Search Results (386)

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to assess surgical duration and surgical and post-operative complications associated with Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and lung biopsy in horses with severe Equine Pasture Asthma (EPA) and paired control horses. Twelve horses (6 EPA-affected, 6 control) were sex, age and breed matched. Twenty-four thoracic surgeries were performed. Surgery of each matched pair (EPA-affected and healthy) was performed during asthma exacerbation (summer) and remission (winter). Surgical times were shorter with uncomplicated thoracoscopy (85 min) and significantly longer (p < 0.001) when intra-operative complications necessitated conversion to thoracotomy (156 min). The overall surgical time of EPA-affected horses during asthma exacerbation was significantly longer than control horses at any time point, predicted mean difference of 78 min (p < 0.05). When comparing EPA-affected horses to themselves during asthma exacerbation and remission, surgical times were significantly longer (p < 0.01) with a predicted mean difference of 98 min; this effect of seasonality did not occur amongst control horses. Intra-operative surgical complications (6/24) were evenly divided between EPA and control horses, however, only severe EPA horses in exacerbation were noted to have lung hyperinflation. Post-operative complications: fever, colic, hemothorax, pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, surgical site infection, and/or laminitis occurred in 13/24 surgical procedures (54%). No fatalities resulted from these procedures. Full article

Background and Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) following pelvic osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is technically challenging due to altered acetabular morphology. This study aimed to compare radiographic cup position and perioperative characteristics of THA after three common pelvic osteotomies—periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), shelf procedure, and Chiari osteotomy—with primary THA in Crowe type I DDH. Methods: A retrospective review identified 25 hips that underwent conversion THA after pelvic osteotomy (PAO = 12, shelf = 8, Chiari = 5) and 25 primary THAs without prior osteotomy. One-to-one matching was performed based on sex (exact match), age (within 5 years), and BMI (within 2 kg/m²) without the use of propensity scores. Cup inclination, radiographic anteversion, center-edge (CE) angle, and cup height were measured on standardized anteroposterior radiographs (ICC = 0.91). Operative time, estimated blood loss, and use of bulk bone grafts or reinforcement rings were reviewed. One-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test and chi-square test were used for statistical comparison. Results: Cup inclination, anteversion, and CE angle did not differ significantly among groups. Cup height was significantly greater in the PAO group than in controls (29.0 mm vs. 21.8 mm; p = 0.0075), indicating a more proximal hip center. The Chiari and shelf groups showed upward trends, though not significant. Mean operative time tended to be longer after PAO (123 min vs. 93 min; p = 0.078). Bulk bone grafts and reinforcement rings were more frequently required in the PAO group (17%; p = 0.036 vs. control), and occasionally in Chiari cases, but not in shelf or control groups. Conclusions: THA after PAO is associated with higher cup placement and greater need for reconstructive devices, indicating increased technical complexity. In contrast, shelf and Chiari conversions more closely resemble primary THA. Preoperative planning should consider hip center translation and bone-stock restoration in post-osteotomy THA. Full article

