Estradiol Regulates Circadian Responses to Acute and Constant Light Exposure in Female Mice.

Sex hormones are well known to modulate circadian timekeeping as well as the behavioral and physiological responses to circadian disruption. Gonadectomy, reducing the amount of circulating gonadal hormones, in males and females produces alterations to the free-running rhythm and the responses to light exposure by the central oscillator of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In this study, we tested whether estradiol plays a role in regulating the circadian responses to acute (light pulses) and chronic light exposure (constant light [LL] vs standard light:dark [LD] cycle) in female C57BL6/NJ mice. Mice were either ovariectomized or given sham surgery and given a placebo (P) or estradiol (E) pellet for hormone replacement so that there were 6 groups: (1) LD/Sham, (2) LL/Sham, (3) LD/OVX + P, (4) LL/OVX + P, (5) LD/OVX + E, and (6) LL/OVX + E. After 65 days of light cycle exposure, blood and SCNs were removed and serum estradiol plus SCN estradiol receptor alpha (ERα) and estradiol receptor beta (ERß) were measured via ELISA. The OVX + P mice exhibited shorter circadian periods and were more likely to become arrhythmic in LL compared with mice with intact estradiol (sham or E replacement mice). The OVX + P mice exhibited reduced circadian robustness (power) and reduced circadian locomotor activity in both LD and LL compared with sham controls or OVX + E mice. The OVX + P mice also exhibited later activity onsets in LD and attenuated phase delays, but not advances, when given a 15-min light pulse compared with estradiol intact mice. LL led to reductions in ERß, but not ERα, regardless of the surgery type. These results indicate that estradiol can modulate the effects of light on the circadian timing system and that estradiol can enhance responses to light exposure and provide protection against a loss of circadian robustness.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Five Key Vitamins and Minerals.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by painful abscesses and nodules, has limited effective treatment options. However, adjuncts to standard therapeutics such as dietary modifications have been increasingly investigated in recent years. This comprehensive review aimed to analyze the literature concerning the relationship between HS and 28 essential vitamins and minerals. A literature search was performed via PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Scopus using search terms related to HS and the essential vitamins and minerals. A total of 215 unique articles were identified and analyzed. Twelve essential nutrients had documented associations with HS; definitive supplementation or monitoring recommendations were identified for 7 of the 12 HS-associated nutrients in the literature. Evidence is growing that supports adjunct supplementation of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D in the treatment of HS. Further, obtaining serum levels of zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 upon initial diagnosis of HS may be beneficial to optimize standard HS treatment. In conclusion, optimizing nutrition in addition to standard HS therapeutics may help reduce disease burden; however more research is needed.

Is Abortion Included in Maternal and Child Health Curricula in the United States?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess whether Maternal and Child Health (MCH) graduate programs address abortion content in their programs' foundational courses, elective courses, and general curricula. Description Between January and March 2017, we conducted a descriptive study with faculty from the 13 Centers of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science and Practice (COEs). We reviewed syllabi and discussed foundational and elective course content via email and key informant interviews with COE faculty. We categorized abortion coverage in foundational courses as "transparent" or "tangential" depending on inclusion of the word "abortion" in course syllabi. We identified electives addressing abortion as "electives including abortion" and courses that focus on abortion as "abortion-specific electives." Assessment Evidence demonstrated that most programs do not transparently address abortion in required course curricula. Only one of 13 COEs transparently addresses abortion in the foundational course(s); seven COEs tangentially include abortion in foundational courses; and all programs address abortion in some capacity though no standard exists to ensure its inclusion. Despite barriers, including avoidance of controversy and fear of losing funding, COEs could address abortion by establishing shared curricular standards, facilitating values clarification and attitude transformation activities, utilizing information-sharing networks, strengthening relationships between MCH programs and abortion-related organizations, and using professional societies. The scope of our study does not allow us to conclude why abortion content is lacking nor the quality of current content. Conclusion MCH programs should transparently incorporate abortion content in foundational and electives courses to educate students on how to engage with complex and sometimes stigmatized public health issues.