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Objectives To describe the effect of combined oral contraceptives (COC) on Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and -9 activity and compare MMP activity in women taking aCOC with or without doxycycline. Study Design Subjects (n=20) underwent endometrial biopsies1) in the late luteal phase of a baseline cycle prior to initiating COCs, 2) on day 19 to 21 while taking COCs in a standard 28-day cycle (7-day hormone free interval), 3) on day 26 to 28 while taking active COCs continuously for a 28 day cycle. During the continuous COC cycle, they were randomized to receive daily sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline 40 mg or placebo. Results Compared to baseline, COC treatment increased MMP-2 (p<0.001) and -9(p<0.001). MMP activity was lower in subjects taking a COC with doxycycline compared to those receiving placebo, although only significantly lower for MMP-2LF (p=0.002). Conclusions Unscheduled bleeding with COCs may be the result of increased endometrial MMPs. Sample size limitations prevent us from determining how doxycycline affects MMP activity in COC-users.

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Perception of safety is an important component to the well-being of community members in their own neighborhood. The present study was the first of its kind to model community perception of safety utilizing a primarily Native Hawaiian and Asian American community sample (N = 101) and with perceived youth violence and delinquency as prominent potential influences. The study found that the majority of participants felt that several types of youth violence and delinquency were problems in the community. The overall social-ecological model evidenced a strong fit and indicated that community perception of safety was adversely impacted by perceived youth violence and delinquency and increased through positive relations with neighbors. The implications included the need for a more comprehensive approach to positive youth development and community capacity-building, including incorporation of cultural components, and to determine whether the model is applicable to other minority communities.