Background: The consumption of coffee has been widely debated regarding its effects on health. This study aims to analyze the correlations between daily coffee intake and sleep, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension over a 12-month period. Methods: An observational study was conducted with 40 participants with T2D and hypertension, comprising 20 females and 20 males. Participants were monitored for their daily coffee consumption over a 12-month period, being assessed every 3 months. Linear regression was utilized to assess interactions and relationships between variables, providing insights into potential predictive associations. Additionally, correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests to evaluate the strength and direction of linear and non-linear relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, body mass index, sleep duration, nocturnal awakenings, and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05) over the 12-month study in both sexes. No significant differences were noted in the remaining parameters (p > 0.05). The coffee consumed by the participants was of the “traditional type” and contained sugar (2 g per cup) for 100% of the participants. An intake of 4.17 ± 0.360 cups per day was found at baseline and 5.41 ± 0.316 cups at 12 months (p > 0.05). Regarding correlation analysis, a higher coffee intake was significantly associated with shorter sleep duration in women (r = −0.731; p = 0.037). Conversely, greater coffee consumption correlated with lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in women (r = −0.820; p = 0.044). Additionally, a longer sleep duration was linked to lower FBG (r = −0.841; p = 0.031), HbA1c (r = −0.831; p = 0.037), and LDL-C levels in women (r = −0.713; p = 0.050). No significant correlations were observed for the other parameters in both sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In women, coffee consumption may negatively affect sleep duration while potentially offering beneficial effects on LDL-C levels, even when sweetened with sugar. Additionally, a longer sleep duration in women appears to be associated with improvements in FBG, HbA1c, and LDL-C. These correlations emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to coffee consumption, weighing both its potential health benefits and drawbacks in postmenopausal women. However, since this study does not establish causality, further randomized clinical trials are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications—particularly in the context of T2D and hypertension. Full article

Objectives: Methamphetamine (MA) abuse during adolescence can have a significant impact on brain development. On the other hand, regular exercise is known to promote brain health and may have neuroprotective effects. The purpose of this study is to compare brain volumes in three different adolescent groups: those with active methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), adolescent athletes who regularly exercise, and healthy control adolescents. Methods: This MRI study involved three groups of adolescents: 10 with active MUD (9 males, 1 female), nine licensed runner adolescents (three males, six females), and 10 healthy adolescents (5 males, 5 females). Brain volumes were analyzed using T1-weighted images from a 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner, and then segmented automatically with vol2Brain. Statistical analyses included ANCOVA with sex as a covariate and LSD post hoc tests performed using SPSS Statistics 23. Results: Adolescents with MUD showed a 10% increase in total white matter volume compared to the athlete group. Conversely, cortical gray matter volume was reduced by 4% compared to the healthy control group and by 7% compared to the athlete group. The frontal and insular cortices in the MUD group had significantly diminished volumes compared to the athlete group. Overall, individuals with MUD had decreased gray matter volumes and increased white matter volumes in their brains. The brain volumetric differences between the MUD group and the athlete group were statistically significant. Conclusions: The brains of those with MUD displayed a reduction in gray matter volume and an increase in white matter volume, indicating damage from MA on the developing adolescent brain. The volumetric disparities between the MUD and athlete groups were found to be significantly different, suggesting a possible neuroprotective factor of exercise. Further studies are required to explore the potential of exercise-based interventions in alleviating the harmful effects of MA abuse. Full article

