Abstract. The ARF GTP binding proteins are believed to function as regulators of membrane traffic in the secretory pathway. While the ARF1 protein has been shown in vitro to mediate the membrane interaction of the cytosolic coat proteins coatomer (COP1) and 3,-adaptin with the Golgi complex, the functions of the other ARF proteins have not been defined. Here, we show by transient transfection with epitopetagged ARFs, that whereas ARF1 is localized to the Golgi complex and can be shown to affect predictably the assembly of COP1 and 3~-adaptin with Golgi membranes in cells, ARF6 is localized to the endosomal/plasma membrane system and has no effect on these Golgi-associated coat proteins. By immunoelectron microscopy, the wild-type ARF6 protein is observed along the plasma membrane and associated with endosomes, and overexpression of ARF6 does not appear to alter the morphology of the peripheral membrane system. In contrast, overexpression of ARF6 mutants predicted either to hydrolyze or bind GTP poorly shifts the distribution of ARF6 and affects the structure of the endocytic pathway. The GTP hydrolysis-defective mutant is localized to the plasma membrane and its overexpression results in a profound induction of extensive plasma membrane vaginations and a depletion of endosomes. Conversely, the GTP binding-defective ARF6 mutant is present exclusively in endosomal structures, and its overexpression results in a massive accumulation of coated endocytic structures.

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Objective To investigate women's patterns of contraceptive use after delivery and the association between method use and risk of pregnancy within 18 months. Methods We used the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth to examine women's contraceptive use after delivery, and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after giving birth. The sample included 3,005 births that occurred within 3 years of the survey date and for which information on contraceptive use was available. We estimated multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models to assess the association between women's method use and risk of pregnancy within 18 months after delivery. We also examined the percentage of pregnancies occurring ≤18 months after the index birth that were unintended. Results Between delivery and 3 months postpartum, contraceptive use increased from 21% to 72%. At 3 months, 13% of women used permanent contraception, 6% used long-acting reversible contraceptives, 28% used other hormonal methods and 25% relied on less-effective methods; the distribution of method use was similar in subsequent months. Among women using hormonal methods, 12.6% became pregnant ≤18 months of delivery compared to 0.5% using permanent and long-acting contraception (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 21.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.17-72.8). Additionally, 17.8% of women using less-effective methods (HR: 34.8, 95% CI: 9.26-131) and 23% using no method (HR: 43.2, 95% CI: 12.3-152) became pregnant ≤18 months. At least 70% of pregnancies within one year after delivery were unintended. Conclusions Few women use long-acting reversible contraceptives after delivery, and those using less-effective methods have an increased risk of unintended pregnancy.

A new 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is effective and safe for nulliparous and parous women for at least 3 years.

We have identified factors and beliefs that are barriers to Pap test screening in urban cervical cancer patients. Further studies should evaluate effects of addressing cultural, cognitive, and financial barriers on Pap test compliance.

Mifepristone 200 mg followed 6 to 8 hours later by misoprostol 800 microg vaginally is as effective for abortion and has significantly fewer side effects as compared with regimens using a 24-hour dosing interval. Women receiving mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol for abortion can have the flexibility to administer the misoprostol as soon as 6 hours after using the mifepristone.

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ontraception is defined as an intervention that reduces the chance of pregnancy after sexual intercourse. According to a report from 2013, an estimated 99% of women who have ever had sexual intercourse used at least 1 contraceptive method in their lifetime. 1 Approximately 88% of sexually active women not seeking pregnancy report using contraception at any given time. 2 All nonbarrier contraceptive methods require a prescription or initiation by a clinician. Therefore, contraception is a common reason women 15 to 50 years of age seek health care. 3 This review summarizes current evidence regarding efficacy, adverse effects, and optimal selection of reversible contraceptives. This review uses the terms women and men when the biological expectation for the individual is ovulation or sperm production, respectively.