A time for sex: circadian regulation of mammalian sexual and reproductive function.

The circadian clock regulates physiological and biochemical processes in nearly every species. Sexual and reproductive behaviors are two processes controlled by the circadian timing system. Evidence supporting the importance of proper clock function on fertility comes from several lines of work demonstrating that misalignment of biological rhythms or disrupted function of the body's master clock, such as occurs from repeated shift work or chronic jet lag, negatively impacts reproduction by interfering with both male and female fertility.

Evaluating Usability and Feasibility of Implementing a Novel Cancer Mapping Tool.

Purpose: Cancer registries are often asked to present cancer data for small geographic areas to inform and facilitate targeted interventions and prevention programs. However, it is challenging to compute and visualize reliable cancer estimates for areas with small case counts and populations to support cancer control planning.

Methods: We used a Bayesian hierarchical model that borrows strength from neighboring areas and over time to produce cancer estimates for small areas.

Improvements in Safety Outcomes Following Brief Healthcare-Based Intimate Partner Violence Interventions among Women Who Screen Positive for Intimate Partner Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common consequence of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV-related TBI contributes to adverse health outcomes among women, but it is unknown whether a history of IPV-related TBI negatively impacts safety outcomes following healthcare-based interventions for IPV. Using data from a larger randomized clinical trial, we explored the impact of IPV-related TBI status on safety-related outcomes in two healthcare-based IPV interventions.

Increasing Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Resident-Run Clinic Through Partnership With Ophthalmology Clinic: A Pilot Study.

Despite the importance of early detection of diabetic retinopathy, many diabetic patients fail to receive the recommended screening. The objective of this quality-improvement initiative was to increase diabetic retinopathy screening through a partnership between primary care and ophthalmology, where primary care clinic staff may schedule patients directly for screening appointments at point of referral. To our knowledge, this intervention is the first described to use an interspecialty partnership to increase screening.

Central neurodegeneration in Kennedy's disease accompanies peripheral motor dysfunction.

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), or Kennedy's disease (KD), is a rare hereditary neuromuscular disorder demonstrating commonalities with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The current study aimed to define functional and central nervous system abnormalities associated with SBMA pathology, their interaction, and to identify novel clinical markers for quantifying disease activity. 27 study participants (12 SBMA; 8 ALS; 7 Control) were recruited.