Background: Non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) are one of the common congenital malformations in Vietnam, with 1.4 per 1000 live births, with notable sex differences in occurrence. This case–control study aims to investigate potential sex-specific interactions of WNT3 and NOG polymorphisms across NSOFC subtypes in a Vietnamese population. Methods: A total of 720 participants were separated into 4 groups with a male/female ratio of 1:1 (160 individuals with cleft lip and palate (NSCLP), 160 with cleft lip only (NSCLO), 160 with cleft palate only (NSCPO), 240 healthy controls). Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs3809857 and rs227731, were genotyped by using the StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR System. Results: The most significant findings were found in the male NSCLO group under a recessive model of WNT3 rs3809857 after applying Bonferroni correction, as a five-fold protective factor with OR = 0.18 (95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.64, p = 0.0033). Additionally, the weak or moderate protective association between rs3809857 and male NSCLP was found with p < 0.05 under the dominant model. However, there were no significant findings in the female NSOFC subtypes associated with WNT3. Conversely, NOG rs227731 results showed a weak increased risk in female NSCLO and NSCPO with p < 0.05. Conclusion: this study identified the critical role of WNT3 rs3809857 in reducing NSCLO risk in males. These findings support the potential influence of sex as a modifying factor in the genetic susceptibility to non-syndromic orofacial clefts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sexual health research involving young adolescents remains scarce despite rising rates of early sexual debut, pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in this population. We explored community stakeholders’ perspectives on engaging young adolescents in sexual health research in Western New York to inform strategies for engaging young adolescents in sexual health research. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted from April 2022 to June 2023. Seventeen community stakeholders, including health education teachers, youth counselors, and adolescent health providers, participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis, managed by MAXQDA 2020. The rigor and trustworthiness of the data were ensured through triangulation with observations, peer debriefing, team analysis, and respondent validation. Results: Participants were predominantly female (94.1%), 52.9% Black/African American, 41.2% White, and 5.9% Caucasian–Indian American, and aged 23–59 years. Four themes emerged: perspectives on conducting sexual health research with young adolescents, recruitment strategies, sexual health questions appropriate for young adolescents, and building readiness for participation in sexual health research. Participants reported the need for sexual health research with young adolescents and recommended building a trusting relationship and involving schools, parents, and trusted community organizations in the research process. Suggested research questions included those related to awareness of sex, STIs, available resources, experiences with sexual education, and desired support. The findings also revealed the need to initiate sexual health conversations early when children start asking questions, as a foundation for meaningful participation in sexual health research. Conclusions: The findings suggest that sexual health research with young adolescents is feasible and necessary, with implications for the design of developmentally appropriate sexual health research and interventions grounded in trust and community collaboration. Future research should explore the perspectives of caregivers and young adolescents to inform studies and programs that are attuned to young adolescents’ developmental needs. Full article

Previous research has demonstrated sex-specific differences in muscle cells regarding sex hormone release and steroidogenic enzyme expression after testosterone exposure. The present study aims to elucidate sex-related differences in intracellular processes involved in myogenesis and regeneration. Neonatal 46XX and 46XY human primary skeletal muscle cells were treated with increasing doses of testosterone (0.5, 2, 5, 10, 32, and 100 nM) for 24 h. The molecular pathways involved in muscle metabolism and growth, as well as the release of myokines involved in satellite cell activation, were analyzed using western blot, real-time PCR, and a Luminex assay. The unpaired Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA for repeated measures were used to determine significant variations within and between groups. An increase in the expression and release of MYF6, IGF-I, IGF-II, and CXCL1, as well as a decrease in GM-CSF, IL-9, and IL-12, was observed in 46XX cells. Conversely, testosterone up-regulated GM-CSF and CXCL1 in 46XY cells but did not affect the release of the other myokines. Preferential activation of the MAPK pathway was observed in 46XX cells, while the PI3K/AKT pathway was preferentially activated in 46XY cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate differential responses to androgen exposure in 46XX and 46XY cells, resulting in the activation of muscle cell growth and energy metabolic pathways in a sex-specific manner. Full article

