant neoplasm that arises in the lining of the colon and/or rectum. Therefore, finding foods that can intervene in the carcinogenesis process is an important avenue of research [5,6]. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most abundant phenolic compounds in coffee and is also found in fruits and vegetables. Scientific evidence suggests that CGA has chemopreventive potential on CRC cells [7], [8], [9]. For example, in previous studies conducted by our research group, green and roasted coffee extracts were characterized, and this compound was identified as the most abundant [7]. In addition, it was found to significantly decrease cell viability, reduce migration capacity, cause DNA fragmentation, and induce the production of reactive oxygen species in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells cultured in monolayer and treated with different doses of CGA. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying this biological activity has been related to CGA's ability to modulate the Wnt- /ß-catenin pathway, which is implicated in the development and progression of CRC [7,10,11]. This paper presents data on the cytotoxic response of CGA treatments on HT-29 cells cultured in a 3D model. To this end, morphological changes in cell spheroids, propidium iodide and DiOC6 uptake, quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phosphatidylserine exposure, and cell cycle progression were evaluated by flow cytometry.

Expression of hes, iha, and tpsA codified in locus of adhesion and autoaggregation and their involvement in the capability of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains to adhere to epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains LAA-positive are important cause of human infection. The capability to adhere to epithelial cells is a key virulence trait, and genes codified in LAA pathogenicity island could be involved in the adhesion during the pathogenesis of LAA-positive STEC strains. Thus, our objectives were to compare hes-negative and hes-positive STEC strains in their adherence capability to epithelial cells (HEp-2) and to evaluate the expression levels of the hes, iha, and tpsA in the bacteria adhered and non-adhered to HEp-2 cells. These genes are encoded in LAA, and are virulence factors that participate in adhesion and autoaggregation. RESULTS: We could not observe differences between the adhesion of strains but also in the expression level of of hes, iha, and tpsA. Genes encoded in LAA contribute to the adhesion phenotype though the expression of STEC adhesins is a coordinated event that depends not only the strain but also on the environment as well as its genetic background. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that LAA ,the most prevalent PAI among LEE-negative STEC strains, plays a role in pathogenesis.

Antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effect of an optimized extract of isabella grape (Vitis labrusca) on breast cancer cells.

The phenolic profile of Isabella grape (Vitis labrusca) offers beneficial properties to human health and makes it a functional food product. In order to better understand the phenolic compounds found in this grape variety and the biological effect they induce on breast cancer cells, an ultrasound-assisted extraction was carried out. During the extraction of polyphenols from Isabella grapes organically grown in Antioquia (Colombia), parameters such as frequency (33 kHz and 40 kHz), time and solvent were optimized to finally obtain a crude extract with antioxidant properties (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, ORAC: 293.22 ± 34.73 µmol of Trolox/g of sample), associated with a total polyphenol content (TPC) of 43.14 ± 5.00 mg GAE/g sample and a total anthocyanin content composed of 17.69 ± 2.59 mg of malvidin-3-glucoside/100 g of sample. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of the optimized extract, and results show a decrease in cell viability related to mitochondrial membrane depolarization, ROS increase, and chromatin condensation. To determine the possible death induction mechanism, molecular docking was simulated to predict the molecular interactions between the most abundant phenolic compounds in Isabella grape and the main apoptosis-related proteins. The results obtained from in silico and in vitro experiments were consistent with each other, suggesting that the phenolic compounds found in Isabella grape can be considered potential adjuvant chemopreventive agents for the treatment of breast cancer.

A fast magnetic vector characterization method for quasi two-dimensional systems and heterostructures.

The use of magnetic vector tomography/laminography has opened a 3D experimental window to access the magnetization at the nanoscale. These methods exploit the dependence of the magnetic contrast in transmission to recover its 3D configuration. However, hundreds of different angular projections are required leading to large measurement times. Here we present a fast method to dramatically reduce the experiment time specific for quasi two-dimensional magnetic systems. The algorithm uses the Beer-Lambert equation in the framework of X-ray transmission microscopy to obtain the 3D magnetic configuration of the sample. It has been demonstrated in permalloy microstructures, reconstructing the magnetization vector field with a reduced number of angular projections obtaining quantitative results. The throughput of the methodology is × 10-× 100 times faster than conventional magnetic vector tomography, making this characterization method of general interest for the community.

