Oncogenes contribute to tumorigenesis by promoting growth and inhibiting apoptosis. Here we examine the function of Sch9, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue of the mammalian Akt and S6 kinase, in DNA damage and genomic instability during aging in nondividing cells. Attenuation of age-dependent increases in base substitutions, small DNA insertions/deletions, and gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) in sch9Δ mutants is associated with increased mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression, decreased DNA oxidation, reduced REV1 expression and translesion synthesis, and elevated resistance to oxidative stress-induced mutagenesis. Deletion of REV1, the lack of components of the error-prone Polζ, or the overexpression of SOD1 or SOD2 is sufficient to reduce age-dependent point mutations in SCH9 overexpressors, but REV1 deficiency causes a major increase in GCRs. These results suggest that the proto-oncogene homologue Sch9 promotes the accumulation of superoxide-dependent DNA damage in nondividing cells, which induces error-prone DNA repair that generates point mutations to avoid GCRs and cell death during the first round of replication.

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INTRODUCTION: Office hysteroscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for many intrauterine diseases. Excessive pain is a limiting factor in patient compliance and is associated with reduced levels of satisfaction. We investigate the impact of music on patients' pain and anxiety levels during office hysteroscopy. METHODS: From March to September 2017, patients undergoing diagnostic office hysteroscopy at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center were computer-generated, block randomized into two groups: Music group (Toradol 30 mg intra-muscular and patient's choice of background music) and Non-Music Group (Toradol 30mg intra-muscular only). IRB approval was obtained. Hysteroscopy was performed by rotating residents supervised by the same attending physician. Using Visual Analog Scales and abbreviated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires, we assessed pain and anxiety levels before and after hysteroscopy. RESULTS: Of 72 eligible patients, 58 patients were included in the final analysis: 28 Music Group (MG) patients and 30 Non-Music Group (NMG) patients. MG patients had a significant greater anxiety level decrease compared to NMG patients (-9.66 vs -2.94, P=.01). Although not reaching statistical significance, MG patients had trends toward greater decrease in heart rate (-4.95 vs -2.52), less increase in systolic blood pressure (2.73 vs 5.12), and smaller pain score change (19.08 vs 24.29) compared to NMG patients. 27 of 28 MG patients enjoyed the music played during the procedure. CONCLUSION: We show that music can be used as an inexpensive and feasible adjunct to pain medications to decrease a patient's perception of anxiety during office hysteroscopy. Future studies can investigate the potential benefits of music during other gynecological procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Nearly 46% of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residents feel unsatisfied with their Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) training. Residents in 85% of residency programs can satisfactorily perform four of ten basic FPMRS procedures at graduation. We describe implementing a multi-modal and interactive intervention to improve resident knowledge and comfort with counseling and treating patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Using VAS scales and multiple choice questions, we assessed the knowledge and comfort levels of managing basic POP among all OBGYN residents during the 2014-2015 academic year. Each resident underwent a 45 minute didactic involving multi-media training modules using the Boston Scientific Pop-Q application and a high-yield POP lecture prior to their FPMRS rotation. The same exam was given four months after completing the rotation. RESULTS: Of 19 residents enrolled, 18 completed the study. Comfort levels increased by 18.7% (P < 0.01). The pre and post-intervention mean scores were 383 and 533 points with a mean change of 150 (P<=0.01). POP knowledge scores increased by 9.6% (P < 0.05). The pre and post-intervention mean scores were 2.88 and 3.55 points with a mean change of 0.67 (P < 0.05). The intervention was well received and requested to be implemented into the curriculum. CONCLUSION: A high yield, multi-modal didactic immediately prior to immersion in patient care significantly improved knowledge, satisfaction and comfort level of POP, regardless of resident training level. This was retained even after completion of the rotation. Educational efforts for basic FPMRS topics should be multi-modal to enhance OBGYN resident knowledge and comfort levels.

and humor (25.6%). Compared to males, females mentioned birth control (OR=9.18; p=.002) and EC side effects (OR=2; 5.10; p=0.024) more often than expected. Tweets with a humorous tone (31%) were shared most often, followed by those disclosing personal or vicarious experience (29%). Newsrelated EC tweets had 2.27 times lower odds of being shared compared with other tweets (pb.001). Tweets had greater odds of being sent on the weekend if they mentioned a personal or vicarious experience (OR=1.91, pb.001), sought advice (OR=1.94, p =.01) or expressed humor (OR=1.56; pb.001). Similar patterns were identified for tweets sent around St. Patrick's Day discussing a personal or vicarious experience (OR= 1.59, p =.001), seeking advice (OR= 2.45, p=.001) and expressing humor (OR=1.47; p=.005). Conclusions: Study findings offer timely and practical suggestions for reproductive health professionals wanting to communicate about EC via Twitter.