Spillover of Newcastle disease virus to Himalayan Griffon vulture: a possible food-based transmission.

The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) affects wild and domesticated bird species, including commercial poultry. Although the diversity of NDV in domestic chickens is well documented, limited information is available about Newcastle disease (ND) outbreaks in other bird species. We report an annotated sequence of NDV/Vulture/Borjuri/01/22, an avirulent strain of NDV reported from Borjuri, Northeast India, in Himalayan Griffon vulture. The complete genome is 15,186 bases long with a fusion protein (F) cleavage site 112GRQGR↓L117. The phylogenetic analysis based on the F protein gene and the whole genome sequence revealed that the isolate from the vulture belongs to genotype II, sharing significant homology with vaccine strain LaSota. The study highlights the possible spillover of the virus from domestic to wild species through the food chain.

Feasibility randomised controlled trial of face-to-face counselling and mobile phone messages compared to usual care for smokeless tobacco cessation in Indian primary care: Project CERTAIN.

INTRODUCTION: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has adverse health consequences. We hypothesize that it is feasible to test an intervention of mobile phone messages and face-to-face counselling session for SLT cessation in India. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory, individual parallel two group, randomised controlled trial (RCT), with baseline -and end-point (three months from randomisation) assessments in urban primary health centres in Odisha, India. A total of 250 current (i.e., users in the last three months) SLT users or dual users (i.e., smokers and SLT users) were recruited to the trial (125 in each group). Participants were randomised to either routine care, face-to-face counselling, and reminder mobile messages or routine care only. The primary outcomes were to assess the feasibility of running a full RCT including recruitment, compliance, and retention. RESULTS: A total seven (77.8%) out of nine primary care centres took part in the trial. Out of the 315 SLT users invited to participate, 250 provided consent and were randomised [79.4% (95% CI: 74.5, 83.7)]. Out of the 250 randomised SLT users, 238 [95% (95% CI: 91.8, 97.5)] were followed up at three months (117 in the intervention group and 121 in the control group). Of the participants in the intervention group, 74 (63.8%) reported that they received the mobile messages. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory trial demonstrated the feasibility of delivering and evaluating an intervention of mobile phone messages and face-to-face counselling for SLT users in Indian primary care in a full randomised trial. IMPLICATIONS: This study found that combining mobile messages with face-to-face counselling for smokeless tobacco users visiting primary health care settings in India is feasible in terms of recruitment of users, compliance with the intervention, and retention of study participants within the trial.The biochemically verified smokeless tobacco abstinence rate was higher in the intervention group compared with the control groupThere was poor agreement between self-reported tobacco cessation and the measured salivary cotinine in smokeless tobacco users.The findings support the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention signalling the need for a larger clinical trial to test effectiveness of the intervention.

A randomized trial of endometrial scratching in women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction cycles.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does endometrial scratching improve the chance of a live birth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing ovulation induction and trying to conceive? DESIGN: An international, multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial across six fertility clinics in three countries (New Zealand, UK and Brazil). Women with a diagnosis of PCOS who were planning to commence ovulation induction cycles (at least three cycles) in order to conceive were randomly assigned to receive the pipelle (scratch) procedure or a sham (placebo) procedure in the first cycle of ovulation induction. Women kept a diary of ovulation induction and sexual intercourse timing over three consecutive cycles and pregnancies were followed up to live birth. Primary outcome was live birth and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neonatal outcomes, bleeding following procedure and pain score following procedure. RESULTS: A total of 117 women were randomized; 58 to the scratch group and 59 to the sham group. Live birth occurred in 11 (19%) women in the scratch group and 14 (24%) in the sham group (odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-1.92). Secondary outcomes were similar in each group. Significantly higher pain scores were reported in the scratch group (adjusted mean difference 3.2, 95% CI 2.5-3.9) when measured on a visual analogue scale. CONCLUSION: No difference was detected in live birth rate for women with PCOS who received an endometrial scratch when trying to conceive using ovulation induction; however, uncertainty remains due to the small sample size in this study.