Escherichia coli productora de toxina Shiga: el desafío de adherirse para sobrevivir / Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli: the challenge of adherence to survive

Resumen Las cepas de Escherichia coli productoras de toxina Shiga (STEC) son reconocidas como responsables de un alto número de casos de enfermedades de transmisión alimentaria a nivel mundial. Su patogenicidad ha sido vinculada directamente con la actividad de las toxinas (Stx); sin embargo, la habilidad de estas bacterias para colonizar al huésped y otras superficies puede ser esencial para desarrollar su poder patogénico. La gran plasticidad genómica de cepas STEC se infiere de la variabilidad de perfiles de virulencia, con la frecuente emergencia de cepas con nuevos genes, codificados en nuevas islas de patogenicidad vinculadas al metabolismo y la adherencia. La formación de biofilm es un mecanismo espontáneo por el cual las cepas STEC resisten en un ambiente hostil, lo que les permite sobrevivir y, de esa forma, llegar al huésped, a través de los alimentos o de las superficies que están en contacto con ellos. Este mecanismo presenta una alta variabilidad intra e interserotipo y su desarrollo no depende solo de los microorganismos que lo conforman. Factores inherentes al ambiente (pH, temperatura) y la superficie (acero inoxidable, poliestireno) a la que pueden adherirse influyen en la expresión de biofilm. El concepto «una salud¼ implica la interrelación entre los actores de salud pública, animal y ambiental para lograr alimentos inocuos y evitar contaminación cruzada y resistencia a sanitizantes, lo cual pone de manifiesto la necesidad de identificar patógenos emergentes a través de nuevos marcadores moleculares, que detecten cepas STEC portadoras del denominado locus for enterocyte effacement (LEE) o del locus de adherencia y autoagregación (LAA).

Abstract Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is recognized as being responsible for a large number of foodborne illnesses around the world. The pathogenicity of STEC has been related to Stx toxins. However, the ability of STEC to colonize the host and other surfaces can be essential for developing its pathogenicity. Different virulence profiles detected in STEC could cause the emergence of strains carrying new genes codified in new pathogenicity islands linked to metabolism and adherence. Biofilm formation is a spontaneous mechanism whereby STEC strains resist in a hostile environment being able to survive and consequently infect the host through contaminated food and food contact surfaces. Biofilm formation shows intra-and inter-serotype variability, and its formation does not depend only on the microorganisms involved. Other factors related to the environment (such as pH, temperature) and the surface (stainless steel and polystyrene) influence biofilm expression. The «One Health¼ concept implies the interrelation between public, animal, and environmental health actors to ensure food safety, prevent cross-contamination and resistance to sanitizers, highlighting the need to identify emerging pathogens through new molecular markers of rapid detection that involve STEC strains carrying the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement or Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation.

Biogenic selenium nanoparticles with antifungal activity against the wood-rotting fungus Oligoporus pelliculosus.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have antimicrobial and antifungal activity. SeNPs using Se resistant bacteria is a low cost and eco-friendly technology. Fungal contamination of wood during drying is one of the main causes of economic losses in the wood industry. The bacterium Delftia sp. 5 resistance to Se and its ability to produce SeNPs able to inhibit the growth of the wood brown-rotting fungus Oligoporus pelliculosus was analyzed. The strain showed an optimal SeNPs production when selenite concentration was 160 mg L -1. The SeNPs were spherical with an average size 192.33 ± 8.6 nm and a zeta potential of -41.4 ± 1.3 nm. The SeNPs produced by Delftia sp. 5 (33.6 ± 0.1 mg L -1 Se) inhibited the growth of O. pelliculosus in agar plates and in Nothofagus pumilio (Lenga) wood samples. Delftia sp. 5 SeNPs could be used for embedding lenga wood prior to drying for preventing the growth of the deteriorating fungi O. pelliculosus.

[Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli: the challenge of adherence to survive]. / Escherichia coli productora de toxina Shiga: el desafío de adherirse para sobrevivir.

Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is recognized as being responsible for a large number of foodborne illnesses around the world. The pathogenicity of STEC has been related to Stx toxins. However, the ability of STEC to colonize the host and other surfaces can be essential for developing its pathogenicity. Different virulence profiles detected in STEC could cause the emergence of strains carrying new genes codified in new pathogenicity islands linked to metabolism and adherence. Biofilm formation is a spontaneous mechanism whereby STEC strains resist in a hostile environment being able to survive and consequently infect the host through contaminated food and food contact surfaces. Biofilm formation shows intra-and inter-serotype variability, and its formation does not depend only on the microorganisms involved. Other factors related to the environment (such as pH, temperature) and the surface (stainless steel and polystyrene) influence biofilm expression. The «One Health¼ concept implies the interrelation between public, animal, and environmental health actors to ensure food safety, prevent cross-contamination and resistance to sanitizers, highlighting the need to identify emerging pathogens through new molecular markers of rapid detection that involve STEC strains carrying the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement or Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation.

EMMPRIN is an emerging protein capable of regulating cancer hallmarks.

EMMPRIN, also known as Basigin or CD147, is a transmembrane glycoprotein member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is expressed basally in cells that regulate physiological processes of the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. However, EMMPRIN is also capable of interacting with different proteins, like VEGFR, SMAD4, Integrin, MCT, CyPA, GLUT1, CAIV, Annexin II, Cav-1, CAML, etc., and regulating signaling pathways that stimulate the cell processes of proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, adhesion, invasion, migration, metastasis, tumor immune response, and angiogenesis processes, which favors the development of different types of cancer. EMMPRIN is the first protein reported that favors cancer development due to its ability to interact with extracellular, intracellular, and membrane proteins. In conclusion, EMMPRIN regulates several proteins associated with the development of tumor processes. Therefore, blocking the expression of EMMPRIN can be a therapeutic target, and the analysis of its expression can be used as an important biomarker in cancer.

A synopsis of global frontiers in fertility preservation.

Since 2007, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference has brought together a diverse network of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and professional levels to disseminate emerging basic and clinical research findings in fertility preservation. This network also developed enduring educational materials to accelerate the pace and quality of field-wide scientific communication. Between 2007 and 2019, the Oncofertility Consortium Annual Conference was held as an in-person event in Chicago, IL. The conference attracted approximately 250 attendees each year representing 20 countries around the world. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this paradigm and precluded an in-person meeting. Nevertheless, there remained an undeniable demand for the oncofertility community to convene. To maintain the momentum of the field, the Oncofertility Consortium hosted a day-long virtual meeting on March 5, 2021, with the theme of "Oncofertility Around the Globe" to highlight the diversity of clinical care and translational research that is ongoing around the world in this discipline. This virtual meeting was hosted using the vFairs ® conference platform and allowed over 700 people to participate, many of whom were first-time conference attendees. The agenda featured concurrent sessions from presenters in six continents which provided attendees a complete overview of the field and furthered our mission to create a global community of oncofertility practice. This paper provides a synopsis of talks delivered at this event and highlights the new advances and frontiers in the fields of oncofertility and fertility preservation around the globe from clinical practice and patient-centered efforts to translational research.

[Alkaptonuria: evolution and course of the disease towards ochronotic arthropathy. Series of cases managed with joint replacement]. / Alcaptonuria: evolución y curso de la enfermedad hacia artropatía ocronótica. Serie de casos manejados con reemplazo articular.

INTRODUCTION: alkaptonuria is a very rare metabolic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance due to HGA oxidase deficiency. Classically described and diagnosed in the third to fourth decade of life, affecting both men and women; Its diagnostic impression is clinical based on the blue/black coloration of the conjunctivae, however it is confirmed by the specific analysis of the enzyme in the urine, to date there is no cure and its treatment is palliative and symptomatic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: descriptive, observational, case series study, the primary objective of which is to describe the progression of the disease and its involvement in the musculoskeletal system. RESULTS: two clinical cases are presented in women and men in which the broad clinic is illustrated, its progressive advance and the different alterations that it can generate in the musculoskeletal system. CONCLUSIONS: alkaptonuria is a rare disease which leads to a severe secondary arthropathy, currently without a specific management which is based on treating the symptoms, in its final stages joint replacements are a management option with satisfactory results for the relief of pain.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la alcaptonuria es una enfermedad metabólica inusual, de herencia autosómica recesiva dada por la deficiencia de la oxidasa de HGA. Clásicamente descrita y diagnosticada sobre la tercera a cuarta década de la vida, la cual tiene afectación en ambos sexos, su impresión diagnóstica es clínica, basándose en la coloración azul/negro de las conjuntivas; sin embargo, se confirma mediante el análisis específico de la enzima en la orina, actualmente no existe un tratamiento definitivo, sólo alternativas en cuanto a lo paliativo y sintomático. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo, observacional, de tipo serie de casos, como objetivo primario se describe la progresión de la enfermedad y su compromiso en el sistema musculoesquelético. RESULTADOS: se presentan dos casos clínicos en mujer y hombre, los cuales ilustran: variedad clínica, avance progresivo y las alteraciones que puede generar en el sistema musculoesquelético. CONCLUSIONES: la alcaptonuria es una enfermedad rara, la cual conlleva una artropatía secundaria severa, sin un tratamiento definitivo dirigido a tratar los síntomas, incluso en sus estadios finales los reemplazos articulares son una opción para proporcionar manejo del dolor obteniendo resultados satisfactorios.

