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IntroductionThe termincidental sex workrefers to forms of casual, occasional, unsolicited commercial sex, arranged between gay, bisexual, and queer men on social media platforms such as Grindr. This paper explores the limits of labelling sexual identities, and how definitions of “sex” and “work” have become increasingly unstable in the digital age.MethodsThis study used mixed methods, with the primary mode of data collection being qualitative interviews with young gay, bisexual, and queer men conducted between May 2015 and April 2016. The interviews incorporated a nine-point sexuality scale and photo-elicitation procedures to prompt further discussions. Through the participant recruitment process, the study also generated an informal survey of 1473 Grindr users aged 18 to 28, finding that 14.6% had been paid for sex, most of whom (8.2%) had done so “incidentally.”ResultsThe 50 interview participants discussed being paid for sex 358 times. This paper focuses on their narratives of labelling, identity politics, sexual normativity, and social stigma. All participants distanced themselves from labels such as “prostitute,” “rent boy,” or “sex worker” given that their behaviours were not seen as “regular” or “professional” enough, alongside seeking to avoid association with stigmatising stereotypes of sex work. These results are compared with the participants’ experiences of coming out as gay, bisexual, and queer.DiscussionThese narratives are interpreted using queer theory to understand those whose behaviours and identities do not conform to normative (legal, medical, social) discourses of sex work. The implications of this hidden population for campaigners, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners are discussed, contributing to ongoing debates around harm reduction and social policy.

This paper draws on an autoethnographic ‘digital diary’ which the author began after testing positive for HIV in July 2016, until May 2021, to critically assess (mis)representations of both the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics in the media. Drawing on insights from art, literature, queer theory and social anthropology, the paper focuses on dominant moral and political discourses to show how narratives of blame, shame and guilt about viral transmission contribute to the stigmatisation of ‘at risk’ groups. Concepts of biopower and normative judgement are used to reflect on discourses which construct those who ‘test positive’ for HIV or SARS-CoV-2 as ‘reckless’, ‘risky’ or ‘irresponsible’ subjects. The paper also analyses notes on recent media appearances made by the author to discuss their participation in the PARTNER study, which showed that HIV antiretroviral therapy eliminates the possibility of HIV transmission, including reports on BBC News, in The Guardian, on Sky News, on Channel 5 News, and in the Metro. As the latter had reported that the ‘Covid-19 crisis raises hopes of end to UK transmission of HIV’, portrayals of the two pandemics are compared to explore tensions between public health and individual responsibility as normative priorities.

Introduction: This special section of Sexuality Research and Social Policy, edited by Belinda Brooks-Gordon, Max Morris and Teela Sanders, has its origins in a colloquium sponsored by the University of Cambridge Socio-Legal Group in 2020. The goal was to promote the exchange of ideas between a variety of disciplinary research fields and applied perspectives on harm reduction and the decriminalization of sex work. The colloquium took place during the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic in February 2020. Methods: We explore the impact of Covid-19 on understandings of sex work, outline the basic underpinning legal philosophical question, explore the intersectional politics of decriminalization, summarize contemporary international health and human rights campaigns, explore contemporary public opinion trends on the issue, and illustrate the universal principles. Finally, we summarize the special section papers (N=12). Results: The Covid pandemic provided a lens through which to analyse the changes that have occurred in sex work and sex work research in the past decade and it also exacerbated intersecting inequalities, accelerated many social shifts already in motion whilst changing the course of others. In combination the papers in this special issue examine sex work policy and research across 12 countries in four continents to provide and important space for international and cross-cultural comparison. Conclusions: We present the timely contributions of diverse authors and comment on the significance of their research projects which support a decriminalization policy agenda for the benefit of academics, policymakers and practitioners to improve public health strategies and international responses. Policy Implications: The research here amplifies the focus on harm reduction and strengthens the case for public policy that decriminalizes commercial sex between consenting adults as the best strategy to reduce harm.