Isolation of genotype VII avian orthoavulavirus serotype 1 from barn owl from Northeast India.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) affects commercial poultry as well as other avian species in the wild and in captivity. Although the diversity of NDV in domestic chickens has been well understood, little light has been shed on NDV outbreaks in other avian species. We provide an annotated sequence of NDV/Owl/Guwahati/01/20, a virulent strain of NDV isolated from barn owls in captivity from Guwahati in Northeast India. The complete genome is 15,192 base pairs long with a fusion protein (F) cleavage site 112KRQKR↓F117. The isolate showed 97.67% identity with its closest match, another highly virulent strain from Indonesia isolated from vaccinated commercial chickens; however, they differ in the F cleavage site. The NDV isolate from the owl shares 83.02% and 81.88% identity with the vaccine strains R2B and LaSota, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis with F gene as well as whole-genome nucleotide sequence reveals that the NDV isolate from owl belongs to genotype VII, subgenotype VII.2, and differs significantly from all other isolates of NDV from India.

A trend analysis of animal bite cases attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, Odisha during COVID lockdown.

A nationwide lockdown was imposed from March 25, 2020, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to analyze the trend, pattern of animal bite cases and to quantify the reduction in the incidence of animal bite cases due to diminution of exposure time with animals as a result of lockdown. The interrupted time series method was used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the incidence of animal bite cases. Right after the lockdown, the mean number of reported animal bite cases decreased significantly (P = 0.04) by 8.3%. Furthermore, the month-to-month change of cases for the postlockdown period was in decreasing trend (ß3 = 0.872) and was significant (P < 0.05). Reduction in the exposure time with street animal surely reduce the incidence in animal bite cases and hence, the Government should take appropriate actions to control the intermixing of street dogs with marginal populations at the village and urban slums level.

Outpatient endometrial ablation: audit of outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Endometrial ablation in outpatient setting is associated with shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery. The primary outcome of this observational study was initiation and completion of procedure and secondary outcome measures were pain during the procedure and complications. The study was conducted in outpatient women's health clinic of Bolton Foundation NHS Trust UK, between March 2015 and July 2017. Out of 151 patients, all had oral analgesia at home. The procedure was initiated and completed in 83% cases. The median time for procedure was 78.5 s with range (34-120 s). The median intraoperative and immediate post-op pain score was 8 and 2, respectively. Post-procedure hysteroscopy confirmed intact cavity in all. Post-op analgesia was required in 2% cases. Eight-nine percent were discharged immediately, 10% had to be rested and observed for 30-60 min. None had serious complications. Ninety percent were satisfied with outpatient service and would recommend to friends and family.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Second-generation endometrial ablation is an effective first-line management option for heavy menstrual bleeding. Outpatient procedure is associated with shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery and avoids general anaesthesia and its complications.What do the results of this study add? This observational study confirmed that it was suitable to start the procedure in 83% cases. Once started, it was possible to complete in 100%. The most common cause for not being able to start the procedure was intolerability to the patients. The median immediate post-procedure pain score was 2 which was highly acceptable to patients. 90% of patients who underwent the outpatient endometrial ablation would choose to have further hysteroscopic procedures as outpatient.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients should be given choice for endometrial ablation either with or without general anaesthesia. Patients should be carefully selected for outpatient procedure taking into account informed consent, tolerability of speculum examination and endometrial pipelle biopsy as well as understanding anticipation of some discomfort. Further randomised controlled trials should be carried out to determine patient satisfaction with endometrial ablation with or without general anaesthesia.

Aversion of surgical exploration in patients with complex ovarian cysts secondary to overt hypothyroidism: A series of three cases.

Long-standing, overt hypothyroidism-induced bilateral multiloculated ovarian cysts represent an infrequent occurrence. Our first case, presented with bilateral complex ovarian masses, exhibited overt hypothyroidism symptoms, including lethargy, weight gain and subfertility, prompting consideration for surgical intervention. Similarly, in the second case, a girl aged 11 years with stunting, delayed bone age and academic challenges was referred for surgical exploration due to bilateral complex ovarian masses. Both cases revealed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels during preoperative workup. Commencing levothyroxine replacement therapy resulted in complete regression of ovarian cysts and substantial symptom improvement within an 8-week timeframe. The third case, a previously diagnosed patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, benefited from the lessons gleaned in managing the initial cases, responding well to levothyroxine therapy, thereby averting the necessity for surgery in all three instances. These cases underscore the significance of considering thyroid function in the evaluation of ovarian masses and highlight the efficacy of levothyroxine replacement therapy in resolving both hypothyroidism and associated ovarian cysts, thereby obviating the need for surgical intervention.

Foot-and-mouth disease-associated myocarditis is age dependent in suckling calves.