Background: While some evidence supports the benefits of food-related tasks, research examining their association with psychosocial health in adolescents remains scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the association between Spanish adolescents’ involvement in food-related household tasks and their psychosocial health. Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the original Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. The final sample comprised 273 boys (43.0%) and 361 girls (57.0%). Adolescents self-reported their weekly frequency of involvement in two food-related tasks: meal preparation and grocery shopping, with responses ranging from ‘never’ to ‘seven times’. Psychosocial health was assessed using the 25-item self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), comprising five subscales: emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and prosocial behavior. A total difficulties score was calculated by summing the first four subscales. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate associations between the frequency of food task involvement (categorized into five levels) and SDQ outcomes. All models were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index, sleep duration, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and energy intake. Results: Concerning to the frequency of helping to prepare food for dinner, an inverse association was observed between food preparation involvement and several psychosocial problems. Adolescents who helped seven times per week reported significantly lower scores in conduct problems (B = −2.00; 95% CI −3.30 to −0.69; p = 0.003), peer problems (B = −2.83; 95% CI −4.29 to −1.38; p < 0.001), internalizing problems (B = −3.90; 95% CI −7.03 to −0.77; p = 0.015), and total psychosocial difficulties (B = −5.74; 95% CI −10.68 to −0.80; p = 0.023), compared to those who never helped. Conversely, those who helped seven times per week had higher prosocial behavior than their counterparts who never helped (B = 1.69; 95% CI: 0.14 to 3.24; p = 0.033). Regarding the frequency of helping to shop for food, similar patterns were found, with lower conduct problems (B = −2.11; 95% CI −3.42 to −0.81; p = 0.002), peer problems (B = −2.88; 95% CI −4.34 to −1.42; p < 0.001), internalizing problems (B = −4.16; 95% CI −7.28 to −1.04; p = 0.009), and total psychosocial difficulties (B = −6.31; 95% CI −11.24 to −1.39; p = 0.012) associated with more frequent involvement, especially among those who helped five or more times per week. Conversely, adolescents who helped seven times per week had higher prosocial behavior than their peers who never helped (B = 1.56; 95% CI: 0.01 to 3.11; p = 0.049). Conclusions: Although adolescent psychosocial health is influenced by multiple factors, our findings suggest that regular involvement in food-related household tasks may serve as a protective factor against conduct problems, peer problems, internalizing problems, and total difficulties, while also enhancing prosocial behavior. However, given the cross-sectional design, conclusions regarding causality should be made cautiously, and further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these associations and assess their long-term impact. These results highlight the relevance of daily structured routines, such as meal preparation and grocery shopping, as potential support for mental well-being during adolescence. Full article

(1) Background: In the absence of locally validated tools, the CHA2DS2-VA score has been suggested as a substitute for the CHA2DS2-VASc score. This study compared the potential discrepancies between these scores. (2) Methods: The observational, retrospective, and community-based study included a cohort of 3370 patients with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2024. (3) Results: AF prevalence was 8.4%, which was significantly higher in men. The mean age was 80.1 (SD ± 6.24) years. Women (42.8%) were older (80.9 SD ± 6.1 vs. 79.5 SD ± 6.23; p < 0.001). Men had more instances of diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index. Conversely, women exhibited a higher proportion ≥75 years, including cognitive impairment, dyslipidemia, and higher stroke risk, as assessed by the CHA2DS2-VASc score (p < 0.001) but not by the CHA2DS2-VA score (p = 0.071). The CHA2DS2-VA score reduced the sex-based risk stratification differences, and only 3.2% of women were reclassified as being at very low risk (CHA2DS2-VA < 2). (4) Conclusions: The CHA2DS2-VA score notably redefined sex-based thromboembolic risk stratification profiles, with no sex-based disparities in the selection of OAC treatment modality. The clinical utility of CHA2DS2-VA remains a subject of ongoing debate. Full article

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of protease sources on growth and carcass response, gut health, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota profiles in broilers fed poultry-by-product-meal (PBM)-containing diets. Methods: In total, 800 one-day-old mixed-sex broilers (Arbor Acres) were weighed and allocated to one of the four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with eight replicates and 25 birds each per replicate. The treatments were as follows: (1) T₀, control diet (without protease supplementation and 3% PBM); (2) T₁, control diet supplemented with acidic protease at 100 g/ton (50,000 U/g); (3) T₂, control diet supplemented with alkaline protease at 200 g/ton (25,000 U/g); (4) T₃, control diet supplemented with neutral protease at 200 g/ton (25,000 U/g). Results: Protease supplementation enhanced (p < 0.05) body weight gain and the feed conversion ratio, predominantly in broilers fed PBM-based diets containing alkaline protease. Alkaline protease supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility of proteins (AIDP) by 4.3% and the apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids (AIDAA) by up to 5.8%, except for ornithine. Increments (p < 0.05) in carcass, breast, and leg quarter yields due to protease supplementation were evident, particularly in broilers fed diets containing alkaline protease. Alkaline protease improved (p < 0.05) the duodenal villus height (VH), reduced the crypt depth (CD), and increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VCR). Alkaline protease supplementation reduced (p < 0.05) cecal counts of Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium in the broilers, whereas it increased (p < 0.05) the Lactobacillus counts. Conclusions: the supplemented alkaline protease resulted in improved growth performance and carcass traits, better gut health, as well as improved ileal digestibility of nutrients, including crude protein (CP) and acid insoluble ash (AIA), with a more balanced cecal microbial composition in broilers. Full article