Caesarean birth in women with infertility: population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Caesarean section (CS) is more common following infertility treatment (IT) but the reasons why remain unclear and confounded. The Robson 10-Group Classification System (TGCS) may further explain variation in CS rates. We assessed the association between mode of conception and CS across Robson groups. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: Ontario, Canada, in a public healthcare system. POPULATION: 921 023 births, 2006-2014. METHODS: Modified Poisson regression produced relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals, comparing the risk of CS among women with (1) subfertility without IT, (2) non-invasive IT (OI, IUI) or (3) invasive IT (IVF)-each relative to (4) spontaneous conception (SC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CS rate according to one of four modes of conception, overall and stratified by each of the TGCS groups. RESULTS: Relative to SC (26.9%), the risk of CS increased in those with subfertility without IT (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.16-1.18), non-invasive IT (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.18-1.24) and invasive IT (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.36-1.42). Within each Robson group, similar patterns of RRs were seen, but with markedly differing rates. For example, in Group 1 (nulliparous, singleton, cephalic at ≥37 weeks, with spontaneous labour), the respective rates were 15.0, 19.4, 18.7 and 21.9%; in Group 2 (nulliparous, singleton, cephalic at ≥37 weeks, without spontaneous labour), the rates were 35.9, 44.4, 43.2 and 54.1%; and in Group 8 (multiple pregnancy), they were 55.9, 67.5, 65.0 and 69.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CS is relatively more common in women with subfertility and those receiving IT, an effect that persists across Robson groups. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Caesarean delivery is more common in women with infertility independent of demographics and prenatal conditions.

Realidad virtual: ¿puede ayudar en la realización de procedimientos invasivos a niños? / Virtual reality: can this help in the performance of invasive procedures on children?

Objetivo. Valorar si el uso de gafas de realidad virtual (RV) es un procedimiento con posible aplicación para disminuir el dolor percibido por los niños al enfrentarse a procedimientos dolorosos. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo observacional en pacientes pediátricos que acuden al hospital de día de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (CIP) para la realización de procedimientos invasivos que precisan canalizar una vía venosa. Resultados. Participaron en el estudio 22 pacientes (13 niños y 9 niñas) de edades comprendidas entre 5 y 16 años, con una media de edad de 9,7 ± 3,5 años. La medición del dolor se llevó a cabo mediante las escalas de Wong-Baker y la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), según la edad de los pacientes, obteniéndose una media de dolor de 2,42 ± 2,06 sobre 10 puntos. Además, se recogió el nivel de satisfacción con la intervención, mediante una encuesta no validada valorada del 0 al 4, con una satisfacción de 3,89 puntos en los pacientes; 3,71 en sus padres; 3,94 en el personal médico y 3,50 en el de enfermería. Conclusiones. El uso de RV es fácilmente aplicable a niños sometidos a procedimientos dolorosos, con un alto nivel de satisfacción con la intervención, y podría contribuir a disminuir el dolor percibido por el paciente (AU)

