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Uplifting Updates

During these uncertain and challenging times, we can all use some good news. On that note, it gives me great pleasure to share with you that scientists have confirmed that it is extremely rare for mothers to transmit SARS-CoV-2 virus (heretofore referred to by it’s colloquial name, covid-19) to their newborns…and why.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health led by Dr. Roberto Romero reported on July 14, 2020, that the placenta lacks certain molecules used by the virus to cause the infection. To quickly recap biology 101, our genetic code and all important instructions which determine our traits are contained within our DNA, located in the nucleus of the cell. Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is a type of RNA which carries the information contained within the DNA to a different part of the cell, the ribosome, which is made of a different RNA called rRNA (ribosomal RNA). The ribosome translates the genetic code, or message, contained within the mRNA into proteins. Proteins are a crucial macromolecule necessary for function and survival, and many of them serve as enzymes, catalysts of chemical reactions which allow processes to operate smoothly as they should.

So what does all of this have to do with newborns and covid-19? The ACE2 receptor is the primary receptor on the cell surface used by covid-19 to cause infection. However, unlike adult cells, the membrane of the placenta (which houses the developing fetus) contains only a minute amount of the mRNA molecule which manufactures ACE2 receptors. Little to no mRNA means no receptors for the virus to mess with or wreak havoc upon. Furthermore, the placenta lacks (or contains only trace amounts of) a different kind of mRNA, the one that produces an enzyme called TMPRSS2. This is the enzyme the covid-19 uses to infiltrate cells. No enzyme, no entry, no infection.

In other good news, Moderna, a biotech company working on developing a vaccine, shared exciting news earlier this week. They reported that all 45 participants in Phase 1 of their drug trial produced antibodies in response to treatment. Phase 3 of the trial is due to begin later this month with 30,000 participants.  

While there are still many unknowns about this disease and much yet to be explored and tackled, including a vaccine, it is nice to report a modicum of good news. I hope to have the ability to continue sharing positive developments in the ensuing weeks and months. Until then, please maintain proper handwashing, wear a mask (not a chin guard), and stay safe.  

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Behind the Scenes of Pelvic Pearls

We are living in a very challenging time, one that has impacted every aspect of our lives and families, with much unknown still ahead. Many important services have been curtailed due to social distancing, including the work I do as a pelvic floor physical therapist. My daily schedule and ability to work with patients has changed significantly since March, yet I have tried to find the silver lining of this situation and utilize the extra time that I have been granted in a productive manner. While it is extremely tempting to binge watch Netflix, it is much more meaningful to spend time on professional projects that I have dreamed about but never had the opportunity to explore.

One of those projects is creating informational videos to educate the public about pelvic floor physical therapy. As a passionate pelvic floor physical therapist, I am grateful for the opportunity to share valuable knowledge and spread awareness of this extremely important specialty, especially considering that many people are needlessly suffering in silence. I enjoy giving lectures, blogging, and even answering questions that arise conversationally from curious friends. Knowledge is powerful, and the more that people know about their pelvic health, the better equipped they will be to address any issues that arise. That is why educating my patients about their conditions and instructing them on self care skills is one of my favorite parts of my job. I enjoy helping people understand the biology and physiology underlying their experiences, and I have found that it empowers them to take a more active role in their healing process.

Considering my thirst for both learning and dispensing knowledge, I have decided to shift gears and use the extra time to educate a larger audience. It is with great excitement and humility that I announce the recent launch of Pelvic Pearls. Pelvic Pearls is a YouTube channel which offers pearls of wisdom about pelvic floor physical therapy in short videos. Topics addressed include bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and prenatal and postpartum issues. This series is intended to educate and offer practical tips to listeners as well as explain how pelvic floor physical therapy can help address these conditions.

I am very grateful to my friend and colleague, Dr. Ivy Branin, for patiently teaching me how to create these videos, and I would also like to thank my roommates for allowing me to turn our apartment into a recording studio. I am also grateful to them for tolerating the constant sounds of “pastel slide short” introductory music that has been echoing through the rooms of our apartment incessantly. (One of them jokingly suggested that instead of a swear jar, our apartment should have a Pelvic Pearl music jar. Anyone who accidentally plays the song out loud owes money to the jar to be used by the other roommates as they please. #guilty)

Please subscribe today to access each and every Pelvic Pearl as they are posted. If there is a topic that interests you which has not been covered, please contact us and inform us what you would like us to address. We are here to help you in any way that we can during these trying times. Until we have the opportunity to meet and share knowledge in person, we look forward to continuing to do so with you virtually via Pelvic Pearls.