Urogenital cannulation is a traditional method used in aquaculture to achieve sexual differentiation, but it is considered invasive. Ultrasonography is a valuable non-invasive tool for determining sex and gonadal development in fish species like mullet (Mugil liza) and Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) that lack sexual dimorphism. The methodology involves emitting high-frequency sound waves (20 MHz to 20,000 MHz) above the human hearing range. These waves interact with the tissues of the body, producing echoes that are detected by a transducer. The echoes are then processed by computer graphics to generate detailed images of the internal structures of the organism. This allows for the determination of the sex of fish based on the sonographic features of the tissues. For instance, in male fish, hypoechogenic structures reflect fewer sound waves, leading to darker images. Conversely, in female fish, hyperechogenic tissues reflect more sound waves, resulting in lighter images. It is possible to classify the gonadal maturation stage based on differences in image texture. This non-invasive method eliminates the need for specimen dissection. It is especially valuable when the goal is to preserve the spawners’ life and integrity. This review emphasizes the application of this technology in aquaculture, specifically targeting fish from the Clupeidae and Mugilidae families. Full article

Following the emergence of COVID-19, breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections have demonstrated substantial heterogeneity in both occurrence and clinical severity. This case–control study aimed to elucidate the factors associated with the incidence, duration, and severity of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms among Chinese adults during the Omicron wave. The analysis was based on data from a national COVID-19 surveillance program encompassing six provinces—Jiangsu, Chongqing, Shandong, Hunan, Anhui, and Yunnan—and included both laboratory-confirmed and clinically diagnosed cases. Data were systematically collected between February and April 2023. For each confirmed case, a matched control was selected through simple random sampling, matched on sex, age (±5 years), and province of residence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to assess a range of potential determinants, including demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and pre-existing medical conditions, in relation to the risk of infection, as well as the persistence and severity of symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. A total of 10,426 cases and 10,426 matched controls were included in the final analysis. Among the infected individuals, 963 (9.24%) reported persistent symptoms, while 773 (7.41%) experienced moderate-to-severe clinical manifestations. Occasional alcohol consumption, presence of comorbidities, tea and coffee intake, overweight status, and a longer interval since the last vaccination dose were all significantly associated with increased odds of infection (OR > 1, FDR < 0.05). Conversely, weekly alcohol consumption and smoking were associated with a decreased risk (OR < 1, FDR < 0.05). Female sex was significantly associated with both persistent and moderate-to-severe symptoms. Additional risk factors for prolonged or severe symptoms included older age, being underweight or overweight, a history of immunotherapy, coffee consumption, and the presence of comorbidities. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes and highlight the interplay between host characteristics and behavioral factors. The results support the development of personalized prevention strategies aimed at reducing the clinical burden and long-term impact of COVID-19. Full article

Background: Pleural empyema (PE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalized for PE in Spain between 2016 and 2022. Methods: This retrospective observational study of PE cases was based on the hospital discharge records from the National Health System between 2016 and 2022. The variables analyzed were sex, age, comorbidities, discharge diagnoses and procedures, overall severity, whether empyema was a primary or secondary diagnosis, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, and healthcare costs. Results: Between 2016 and 2022, 19864 PE cases were diagnosed in Spain, revealing an overall rate of 0.64 per 1000 hospitalizations, with the exception of a slight decline in 2021. The mean age of the patients with PE was 61 years, and 73.85% were men. Most patients had low comorbidities, with a median Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of 1.7. Most cases (63%) involved secondary diagnoses (pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia, sepsis, COVID, or lung cancer). The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in the secondary diagnosis group than in the primary diagnosis group (13.4% vs. 6.2%, respectively, p < 0.001). The factors associated with increased mortality included older age (≥66 years), higher CCI scores, ICU admission, and shorter LOS (<10 days). Conversely, pleural drainage and pneumonia as secondary diagnoses were protective factors. Conclusions: PE is an increasingly common pathology in clinical practice, especially in older and frail patients. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and its prognosis worsens with age and comorbidities. Therefore, early and appropriate diagnosis and standardized management strategies are required to mitigate the mortality and healthcare costs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have typically investigated injury risk factors either by body region or sport type in isolation, limiting their practical applicability to real-world settings where multiple factors interact. However, injury risk is inherently multifactorial—shaped by a complex interplay of demographic, physiological, and training-related characteristics that differ by anatomical site and sport context. This study addresses that gap by simultaneously analyzing predictors across multiple body regions and sport-specific environments. This integrated approach is critical for developing more precise, evidence-based injury prevention strategies tailored to the specific demands and risk profiles of amateur athletes. This study aimed to identify key predictors of injury risk across various body regions and sport-specific contexts among amateur athletes. Specifically, we sought to (1) develop predictive models that include demographic and body composition variables, and (2) compare the relative predictive strength of these variables across models, highlighting differences in their influence by injury location and sport type. Methods: A total of 454 amateur athletes (219 males and 235 females) participated. Data on anthropometry, body composition, training load were collected. Injury history was obtained via self-administered questionnaires, with participants reporting injuries that had occurred during the 12 months prior to the time of data collection. Logistic regression models were used to identify significant predictors, and Nagelkerke’s R² was calculated to assess model fit. Results: Overall, 49.78% of athletes experienced injuries, with a higher proportion in females (54.47%) than in males (44.75%). Age demonstrated divergent effects: it was protective against both upper and lower limb injuries in male individual-sport athletes (OR = 0.62 and OR = 0.69, respectively) and in female athletes across sport types (ORs = 0.75–0.64), but conversely increased the risk of upper limb injuries in male team-sport athletes (OR = 1.88). In female individual athletes, higher Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) predicted upper limb injuries (OR = 1.18, p = 0.034). In female team athletes, higher Muscle-to-Fat Ratio (MFR) (OR = 2.46, p = 0.017) and BMI (OR = 1.67, p = 0.008) predicted upper limb injuries, while higher Fat Mass Index (FMI) predicted lower limb injuries (OR = 1.70, p = 0.009). Models showed moderate explanatory power (Nagelkerke’s R² ranging from 0.03 to 0.33). Conclusions: These findings suggest that injury risk profiles are highly context-dependent. Preventive strategies should be tailored by sex and sport type, for example, younger athletes in team sports may benefit from age-sensitive load monitoring, while in female team athletes, targeted interventions addressing both fat and muscle balance could be essential. Age, body composition, and sport-specific demands should be considered in individualized injury prevention planning. Full article

This essay defies the literary ghettoization of Asian-authored narratives and interrogates the space delineated as mainstream American feminist literature by placing Ng’s Everything in dialogue with Kate Chopin’s The Awakening and Kingston’s Woman Warrior (focusing on the first chapter, “No Name Woman”). It proposes a dialectical reading of Ng’s contemporary novel as a synthesis of Chopin’s and Kingston’s works and shows how Ng accounts for the reality and complexity of our intersectional identities—mixed racial parentage, nonbinary sex, or gender. Ng underscores the urgency of considering intersectional bodies and communities, especially relevant to our current times. It calls for a reading that accounts for both White people and people of color, both men and women, and both straight and queer. It reevaluates the thorny questions of the ethics of motherhood and intergenerational trauma that Chopin’s and Kingston’s narratives explore. This article encourages ongoing conversations about interethnic and intersectional fissures and affinities. Full article