Objective. Evaluate if using Virtual Reality (VR) could be useful to reduce perceived pain between children facing painful procedures. Material and methods. An observational prospective study was performed in paediatric patients who attended the Paediatric ICU’s Day hospital to get invasive procedures done, where a previous venipuncture was needed. Results. 22 patients were included (13 males and 9 females) of ages between 5 and 16 years old, with an average of 9.7 ± 3.5 years old. The most common procedure, performed in 14 patients, was digestive endoscopy. Pain measurement was analyzed with Wong-Baker and visual analog scales, depending on childrens’ ages, getting a final pain average of 2.42 ± 2.06 out of 10 points. What is more, the satisfaction level was studied with a non validate scale going from 0 to 4, getting a result of 3.89 points between patients; 3.71 between their parents; 3.94 between doctors and 3.50 between nurses. Conclusion. Using VR is suitable for children undergoing painful procedures, getting a high satisfaction level with the intervention, and it could contribute to diminish pain level perceived by the patient (AU)

Realization of macroscopic ratchet effect based on nonperiodic and uneven potentials.

Ratchet devices allow turning an ac input signal into a dc output signal. A ratchet device is set by moving particles driven by zero averages forces on asymmetric potentials. Hybrid nanostructures combining artificially fabricated spin ice nanomagnet arrays with superconducting films have been identified as a good choice to develop ratchet nanodevices. In the current device, the asymmetric potentials are provided by charged Néel walls located in the vertices of spin ice magnetic honeycomb array, whereas the role of moving particles is played by superconducting vortices. We have experimentally obtained ratchet effect for different spin ice I configurations and for vortex lattice moving parallel or perpendicular to magnetic easy axes. Remarkably, the ratchet magnitudes are similar in all the experimental runs; i. e. different spin ice I configurations and in both relevant directions of the vortex lattice motion. We have simulated the interplay between vortex motion directions and a single asymmetric potential. It turns out vortices interact with uneven asymmetric potentials, since they move with trajectories crossing charged Néel walls with different orientations. Moreover, we have found out the asymmetric pair potentials which generate the local ratchet effect. In this rocking ratchet the particles (vortices) on the move are interacting each other (vortex lattice); therefore, the ratchet local effect turns into a global macroscopic effect. In summary, this ratchet device benefits from interacting particles moving in robust and topological protected type I spin ice landscapes.

Rootstock effects on scion gene expression in maritime pine.

Pines are the dominant conifers in Mediterranean forests. As long-lived sessile organisms that seasonally have to cope with drought periods, they have developed a variety of adaptive responses. However, during last decades, highly intense and long-lasting drought events could have contributed to decay and mortality of the most susceptible trees. Among conifer species, Pinus pinaster Ait. shows remarkable ability to adapt to different environments. Previous molecular analysis of a full-sib family designed to study drought response led us to find active transcriptional activity of stress-responding genes even without water deprivation in tolerant genotypes. To improve our knowledge about communication between above- and below-ground organs of maritime pine, we have analyzed four graft-type constructions using two siblings as rootstocks and their progenitors, Gal 1056 and Oria 6, as scions. Transcriptomic profiles of needles from both scions were modified by the rootstock they were grafted on. However, the most significant differential gene expression was observed in drought-sensitive Gal 1056, while in drought-tolerant Oria 6, differential gene expression was very much lower. Furthermore, both scions grafted onto drought-tolerant rootstocks showed activation of genes involved in tolerance to abiotic stress, and is most remarkable in Oria 6 grafts where higher accumulation of transcripts involved in phytohormone action, transcriptional regulation, photosynthesis and signaling has been found. Additionally, processes, such as those related to secondary metabolism, were mainly associated with the scion genotype. This study provides pioneering information about rootstock effects on scion gene expression in conifers.

Risk of infertility in female adolescents and young adults with cancer: a population-based cohort study.