Background In order to establish the workflows required to implement a real-time process involving multi-omic analysis of patient samples to support precision-guided therapeutic intervention, a tissue acquisition and analysis trial was implemented. This report describes our findings to date, including the frequency with which mutational testing led to precision-guided therapy and outcome for those patients. Methods Eligible patients presenting to Oregon Health and Science University Knight Cancer Institute were enrolled on the study. Patients with biopsy proven metastatic or locally advanced unresectable prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or refractory acute myelogenous leukemia receiving standard of care therapy were eligible. Metastatic site biopsies were collected and analyzed using the Knight Diagnostic Lab GeneTrails comprehensive solid tumor panel (124 genes). CLIA certified genomic information was made available to the treating physician. Results Between 1/26/2017 and 5/30/2018, 38 patients were enrolled, with 28 successfully undergoing biopsy. Of these, 25 samples yielded sufficient tumor for analysis. The median biopsy cellularity and number of cores collected were 70% (15–90%) and 5 (2–20), respectively. No procedure-related complications occurred. GeneTrails analysis revealed that 22 of 25 (88%) tumor samples harbored at least one potentially actionable mutation, and 18 (72%) samples harbored 2 or more potentially actionable mutations. The most common genetic alterations identified involved: DNA damage repair genes, cell cycle regulating genes, PIK3CA/Akt/mTOR pathway, and FGF gene family. To date, CLIA certified genomic results were used by treating physicians for precision-guided therapy in 5 (23%) patients. Conclusion We report the feasibility of real-time tissue acquisition and analysis to support a successful translational oncology platform. The workflow will provide the foundation to improve access and accrual to biomarker driven precision oncology trials. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1733-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The experiences of people living with HIV have been transformed over recent years. Advances in medical science have made the virus a manageable chronic condition, while eliminating the risk of onward transmission for those with access to treatment, something referred to as TasP (treatment as prevention) or U=U (undetectable equals untransmissible). More recently, the availability of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), alongside PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), through the NHS has created the conditions for condomless sexual encounters to take place without the fear of HIV transmission associated with previous decades. Despite this, the criminal law has continued to frame HIV in terms of personal responsibility and bodily autonomy within the dominant narratives of danger, disease, and out-dated science. Doctrinal law has failed to keep pace with social and scientific change. Therefore, in this article, we provide a re-examination of the criminal issues relating to HIV transmission within this new landscape, arguing that it necessitates a shift in attitude, policy and doctrine. We specifically argue that HIV transmission does not meet the appropriate harm threshold to constitute GBH and that if criminal law is ultimately about preventing or regulating harm, the ongoing criminalisation of HIV transmission is counter to that aim.

This article draws on qualitative interviews with 40 gay male undergraduates at four universities across England to explore the dynamics of participants’ friendship networks in the context of decreased homophobia. Describing their schools and universities as gay-friendly spaces, most participants developed close friendships with both straight and sexual minority peers in spontaneous ways, away from institutional venues such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender student societies. Building on Bourdieu’s conceptualization of the symbolic economy of class, I introduce a new concept to understand how having a visible gay identity can act as a form of privilege in inclusive, post-gay social fields: gay capital. Through shared knowledge of gay cultures, belonging to gay social networks, and having one’s gay identity recognized as a form of prestige, gay capital supplements cultural, social, and symbolic forms of capital. These findings trouble traditional generalizations of gay youth as victimized due to their sexual minority status. However, finding that participants’ experiences differed across the four research settings, this article also develops an intersectional analysis by highlighting that access to gay capital is limited by other forms of class, gender, and sexual hierarchy.

