Background-Induction of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) has been observed in the airways of subjects with asthma, although its physiologic role in the airways has remained largely undefined.

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Interleukin-13 and interferon-γ are important effectors of T-helper cells. Interleukin-13 increases expression of the arachidonic acid-metabolizing enzyme, 15-lipoxygenase-1, in a variety of cell types. 15-lipoxygenase-1 is dramatically elevated in the airways of subjects with asthma. Studies in animals indicate that 15-lipoxygenase-1 contributes to the development of allergic airway inflammation but is protective in some other forms of inflammation. We tested the hypothesis that the ability of interleukin-13 and interferon-γ to counterregulate allergic airway inflammation was potentially mediated by counterregulation of 12/15-lipoxygenase, the mouse ortholog of 15-lipoxygenase-1. The airways of mice were treated with interleukin-13 or interferon-γ one day prior to each of the four allergen exposures. Interleukin-13 augmented and interferon-γ inhibited allergic airway inflammation independently of systemic IgE and mucosal IgA responses but in association with counterregulation of 12/15-lipoxygenase. Interleukin-13 and interferon-γ counterregulate 12/15-lipoxygenase potentially contributing to the effects of these cytokines on allergic airway inflammation.

Compared to other Mexican states, Chiapas possessed the lowest rate of contraception use among women 15−49 years old (44.6%) in 2018. This convergent mixed-methods study assessed family planning use, perceptions, and decision-making processes among women and men in rural communities where Compañeros En Salud (CES) works in Chiapas, Mexico. We conducted surveys of reproductive-aged women and semi-structured interviews with reproductive-aged women, men, and physicians completing their social-service year in CES communities from 2016 to 2017. Of the 625 survey respondents, 368 (58.9%) reported using contraception. The most common methods were female sterilization (27.7%), bimonthly injection (10.9%), and the implant (10.9%). Interviews were completed with 27 women, 24 men, and 5 physicians and analyzed through an inductive approach. Common reasons for contraception use were preventing pregnancy, lack of resources for additional children, and birth spacing. Adverse effects, influence of male partners, and perceived lack of need emerged as reasons for non-use. Male partners often made the final decision about contraceptive use, while women often chose what method. Physicians reported adverse effects, misconceptions about methods, and lack of women’s autonomy as barriers to contraception use. Given misconceptions about contraception methods and the dominant role of men in contraception decision-making, our study illustrates the importance of effective counseling and equitable gender dynamics for family planning programming in rural Chiapas.

current issues facing LGBTQ+ patients. Topics included mid-20thcentury LGBTQ+ liberation movements, activism surrounding the HIV/AIDS crisis and global health activism by transgender and gender non-conforming communities. We provided students with curated resources focused on people of colour, women and transgender people. They included TED Talks, documentaries, artworks, an excerpt from Black radical feminist Audre Lorde and an interview with Latina transgender activist Sylvia Rivera. Next, students read a case of a transgender man seeking gynaecologic care. They applied learnings from their presentations to explore how his experience related to structural factors impacting LGBTQ+ people. Students brainstormed strategies to improve the patient's care with interpersonal, clinical, health systems and socio-economic interventions. | WHAT LESSONS WERE LEARNED?This curriculum was delivered to 158 first-year medical students in 2020. Of 40 students completing a post-session survey (response rate 25%), 97.5% agreed the session was valuable to their medical education. Thirty (19%) completed paired pre-and post-session surveys. They reported an increase in knowledge of LGBTQ+ history and