Myocarditis is considered a fatal form of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in suckling calves. In the present study, a total of 17 calves under 4 months of age and suspected clinically for FMD were examined for clinical lesions, respiratory rate, heart rate, and heart rhythm. Lesion samples, saliva, nasal swabs, and whole blood were collected from suspected calves and subjected to Sandwich ELISA and reverse transcription multiplex polymerase chain reaction (RT-mPCR) for detection and serotyping of FMD virus (FMDV). The samples were found to be positive for FMDV serotype "O". Myocarditis was suspected in 6 calves based on tachypnoea, tachycardia, and gallop rhythm. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cardiac troponins (cTnI) were measured. Mean serum AST, cTn-I and LDH were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in < 2 months old FMD-infected calves showing clinical signs suggestive of myocarditis (264.833 ± 4.16; 11.650 ± 0.34 and 1213.33 ± 29.06) than those without myocarditis (< 2 months old: 110.00 ± 0.00, 0.06 ± 0.00, 1050.00 ± 0.00; > 2 months < 4 months: 83.00 ± 3.00, 0.05 ± 0.02, 1159.00 ± 27.63) and healthy control groups (< 2 months old: 67.50 ± 3.10, 0.047 ± 0.01, 1120.00 ± 31.62; > 2 months < 4 months: 72.83 ± 2.09, 0.47 ± 0.00, 1160.00 ± 18.44). However, mean serum CK-MB did not differ significantly amongst the groups. Four calves under 2 months old died and a necropsy revealed the presence of a pathognomic gross lesion of the myocardial form of FMD known as "tigroid heart". Histopathology confirmed myocarditis. This study also reports the relevance of clinical and histopathological findings and biochemical markers in diagnosing FMD-related myocarditis in suckling calves.

Designing a mobile health smokeless tobacco cessation intervention in Odisha, India: User and provider perspectives.

Objective: There is limited evidence on the development of mobile health (mHealth) interventions for smokeless tobacco (SLT) cessation, despite its widespread use in South Asia. This formative qualitative study explored the perceptions of tobacco users and healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding developing a mHealth intervention for SLT cessation. Methods: This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews (IDIs) with tobacco users (n = 26) and primary care physicians (PCPs) (n = 5) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with counsellors (n = 2) in four urban primary health centres (UPHCs) in Berhampur, Odisha from February to March 2020. The data were coded and analysed by two researchers using a framework analysis method. The discussion guides and initial codes were developed based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behaviour change. Results: The results were elaborated under four themes: (1) Current scenario of SLT use; (2) Barriers and facilitators for quitting SLT; (3) Barriers and facilitators for mHealth counselling; and (4) Design and delivery of the proposed intervention. SLT use was prevalent in the community regardless of sociodemographic factors. Peer factors accounted for both tobacco consumption as well as considering cessation. Participants considered mobile message counselling helpful and acceptable. Not having a mobile phone and illiteracy were identified as barriers while ease of access and rising popularity of social media applications were considered facilitators to the use of mHealth for quitting tobacco. Participants preferred messages that were pictorial, short and simple, in the local language, and tailored to individual's needs. Conclusions: This is the first study that provides evidence within the Indian context that the text messaging platform may be used for delivering an SLT cessation intervention. The integration of a theoretical basis and research findings from target users can guide future intervention development.

Validation of Mobile Messages for an mHealth Intervention for Smokeless Tobacco Cessation in India.

BACKGROUND: With the growth in use of mobile messages for behaviour change, the need to incorporate personal needs and cultural characteristics of target users has been promoted. The study aimed to describe the findings of content validation of mobile messages designed to promote smokeless tobacco cessation in primary care. METHODS: This study used a concurrent mixed-method approach with 13 patients who were tobacco users at urban primary care clinics. The clarity and appeal of 32 messages were rated on a Likert scale from 1 to 10. A mean clarity and appeal score per message was generated. A 5-item discussion guide was used for in-depth interviews and data was analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS: Participants found the content of the messages useful, and preferred shorter and audio formatted messages. The clarity scores for the messages ranged from 7.9 to 9.4 with an average score of 8.7 (SD 0.5). The appeal scores ranged from 7.3 to 9.2, with an average score of 8.5 (SD 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-six from a total of 32 messages were found appropriate and finalised for use. This methodology can be used when developing contextually relevant mobile message interventions in other low resource settings.

Anticancer activity of hydrogen-bond-stabilized half-sandwich Ru(II) complexes with heterocycles.