STUDY QUESTION: Do female adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have a higher risk of subsequent infertility diagnosis than AYAs without cancer? SUMMARY ANSWER: Female AYAs with breast, hematological, thyroid and melanoma cancer have a higher risk of subsequent infertility diagnosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Cancer therapies have improved substantially, leading to dramatic increases in survival. As survival improves, there is an increasing emphasis on optimizing the quality of life among cancer survivors. Many cancer therapies increase the risk of infertility, but we lack population-based studies that quantify the risk of subsequent infertility diagnosis in female AYAs with non-gynecological cancers. The literature is limited to population-based studies comparing pregnancy or birth rates after cancer against unexposed women, or smaller studies using markers of the ovarian reserve as a proxy of infertility among female survivors of cancer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We conducted a population-based cohort study using universal health care databases in the province of Ontario, Canada. Using data from the Ontario Cancer Registry, we identified all women 15-39 years of age diagnosed with the most common cancers in AYAs (brain, breast, colorectal, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid and melanoma) from 1992 to 2011 who lived at least 5 years recurrence-free (Exposed, n = 14,316). Women with a tubal ligation, bilateral oophorectomy or hysterectomy previous to their cancer diagnosis were excluded. We matched each exposed woman by age, census subdivision, and parity to five randomly selected unexposed women (n = 60,975) and followed subjects until 31 December 2016. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Infertility diagnosis after 1 year of cancer was identified using information on physician billing codes through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan database (ICD-9 628). Modified Poisson regression models were used to assess the risk of infertility diagnosis (relative risk, RR) adjusted for income quintile and further stratified by parity at the time of cancer diagnosis (nulliparous and parous). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Mean age at cancer diagnosis was 31.4 years. Overall, the proportion of infertility diagnosis was higher in cancer survivors compared to unexposed women. Mean age of infertility diagnosis was similar among cancer survivors and unexposed women (34.8 years and 34.9 years, respectively). The overall risk of infertility diagnosis was higher in cancer survivors (RR 1.30; 95% CI 1.23-1.37). Differences in infertility risk varied by type of cancer. Survivors of breast cancer (RR 1.46; 95% CI 1.30-1.65), leukemia (RR 1.56; 95% CI 1.09-2.22), Hodgkin lymphoma (RR 1.49; 95% CI 1.28-1.74), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (RR 1.42; 95% CI 1.14, 1.76), thyroid cancer (RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.10-1.30) and melanoma (RR 1.17; 95% CI 1.01, 1.35) had a higher risk of infertility diagnosis compared to women without cancer. After stratification by parity, the association remained in nulliparous women survivors of breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma and melanoma, whereas it was attenuated in parous women. In survivors of thyroid cancer, the association remained statistically significant in both nulliparous and parous women. In survivors of brain or colorectal cancer, the association was not significant, overall or after stratification by parity. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Non-biological factors that may influence the likelihood of seeking a fertility assessment may not be captured in administrative databases. The effects of additional risk factors, including cancer treatment, which may modify the associations, need to be assessed in future studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Reproductive health surveillance in female AYAs with cancer is a priority, especially those with breast cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. Our finding of a potential effects of thyroid cancer (subject to over-diagnosis) and, to a lesser extent, melanoma need to be further studied, and, if an effect is confirmed, possible mechanisms need to be elucidated. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Funding was provided by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University. There are no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Revealing 3D magnetization of thin films with soft X-ray tomography: magnetic singularities and topological charges.

The knowledge of how magnetization looks inside a ferromagnet is often hindered by the limitations of the available experimental methods which are sensitive only to the surface regions or limited in spatial resolution. Here we report a vector tomographic reconstruction based on soft X-ray transmission microscopy and magnetic dichroism data, which has allowed visualizing the three-dimensional magnetization in a ferromagnetic thin film heterostructure. Different non-trivial topological textures have been resolved and the determination of their topological charge has allowed us to identify a Bloch point and a meron-like texture. Our method relies only on experimental data and might be of wide application and interest in 3D nanomagnetism.

Chiral asymmetry detected in a 2D array of permalloy square nanomagnets using circularly polarized x-ray resonant magnetic scattering.

The sensitivity of circularly polarized x-ray resonant magnetic scattering (CXRMS) to chiral asymmetry has been demonstrated. The study was performed on a 2D array of Permalloy (Py) square nanomagnets of 700 nm lateral size arranged in a chess pattern, in a square lattice of 1000 nm lattice parameter. Previous x-ray magnetic circular dichroism photoemission electron microscopy (XMCD-PEEM) images on this sample showed the formation of vortices at remanence and a preference in their chiral state. The magnetic hysteresis loops of the array along the diagonal axis of the squares indicate a non-negligible and anisotropic interaction between vortices. The intensity of the magnetic scattering using circularly polarized light along one of the diagonal axes of the square magnets becomes asymmetric in intensity in the direction transversal to the incident plane at fields where the vortex states are formed. The asymmetry sign is inverted when the direction of the applied magnetic field is inverted. The result is the expected in the presence of an unbalanced chiral distribution. The effect is observed by CXRMS due to the interference between the charge scattering and the magnetic scattering.