This article draws on in-depth interviews with 35 openly gay male undergraduates from four universities in England to develop an understanding of the changing nature of language related to homosexuality. In addition to finding a diminution in the prevalence of homophobic language, we demonstrate that participants maintain complex and nuanced understandings of phrases that do not use homophobic pejoratives, such as 'that's so gay'. The majority of participants rejected the notion that these phrases are inherently homophobic, instead arguing that the intent with which they are said and the context in which they are used are vital in understanding their meaning and effect. We conceptualize an intent-context-effect matrix to understand the interdependency of these variables. Highlighting the situated nature of this matrix, we also demonstrate the importance of the existence of shared norms between those saying and hearing the phrase when interpreting such language.

On the world’s most utilised video-sharing social n etworking site, YouTube, Charlie McDonnell ( Charlieissocoollike ), Dan Howell ( Danisnotonfire ), and Jack and Finn Harries ( JacksGap ) are Britain’s most popular video-bloggers (vlogge rs). With more than two million regular subscribers to each of their channels, alon g with millions of casual viewers, they represent a new form of authentic online celebrity. These young men, whose YouTube careers began as teenagers, do not espouse a tradit ional form of masculinity; they are not sporty, macho, or even expressly concerned with bei ng perceived as heterosexual. Instead, they present a softer masculinity, eschewing the ho mophobia, misogyny, and aggression attributed to boys of previous generations. These b ehaviours are theorised using Anderson’s Inclusive Masculinity Theory. Drawing on analysis o f 115 video-blogs (vlogs), along with an in-depth interview with Charlie McDonnell, this art icle examines how these young men developed and exhibit their inclusive masculinities and attitudes, which we postulate are a reflection of dominant youth culture. Keywords: authenticity, celebrity, inclusive mascul inity, popularity, vlogging, YouTube

Drawing on in-depth interviews with 15 openly bisexual male youth from sixth forms across the UK, this article documents positive experiences of bisexual male youth in school: participants had positive coming out experiences and did not encounter significant discrimination or harassment because of their sexual identity. Participants attribute this to the inclusive environments of their schools and local cultures. Examining the narratives of two participants who had negative experiences, this article also highlights continued issues for bisexual youth in schools. It thus advances our understanding of contemporary bisexual lives in educational institutions, and contributes to debates about whether sixth forms are more inclusive spaces than secondary schools for bisexuals.

SMMART is a precision medicine research program focused on understanding the evolution of actionable biology and mechanisms of resistance in human tumors during therapy. This is accomplished through in depth functional, ‘omic and multiscale image analysis of longitudinal samples acquired during treatment. Here we present a case report detailing the insights that can be gained from the comparative analysis of pre- and post-treatment biopsy specimens in a late-stage metastatic breast cancer patient. To understand the molecular evolution of cancer, we interrogated genomics with targeted and whole exome sequencing, transcriptomics with RNA and gene-fusion sequencing, and proteomics with reverse phase protein arrays. To understand cellular organization and architectural changes, we employed multi-scale imaging tools, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic immunofluorescence, immune cell profiling with cyclic immunohistochemistry, and traditional pathological assessment. During the course of treatment, we monitored patient response to therapy with clinical imaging, circulating tumor DNA sequencing and cancer protein assessment. Individual assays revealed key aspects of how this individual's cancer evolved under therapeutic pressure. For example, mutational profiling revealed the patterns of clonal evolution and the acquisition of new genetic driver events. 2D and 3D SEM showed changes in ECM organization, macropinocytosis, mitochondrion size, number and density and number and organization of filopodia-like protrusions. We used a 30-color cyclic immunofluorescence analysis to identify differences in cancer cell proliferation and differentiation state, as well as the composition and organization of infiltrating immune cells. In addition, integrative analyses of multiple data types provided insight into the evolution of actionable biology within this patient's disease. This included changes in the suitability of the patient for immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The comprehensive molecular and architectural characterization of an individual patient's cancer at multiple time points provides biologically novel and clinically relevant insight into the ways in which cancers become resistant to treatment. Citation Format: Brett Johnson, Jamie Keck, Max Morris, Kiara Siex, Annette Kolodzie, Swapnil Parmar, Jessica Riesterer, Koei Chin, Summer Gibbs, Laura Heiser, Paul Spellman, Kyle Ellrott, Ozgun Babur, Emek Demir, Adam Margolin, Jeremy Goecks, Lisa Coussens, Raymond Bergan, Joe Gray. SMMART: Serial measurements of molecular and architectural responses to therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3296.

e14521Background: To implement real-time multi-omic analysis of proximal tumor biopsies to support precision-guided therapeutic intervention, a tissue acquisition and analysis trial was implemented...

Research has traditionally characterised men who sell sex as morally deviant, pathological or victims of poverty and exploitation. Contributing to a growing body of literature that challenges this ...

Sclerosis of the peritoneum with encapsulation of the small intestine is one of the most serious complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and is associated with a high mortality rate. Its presence should be suspected in patients treated by CAPD who develop small bowel dysfunction with associated abdominal pain and progressive loss of ultrafiltration. In its severest form, it leads to complete high small intestinal obstruction and requirement for total parenteral nutrition. We report the successful surgical management of two young, severely emaciated patients who had this complication of CAPD. Each had entrapment of their bowel by a thick, fibrosed, and calcified membrane. Both were treated by surgically peeling the membrane away from the intestines.

Six children (aged 3 years 11 months to 15 years 9 months) with end-stage renal failure and anaemia (mean haemoglobin 7.1 g/dl, range 6.3-7.7 g/dl) on thrice-weekly haemodialysis were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), given as an intravenous bolus in an escalating dose regime after dialysis. All responded with an increase in reticulocyte count and haemoglobin concentration in a mean time of 11 weeks (range 9-13 weeks) and at a dose of 100 or 150 units/kg thrice weekly. The dose of rHuEPO was then adjusted to maintain the haemoglobin concentration within the lower half of the normal range for the child's age and sex. The mean haemoglobin after 12 weeks treatment was 10.9 g/dl (range 8.5-12.1 g/dl) and after 24 weeks, 10.5 g/dl (range 7.9-13.3 g/dl). Four children had no further need for blood transfusion and are thus no longer at risk of blood-borne infection, iron overload and sensitisation to HLA histocompatibility antigens. Serum ferritin fell in the three patients with evidence of iron overload; the three with low or normal iron stores at the onset of treatment maintained erythropoiesis with oral iron supplementation. HLA antibodies decreased in all patients. The only serious complication encountered was thrombosis of vascular access in one child. No child became seriously hypertensive or developed cerebral symptoms. The benefits of rHuEPO therapy for children with end-stage renal failure are potentially considerable and with careful monitoring, the risks low.

Recent advances in sensor technology and engineering have made it possible to assemble many related sensors in a common array, often of small physical size. Sensor arrays may report an entire vector of measured values in each data collection cycle, typically one value per sensor per sampling time. The larger quantities of data provided by larger arrays certainly contain more information, however in some cases experience suggests that dramatic increases in array size do not always lead to corresponding improvements in the practical value of the data. The work leading to this report was motivated by the need to develop computational planning tools to approximate the relative effectiveness of arrays of different size (or scale) in a wide variety of contexts. The basis of the work is a statistical model of a generic sensor array. It includes features representing measurement error, both common to all sensors and independent from sensor to sensor, and the stochastic relationships between the quantities to be measured by the sensors. The model can be used to assess the effectiveness of hypothetical arrays in classifying objects or events from two classes. A computer program is presented for evaluating the misclassification rates which can be expected when arrays are calibrated using a given number of training samples, or the number of training samples required to attain a given level of classification accuracy. The program is also available via email from the first author for a limited time.

The computer is idcally suited for storing and retrieving a large volume of medical data. Described herein is a computer program written for the managemenr of data from patients who have had urodynamic evaluation. The program is highly user-oriented and requires only minimal training of personnel. The required hardware is reliable and relatively inexpensive. Further. the program is flexible and easily modified for use in other subspecialty areas of urology.