Neutral half-sandwich organometallic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [(η(6)-cymene)RuCl(2)(L)] (H1-H10), where L represents a heterocyclic ligand, have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. The structures of five complexes were also established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirming a piano-stool geometry with η(6) coordination of the arene ligand. Hydrogen bonding between the N-H group of the heterocycle and a chlorine atom attached to Ru stabilizes the metal-ligand interaction. Complexes coordinated to a mercaptobenzothiazole framework (H1) or mercaptobenzoxazole (H6) showed high cytotoxicity against several cancer cells but not against normal cells. In vitro studies have shown that the inhibition of cancer cell growth involves primarily G1-phase arrest as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The complexes are found to bind DNA in a non-intercalative fashion and cause unwinding of plasmid DNA in a cell-free medium. Surprisingly, the cytotoxic complexes H1 and H6 differ in their interaction with DNA, as observed by biophysical studies, they either cause a biphasic melting of the DNA or the inhibition of topoisomerase IIα activity, respectively. Substitution of the aromatic ring of the heterocycle or adding a second hydrogen-bond donor on the heterocycle reduces the cytotoxicity.

Assisted hatching on assisted conception (in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

BACKGROUND: Failure of implantation and conception may result from an inability of the blastocyst to escape from its outer coat, which is known as the zona pellucida. Artificial disruption of this coat is known as assisted hatching and has been proposed as a method for improving the success of assisted conception by facilitating embryo implantation. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of assisted hatching (AH) of embryos from assisted conception on live birth and multiple pregnancy rates.  SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register (August 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (August 2012), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2012) and EMBASE (1980 to August 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA: Three authors identified and independently screened trials. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of AH (mechanical, chemical or laser disruption of the zona pellucida prior to embryo replacement) versus no AH that reported live birth or clinical pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three authors independently performed quality assessments and data extraction. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-one trials reported clinical pregnancy data, including 1992 clinical pregnancies in 5728 women. There was no significant difference in the odds of live birth in the AH group compared with the control group (9 RCTs; odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85 to 1.26, moderate quality evidence), with no evidence of significant heterogeneity (P = 0.38) or inconsistency (I(2) = 6%). Analysis of the clinical pregnancy rates from the nine studies which reported live birth showed a non-significant result (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.25 ).Analysis of all of the studies included in this update (31 RCTs) showed that the clinical pregnancy rate in women who underwent AH was slightly improved, but the level only just reached statistical significance (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.27, moderate quality evidence). However, it is important to note that the heterogeneity for this combined analysis for clinical pregnancy rate was statistically significant (P = 0.001) and the I(2) was 49%. Subgroup analysis of women who had had a previous failed attempt at IVF found improved clinical pregnancy rates in the women undergoing AH compared with the women in the control group (9 RCTs, n = 1365; OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.81) with I(2) = 20%. Miscarriage rates per woman were similar in both groups (14 RCTs; OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.54, P = 0.90, moderate quality evidence). Multiple pregnancy rates per woman were significantly increased in women who were randomised to AH compared with women in the control groups (14 RCTs, 3447 women; OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.70, P = 0.004, low quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This update has demonstrated that whilst assisted hatching (AH) does appear to offer a significantly increased chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy, the extent to which it may do so only just reaches statistical significance. The 'take home' baby rate was still not proven to be increased by AH. The included trials provided insufficient data to investigate the impact of AH on several important outcomes. Most trials still failed to report on live birth rates.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Resection of Endometrial Polyps and Submucosal Fibroids in an Outpatient Setting in a Large District General Hospital in the UK.

Background: Conventionally, endometrial pathologies of varying complexity have been surgically treated as inpatients under a general or regional anesthetic. Aim: In this paper, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic morcellation of endometrial pathology in the form of endometrial polyps (EPs) and submucosal fibroids in an outpatient setting for both simple and complex lesions using the Myosure™ device. Methods: Two hundred and forty-nine hysteroscopic resections were performed in an outpatient setting at the < BLINDED FOR REVIEW > from May 2014 to March 2021. The median age of the patients was 54 years. More than half of the patients presented with postmenopausal bleeding; 64% were diagnosed with EPs and 24% with submucous fibroids (SMFs). The size, topography, extension, penetration, and wall classification system scoring system were used to grade them as simple (≤4) or complex (≥5) pathologies. Results: 90% of pathologies were simple (≤4), of which complete resection was carried out in 95% of patients; 10% of the pathologies were complex (≥5), of which 63% had complete resection. Two patients with complex pathologies returned for completion surgery as a two-step procedure. No procedure was abandoned due to the patient intolerance. The median intraprocedure pain score visual analog scale was 5/10 and immediate postprocedure pain score was 1/10. Notably, there was no intra- or post-procedure complications. Conclusion: Outpatient resection of endometrial pathology, both simple and complex, can be safely and effectively performed using hysteroscopic morcellator (Myosure™) and is accepted and well tolerated by patients.

