BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.2.3.1//EN TZID:America/Toronto X-WR-TIMEZONE:America/Toronto BEGIN:VEVENT UID:188@womenshealthresearchcluster.com DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260501T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260501T000000 DTSTAMP:20260324T143449Z URL:https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/events/day-2-trainee-research- presentation-new-perspectives-on-menstrual-health/ SUMMARY:[Day 2] Trainee Research Presentation: New Perspectives on Menstrua l Health DESCRIPTION:Fresh Research on the Biology\, Conditions\, and Contexts of Me nstruation\nNew Perspectives on Menstrual Health brings together emerging researchers exploring the biology\, conditions\, and social contexts of me nstruation. Across two virtual sessions on April 24 and May 1\, eight trai nee scientists will present their latest research on topics ranging from m enstrual health conditions to menstrual hygiene and everything in between. Each short presentation will be followed by time for audience questions a nd discussion\, offering a chance to engage directly with the next generat ion of menstrual health researchers.\n\nRegister for Day 2\n\nCheck out Da y 1\nDay 2 Agenda\nInvestigating unconventional T cells as superantigen ta rgets in menstrual toxic shock syndrome\nCarla Maduta\n\n1:00PM - 1:15PM\n \nMenstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a life-threatening disease caus ed by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus can make dozens of to xins called ‘superantigens’ which hijack our immune system by targetin g white blood cells called T cells. Interestingly\, only one superantigen can cause mTSS\, but the reason why is unknown. In our work\, we use blood from healthy donors to isolate T cells and measure their ability to becom e activated. We have identified an unconventional T cell population which is more sensitive to the mTSS superantigen than typical T cells\, which we hypothesize allows for the establishment of mTSS.\nGenetic Risk Pathways in Endometriosis and Early Diagnostic Potential\nJaza Alam\n\n1:15-1:30PM\ n\nEndometriosis is a common condition that causes painful periods and oft en goes undiagnosed for years. Many individuals experience significant sym ptoms before receiving answers. My research examines whether specific gene tic patterns linked to inflammation\, hormone metabolism\, and immune regu lation are more common in those at risk for endometriosis. By identifying how these pathways interact\, we hope to better understand why symptoms de velop and persist. In the long term\, this work may support earlier\, non- invasive diagnosis and more personalized approaches to menstrual health ca re.\nExploring Menstrual Hygiene Management in Acute Humanitarian Settings : A Multi-Methods Study\nAlexandra Kane\n\n1:30-1:45PM\n\nAccording to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)\, more than 122 mil lion people worldwide are displaced due to conflict\, political instabilit y\, or environmental disasters\, about half of which are women and girls o f menstruating age. At the onset of emergencies\, international humanitari an aid efforts often focus on life-saving needs like food\, shelter\, and medicine\, while menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is often overlooked. W ithout proper menstrual products or facilities\, women may face physical a nd mental health impacts (e.g.\, infections\, social isolation). This stud y will review existing research and policy through a scoping review and th en interview key informants to understand how MHM is defined\, examine ini tiatives\, and identify ways to improve menstrual hygiene support during a cute humanitarian emergencies.\nFrom Menstrual Irregularity to Molecular R isk: Blood-Based Biomarker Patterns Linking PCOS to Reproductive Cancer\nS imel Masood\n\n1:45PM - 2:00PM\n\nPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a co mmon hormonal condition and a major cause of irregular periods and ovulati on problems. PCOS has also been linked to oxidative stress and a higher ri sk of some gynecologic cancers\, but the biological connections are not we ll understood. We collected blood samples in Lahore from healthy controls\ , women with PCOS\, and patients with ovarian\, cervical\, or endometrial cancer. Using RT-qPCR\, we measured activity of genes involved in hormones \, oxidative stress\, and tumor suppression. Cancer samples showed clear r eductions in protective pathways\, especially PTEN and NFE2\, while PCOS s amples were more stable. These blood-based patterns may support future scr eening and prevention research. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/wp-conte nt/uploads/2026/03/TRP-Youtube-5.png CATEGORIES:Trainee Research Presentation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto X-LIC-LOCATION:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20260308T030000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE END:VCALENDAR