A study of risk factors associated with Newcastle disease and molecular characterization of genotype XIII Newcastle disease virus in backyard and commercial poultry in Assam, India.

The continuous emergence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) poses a persistent threat to the poultry industry. Recent increasing outbreaks of NDV in the North East region of India have highlighted the need to closely monitor and analyze the potential risk factors for Newcastle disease (ND) outbreaks. In the present study, an attempt was made to genotype the circulating Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in the backyard and commercial poultry flocks in Assam, India. Sera samples from unvaccinated backyard poultry flocks and tissue samples of ND suspected cases were collected and tested for the presence of NDV antibodies using the Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. A total of seven NDV isolates were analyzed from different districts of Assam, India, both genotypically and pathotypically. All isolates were characterized as virulent, carrying 112RRKQRF117 amino acid residues at the cleavage site. As determined by phylogenetic analysis, the isolates clustered with members of genotype XIII of class II NDV. Further analysis of risk factors of ND occurrence was conducted through a questionnaire survey. All the results indicated an occurrence of genotype XIII of NDV in the farms with inadequate biosecurity and farming practices.

Effect of endometrial scratching on unassisted conception for unexplained infertility: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether endometrial scratching increases the chance of live birth in women with unexplained infertility attempting to conceive without assisted reproductive technology. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, participant-blind, multicenter international trial. SETTING: Fertility clinics. PATIENT(S): Women with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility trying to conceive without assistance. INTERVENTION(S): Participants were randomly assigned to receive an endometrial biopsy or a placebo procedure (placement of a biopsy catheter in the posterior fornix, without inserting it into the external cervical os). Both groups performed regular unprotected intercourse with the intention of conceiving over three consecutive study cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was live birth. RESULT(S): A total of 220 women underwent randomization. The live birth rate was 9% (10 of 113 women) in the endometrial-scratch group and 7% (7 of 107 women) in the control group (adjusted OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.50-4.03). There were no differences between the groups in the secondary outcomes of clinical pregnancy, viable pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and miscarriage. Endometrial scratching was associated with a higher pain score on a 10-point scale (adjusted mean difference, 3.07; 95% CI, 2.53-3.60). CONCLUSION(S): This trial did not find evidence that endometrial scratching improves the live birth rate in women with unexplained infertility trying to conceive without assistance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12614000656639.

Thermostability and Immunogenicity of Genotype II Avian Orthoavulavirus (AOaV-1) Isolates from Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and Parrot (Eclectusroratus).

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry causing significant economic losses worldwide. Vaccination is considered the most reliable approach to curb the economic menace that is ND, but the thermolabile nature of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccination poses a significant threat to its protective efficacy. This study aimed to profile the thermostability of NDV isolates from duck (As/Km/19/44) and parrot (As/WB/19/91) and evaluate their immunogenic potential in chicks. Fusion protein cleavage site (FPCS) and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the lentogenic nature of both the isolates/strains and classified them as class II genotype II NDV. The characterized NDV isolates were adapted in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks by serially passaging. Biological pathogenicity assessment of chicken-adapted As/Km/19/44 (PSD44C) and As/WB/19/91 (PSP91C) revealed both the isolates to be avirulent with a mean death time (MDT) of more than 90 h and an intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) ranging from 0.2 to 0.4. Both of the NDV isolates displayed varied thermostability profiles. PSD44C was the most thermostable strain as compared to PSP91C and the commercially available LaSota vaccine strain. The immunogenicity of PSD44C and LaSota was significantly higher than PSP91C. Based on these results, it is concluded that NDV isolate PSD44C is more thermostable and immunogenic when administered intraocularly without any adverse effects. Therefore, PSD44C is suitable for further research and vaccine development.

First record of the genus Vailimia Kammerer, 2006 from India, with the description of two new species (Araneae: Salticidae: Plexippina).

The genus Vailimia Kammerer, 2006 is recorded for the first time from India. Two new species, Vailimia ajmerensis Caleb Jangid sp. nov. (♂), and V. jharbari Basumatary, Caleb Das sp. nov. (♂♀), are described and illustrated in detail. Presently, the genus is known only by the males, which means that the female of V. jharbari described herein is the first female known in the genus.

Assisted hatching on assisted conception (IVF and ICSI).

BACKGROUND: Failure of implantation and conception may result from an inability of the blastocyst to escape from its outer coat, known as the zona pellucida. Artificial disruption of this coat is known as assisted hatching (AH) and has been proposed as a method for improving the success of assisted conception. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether assisted hatching (AH) of embryos facilitates live births and clinical pregnancy. SEARCH STRATEGY: We previously searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialsed Register (February 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2007), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2007) and EMBASE (1980 to February 2007). SELECTION CRITERIA: Two authors identified and independently screened trials. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of AH (mechanical, chemical or laser disruption of the zona pellucida prior to embryo replacement) versus no AH, which reported live birth or clinical pregnancy rates. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently performed qualitative assessments and data extraction. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-eight trials reported clinical pregnancy data, including 1228 clinical pregnancies in 3646 women. There was no significant difference in the odds of live births in the AH compared with control groups (seven RCTs; OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.55; 255 births from 719 women, with no heterogeneity (P = 0.37) or inconsistency I(2) = 8%)). We also analysed the clinical pregnancy rate from the seven studies that reported live births, which was non-significant (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.54). Inclusion of studies which were more robust in methodology showed an increase in clinical pregnancy rate which was just statistically significant (16 RCTs; OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.45, P = 0.05). Analysis of all the studies included in this update (28 RCTs) showed a marked increase in clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.49).Miscarriage rates per women were similar in both groups (14 RCTs; OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.73). Multiple pregnancy rates per woman were significantly increased in women who were randomised to AH compared with women in control groups (12 RCTs; OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.26). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) with AH means that a clinic with a success rate of 25% could anticipate improving the CPR to between 29% and 49%, all things being equal. The included trials provided insufficient data to investigate the impact of assisted hatching on several important outcomes.

Repeat abortion: facts and issues.

BACKGROUND: The commonest reason for undertaking termination of pregnancy (TOP) in the UK is as defined by Clause 2 of the Abortion Act. There are no agreed criteria for defining 'recurrent abortion seekers'. We aimed to review the characteristics of women requesting termination of at least two consecutive pregnancies within 24 months of the first and to identify any factors for seeking repeat TOP. METHODS: The database of patients that attended our Fertility Control Services from 2001 to 2006 was evaluated. Demographic data, contraceptive use in the cycle of conception and reasons for request were assessed for possible associations with repeat TOP. RESULTS: The incidence was 2.3% as defined by our criteria. Financial circumstances was the commonest reason for seeking TOP (75%). The combined oral contraceptive pill and condom were the commonest forms of contraception in these patients before the first TOP (35% and 38%, respectively). Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) was used by only 8% of women before their TOP. Although 58% accepted LARC following TOP, only 2% continued its use thereafter and 50% of women were not using any contraception at the time of the repeat TOP. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that social workers and perhaps psychologists should be part of the peri-abortion counselling team. Contraceptive counselling should emphasise the side effects of LARC to improve compliance. Follow-up to ensure compliance and involvement of partners in decision-making could help to reduce the incidence of repeat TOP.

A hospital-based study of socioeconomic status and clinical spectrum of rheumatic heart disease patients of Assam, North-East India.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors in increased prevalence of rheumatic heart disease and its clinical spectrum in Assam, North-East India. Method A case-control questionnaire-based study of 100 echocardiography confirmed rheumatic heart disease cases with age- and sex-matched healthy controls from Assam medical college and hospital in Dibrugarh, Assam was conducted. Results There was a trend toward increased risk of rheumatic heart disease and its clinical spectrum with respect to low socioeconomic status. Three parameters were found to be statistically significant in posing increased risk towards rheumatic heart disease: rural dwelling location ( p < 0.0001, odds ratio (OR) 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI = 2.29-7.45), low monthly income ( p < 0.001, OR=9.5, 95% CI = 4.99-18.1) and education status ( p < 0.05, OR=9.5, 95% CI = 1.866). Out of the severe cases of mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation, 69.6%, 58.3% and 34% patients were of low socioeconomic status. Conclusion Socioeconomic factors can be of significant importance in increased prevalence of rheumatic heart disease and might also influence the clinical spectrum of the disease. Increased awareness and up-gradation of socioeconomic status might ameliorate the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease.