High-level expression in Corynebacterium glutamicum of nitrile hydratase from Rhodococcus rhodochrous for acrylamide production.

The nhhBAG gene of Rhodococcus rhodochrous M33 that encodes nitrile hydratase (NHase), converting acrylonitrile into acrylamide, was cloned and expressed in Corynebacterium glutamicum under the control of an ilvC promoter. The specific enzyme activity in recombinant C. glutamicum cells was about 13.6 µmol/min/mg dry cell weight (DCW). To overexpress the NHase, five types of plasmid variants were constructed by introducing mutations into 80 nucleotides near the translational initiation region (TIR) of nhhB. Of them, pNBM4 with seven mutations showed the highest NHase activity, exhibiting higher expression levels of NhhB and NhhA than wild-type pNBW33, mainly owing to decreased secondary-structure stability and an introduction of a conserved Shine-Dalgarno sequence in the translational initiation region. In a fed-batch culture of recombinant Corynebacterium cells harboring pNBM4, the cell density reached 53.4 g DCW/L within 18 h, and the specific and total enzyme activities were estimated to be 37.3 µmol/min/mg DCW and 1,992 µmol/min/mL, respectively. The use of recombinant Corynebacterium cells for the production of acrylamide from acrylonitrile resulted in a conversion yield of 93 % and a final acrylamide concentration of 42.5 % within 6 h when the total amount of fed acrylonitrile was 456 g.

Assessment of the Association of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes with the Use of Population-Based Chlamydia Case Report Registries and Birth Records.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections identified during pregnancy and adverse perinatal birth outcomes (including premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, and low birthweight) by matching CT reports and birth records. METHODS: We merged California birth records from 1997, 1998, and 1999 with California CT reports from the same years to determine the proportion of birth records matched to a female CT report, using maternal last name, first name, date of birth, and county of residence. We used logistic regression to assess the crude and adjusted association between a CT report less than 10 months before the birth record date and premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, and low birthweight. These results were adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, level of education, and prenatal care. RESULTS: Of 675,786 birth records and 101,296 female CT reports, 14,039 women had a CT case report and a birth record; 10,917 birth records (1.6%) were matched to a CT report during pregnancy, and 10,940 (10.8%) of CT reports were matched to a birth record date 10 months after date of diagnosis/report. For premature rupture of membranes, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 1.3; for low birthweight, the AOR was 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.3. The reduction in birthweight associated with prenatal CT infection was 31.7 grams. CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes associated with prenatal CT infection supports current prenatal CT screening guidelines. Matching of surveillance and vital statistics data sources was an efficient method to assess this association.

Female condom uptake and acceptability in Zimbabwe.

As the first phase of a two-phase prospective cohort study to assess the acceptability of the diaphragm as a potential HIV/STI prevention method, we conducted a 2-month prospective study and examined the effect of a male and female condom intervention on female condom (FC) use among 379 sexually active women in Harare, Zimbabwe. Reported use of FC increased from 1.1% at baseline to 70.6% at 2-month follow-up. Predictors of FC uptake immediately following the intervention included interest in using FC, liking FC better than male condoms, and believing one could use them more consistently than male condoms. Women reported 28.8% of sex acts protected by FC in the 2 weeks prior to last study visit. Though FC may not be the preferred method for the majority of women, with access, proper education, and promotion they may be a valuable option for some Zimbabwean women.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Baicalein on Polyinosinic⁻Polycytidylic Acid-Induced RAW 264.7 Mouse Macrophages.

Baicalein (3,3′,4′,5,6-pentahydroxyflavone) is a well-known antioxidant found in many plants, such as in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. In this study, we evaluate the inhibitory effect of baicalein on the inflammatory cascade in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages induced by viral-like material. Experimental assays used in this study included Griess reagent assay for nitric oxide (NO) production, Fluo-4 assay for intracellular calcium release, multiplex cytokine assay, and quantitative real time RT-PCR assay. To induce inflammation, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with polyinosinic⁻polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Baicalein at concentrations up to 100 μM significantly inhibited the production of NO, IL-1α, IL-6, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF, MCP-1, IP-10, LIX, and RANTES as well as calcium release in RAW 264.7 cells induced by poly I:C (50 µg/mL) (all p < 0.05). Baicalein at concentrations up to 50 μM also significantly inhibited mRNA expression of STAT1, STAT3, CHOP, and Fas in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.05). In conclusion, baicalein has anti-inflammatory effect in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced macrophages by inhibiting NO, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors via the endoplasmic reticulum stress⁻CHOP/STAT pathway.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels Water Extract on RAW 264.7 Induced with Lipopolysaccharide.

The dry root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, also known as “female ginseng”, is a popular herbal drug amongst women, used to treat a variety of health issues and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanism for anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica sinensis root water extract (ASW). The anti-inflammatory effect of ASW on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated by the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT), Griess reagent assay, multiplex cytokine assay, real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Fluo-4 calcium assay. ASW restored cell viability in RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 200 µg/mL. ASW showed notable anti-inflammatory effects. ASW exhibited IC50 = 954.3, 387.3, 191.7, 317.8, 1267.0, 347.0, 110.1, 573.6, 1171.0, 732.6, 980.8, 125.0, and 257.0 µg/mL for interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemotactic activating factor (MCP)-1, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, IL-10, and intracellular calcium, respectively. Additionally, ASW inhibited the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and the LPS-induced mRNA expression of CHOP (GADD153), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1), first apoptosis signal receptor (FAS), and c-Fos, NOS2, and PTGS2 (COX2) in RAW 264.7 significantly (p < 0.05). Data suggest that ASW exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 via NO-bursting/calcium-mediated JAK-STAT pathway.

Efficacy and Safety of Miniscalpel Acupuncture on Knee Osteoarthritis: - A randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy and safety of miniscalpel acupuncture (MA) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in an assessor-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial; this would provide information for a large-scale randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Participants (n = 24) were recruited and randomly allocated to the MA group (experimental) or acupuncture group (control). The MA group received treatment once a week for 3 weeks (total of 3 treatments), while the acupuncture group received treatment two times per week for 3 weeks (total of 6 treatments). The primary outcome was pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes (intensity of current pain, stiffness, and physical function) were assessed using the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 during treatment and at week 5 (2 weeks after the end of treatment). RESULTS: Of the 24 participants, 23 completed the study. Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS, SF-MPQ, and WOMAC. However, there were no significant differences between the MA and acupuncture groups. No serious adverse event occurred and blood test results were within normal limits. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that although both MA and acupuncture provide similar effects with regard to pain control in patients with KOA, MA may be more effective in providing pain relief because the same relief was obtained with fewer treatments. A large-scale clinical study is warranted to further clarify these findings.

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF EMODIN ON RAW 264.7 ACTIVATED WITH DOUBLE STRANDED RNA ANALOGUE POLY I:C.

BACKGROUND: Emodin (3-methyl-1, 6, 8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a compound which can be found in Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR). PMR is the root of Polygonum multiflorum. PMR is used to treat dizziness, spermatorrhea, sores, and scrofula as well as chronic malaria traditionally in China and Korea. The anti-tumor property of emodin was already reported. However, anti-viral activity of emodin on macrophages are not fully reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effects of emodin on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA, were evaluated. RESULTS: Emodin restored the cell viability in poly I: C-induced RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 50 µM. Emodin significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, IL-1α, IL-Ιß, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-Ιß, MIP-2, RANTES, and IP-10 as well as calcium release and mRNA expression of signal transducer and activated transcription 1 (STAT1) in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows the inhibitory effect of emodin on poly I: C-induced RAW 264.7 via calcium-STAT pathway.

Inhibitory effect of Angelica gigas on cold­induced RhoA activation in vascular cells.

The herbal extract Angelica gigas (AG) has been applied as a vasodilating agent for patients suffering from vascular diseases for many years; however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The present study hypothesized that the anti­vasoconstrictive effect of AG may be effective in the treatment of abnormal cold­mediated vasospasms that occur in Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). The effect of AG on the activity of ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) was investigated in cold­exposed vascular cells. Vascular cells were pretreated to AG, followed by a warm (37˚C) or cold (25˚C) incubation for 30 min and investigated with western blotting, ELISA and confocal microscopy. Cold treatment induced the activation of RhoA in pericytes and vascular endothelial cells, however this was reduced by treatment with AG. Furthermore, AG treatment reduced the endothelin­1 (ET­1)­mediated RhoA activation in pericytes; however, cold­induced ET­1 production by vascular endothelial cells was not affected by treatment with AG. In addition, AG treatment suppressed the formation of stress fibers and focal adhesion complexes, and the cold­induced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, proto­oncogene tyrosine­protein kinase Src and extracellular signal­related kinase. Therefore, AG treatment demonstrated an ability to reduce cold­induced RhoA activation in pericytes and vascular endothelial cells, and attenuated ET­1­mediated RhoA activation in pericytes. In conclusion, the present study indicated that AG may be useful for the treatment of RP.

Improving the accuracy of fetal foot length to confirm gestational duration.

OBJECTIVE: To establish normative fetal foot length ranges using last menstrual period (LMP) and ultrasound dating by biparietal diameter and to examine variations in these ranges by ethnicity. METHODS: A consecutive series of 1,099 eligible subjects receiving abortions had fetal foot lengths measured directly. Models of fetal foot length were developed by using assessment of gestational duration by LMP alone, ultrasonography alone, and "best estimate" (LMP confirmed by ultrasonography). RESULTS: The full sample model using ultrasound dating (n = 1,099) yielded the following equation: foot length = -30.3 + days of gestation x 0.458 (R(2) of 0.92). Regression by LMP-determined gestational duration by using the "best estimate" sample (n = 491) provided an almost identical equation (foot length = -29.8 + days of gestation x 0.45) and a similar R(2) value of 0.87, although the standard errors were larger. Gestational duration by ultrasonography alone produced a better model fit than duration by LMP alone. Regressions by ethnicity were not significantly different compared with the simple regression, regardless of method used to determine gestational duration. CONCLUSION: A reconsideration of fetal foot length measurements to confirm gestational duration is important. More accurate tables of these measurements allow for greater precision in correlating gestational duration and foot length. Fetal foot length tables using ultrasonographically confirmed gestational duration and current statistical standards should replace tables currently used. Biparietal diameter as a single measurement provides adequate estimation of gestational duration in the second trimester for pregnancy termination, proving more reliable than LMP dating. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.

Misoprostol compared with laminaria before early second-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and acceptability of same-day misoprostol and overnight laminaria for cervical ripening before early second-trimester surgical abortion. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial comparing 400 microg of vaginal misoprostol, given 3-4 hours preoperatively, with overnight laminaria before early second-trimester surgical abortion among women at 13.0-16.0 weeks of gestation (n = 84). The primary outcome was procedure time, and the sample size was based on 95% power to detect a difference of 4.5 minutes between groups. Secondary outcomes included completion of the procedure on the first attempt, procedural difficulty, and patients' pain scores and preferences. RESULTS: The average gestational duration was 14 weeks 6 days. Procedures performed after laminaria were significantly faster than those after misoprostol (median 3.4 versus 7.2 minutes, respectively, P = .01). Laminaria patients had significantly greater dilation than misoprostol patients at abortion (mean 43 versus 33 French, P < .001), and more misoprostol patients required additional dilation (85% versus 21%, P < .001). Physicians rated 27% of the misoprostol procedures as moderate-markedly difficult versus 5% of laminaria procedures (P = .01). Differences in efficacy were pronounced among nulliparous patients. There were no significant differences in ability to complete the procedure on the first attempt or patients' intraoperative pain scores. More women in the misoprostol group would choose their assigned method again (93% versus 62%, P < .01), and 82% of all subjects preferred a 1-day procedure. CONCLUSION: Early second-trimester abortions take longer and are technically more challenging after cervical ripening with same-day misoprostol than with overnight laminaria, but patients prefer same-day misoprostol.

Manual versus electric vacuum aspiration for early first-trimester abortion: a controlled study of complication rates.

OBJECTIVE: Manual vacuum aspiration is an alternative to electric suction curettage for first-trimester elective abortion. Although many studies have demonstrated that manual vacuum aspiration is safer than sharp curettage for abortion, only a few studies have directly compared it with electric suction curettage. These studies proved the methods to be equally effective and acceptable but were too small to adequately compare safety. We compared immediate complication rates for abortions performed by manual and electric vacuum aspiration. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all women undergoing elective abortion at up to 10 weeks' gestation at San Francisco General Hospital over a 3.5-year period. A total of 1726 procedures were included: 1002 manual and 724 electric vacuum aspirations. Clinical data were collected from medical records. Rates of uterine reaspiration and other immediate complications occurring at our institution were compared. RESULTS: We found no difference in the rate of uterine reaspiration after abortions performed with the manual or electric suction device (2.2% versus 1.7%, respectively, P =.43). We had 80% statistical power to detect a 2% difference in uterine reaspiration rates with an microa error of.05. Overall major complication rates were 2.5% with manual and 2.1% with electric suction curettage, P =.56. Multivariable regression analyses controlling for potential confounders showed no difference in uterine reaspiration rates (electric odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32, 1.6) or overall complications (electric OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.40, 1.7). CONCLUSION: Manual vacuum aspiration is as safe as electric suction curettage for abortions at up to 10 weeks' gestation. Expanded use in an office setting might increase abortion access.

Findings from SHAZ!: a feasibility study of a microcredit and life-skills HIV prevention intervention to reduce risk among adolescent female orphans in Zimbabwe.

This study tested the feasibility of a combined microcredit and life-skills HIV prevention intervention among 50 adolescent female orphans in urban/peri-urban Zimbabwe. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on intervention delivery, HIV knowledge and behavior, and economic indicators. The study also tested for HIV, HSV-2, and pregnancy. At 6 months, results indicated improvements in knowledge and relationship power. Because of the economic context and lack of adequate support, however, loan repayment and business success was poor. The results suggest that microcredit is not the best livelihood option to reduce risk among adolescent girls in this context.

Suppressive effects of bee venom on the immune responses in collagen-induced arthritis in rats.

The effect of bee venom (BVA) on the development of type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats has been studied. Male rats were immunized with an emulsion of 200 microg of CII and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The rats were then given intraperitoneally (i.p.) injection of a suspension of BVA or saline during the experiment. The effect of BVA on cellular responses to CII was examined. In the control rats, the onset of arthritis was observed at the 24th day after the CII-immunization, and the severity of CIA was developed gradually. As compared with rats treated with saline, BVA i.p. injected at doses of more than 20 microl/100g mouse once a day for 14 days inhibited the ability of inguinal lymph node cells to produce T cell cytokines interleukin-1beta, -2, -6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma when the cells were obtained from rats 24 days after immunization and cultured in vitro with CII. When rats were injected i.p. with sheep red blood cells, hemagglutination titers in BVA-treated and control rats did not differ significantly when low doses of BVA was given to rats. However, i.p. injection of BVA at doses of more than 10 microl/100g/day suppressed antibody production. Pretreatment of rats with BVA could inhibit the development of collagen arthritis even when 10-20 microl/100g/day of the BVA were used for pretreatment. Interestingly, higher doses than 10 microlBVA/100g mouse were much effective for arthritis incidence. Treatment of rats with BVA prevented the development of collagen arthritis in a dose-dependent manner. Doses of BVA (15 and 20 microl/100g) resulted in decreased incidence of arthritis. In conclusion, therapeutic i.p injection with BVA improved the clinical course of the disease and the immune response to CII.

The importance of discreet use of the diaphragm to Zimbabwean women and their partners.

We conducted a 6-month acceptability study of diaphragms as a potential HIV/STI prevention method among Zimbabwean women. We examined partner involvement in diaphragm use, and importance of discreet use (use without partner awareness). Of the 181 women who completed the study, 45% said discreet use was "very or extremely important" and in multivariate logistic regression, women were more likely to value discretion if their partners: had other partners; drank alcohol; or were believed to prefer condoms to diaphragms. Qualitative data confirmed these findings. Both women and their partners reported that diaphragms can be used discreetly and saw this as advantageous, for both sexual pleasure and female control. However, many were concerned that use without partner approval could lead to marital problems. Discreet use should be considered in development of barrier methods and in diaphragm promotion, if proven effective against HIV/STI.

Contraceptive intentions among adolescents after abortion.

Changes between choice of contraceptive methods before abortion and contraceptive intentions after abortion were assessed among 482 adolescents with regards to efficacy to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Adolescents substantially increased their intention to use oral contraceptives (214 of 452 who did not use before intended to after; p < .001) and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (121 of 469 who did not use before chose to after; p < .001). None of the 134 adolescents who used condoms as their primary contraceptive method before abortion intended to continue afterwards (p < .001). There was no difference in intention to use condoms after abortion among adolescents who received voluntary HIV counseling and testing compared to those who did not. Twenty-two percent of adolescents intended to use condoms together with spermicidal foam as their primary contraceptive method after abortion, thereby combining contraceptive efficacy with STD prevention. The intention to preferentially adopt hormonal methods as the primary contraceptive, especially among adolescents counseled and tested for HIV, is discouraging for STD and HIV prevention efforts in this adolescent population.

Introducing diaphragms into the mix: what happens to male condom use patterns?

The objective of this analysis was to assess the effect of introducing the diaphragm on condom use patterns. Participants included one hundred eighty-nine women attending family planning clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe who reported less than 100% condom use. The proportion of acts where at least one method was used significantly increased over using follow-up; male condom use remained stable. A diaphragm was used with 50% to 54% of acts; male condoms were also used about 50% of the time. The proportion of acts where a female condom was used decreased. Women who used both male and female condoms were more likely to use diaphragms than those who reported not using female condoms. Introducing the diaphragm increased the overall proportion of protected acts. The proportion of acts where a male condom was used did not change. Female condoms use declined because concurrent use with the diaphragm is not possible.

Abortion attitudes of pregnant women in prenatal care.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to describe abortion attitudes in a diverse cohort of pregnant women enrolled in prenatal care. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional interview study of 1082 demographically diverse gravid women enrolled in prenatal care at less than 20 weeks' gestation was performed. RESULTS: Most participants (92%) supported abortion availability. Half (50%) who were willing to consider an abortion would do so only in the first trimester. Among the gravid women willing to consider an abortion in the first or second trimester, 84% would do so after rape/incest or if their life was endangered and 76% would if their fetus had Down syndrome. Gravid women considering abortion were more likely to be white, older, have had a previous abortion, and to express distrust in the health care system. Women who would not consider abortion were more likely to be multiparous, married/living with partner, and to express greater faith and fatalism about their pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION: Although most pregnant women enrolled in prenatal care support abortion availability, about half would only consider a first-trimester procedure. These findings underscore the need for early prenatal genetic counseling, screening, and testing.

Barrier method preferences and perceptions among Zimbabwean women and their partners.

In Zimbabwe, adult HIV prevalence is over 25% and acceptable prevention methods are urgently needed. Sixty-eight Zimbabwean women who had completed a barrier-methods study and 34 of their male partners participated in focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to qualitatively explore acceptability of male condoms, female condoms and diaphragms. Most men and about half of women preferred diaphragms because they are female-controlled and do not detract from sexual pleasure or carry stigma. Unknown efficacy and reuse were concerns and some women reported feeling unclean when leaving the diaphragm in for six hours following sex. Nearly half of women and some men preferred male condoms because they are effective and limit women's exposure to semen, although they reportedly detract from sexual pleasure and carry social stigma. Female condoms were least preferred because of obviousness and partial coverage of outer-genitalia that interfered with sexual pleasure.

Predictors of diaphragm use as a potential sexually transmitted disease/HIV prevention method in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Women who are the most vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases/HIV are often unable to consistently use condoms. One potential alternative method currently under investigation is the diaphragm. GOALS: The goals of this study were to assess diaphragm uptake and use over time in Zimbabwe and to identify factors associated with self-reported consistent diaphragm use. STUDY: Women attending family planning clinics who were inconsistent condom users received a diaphragm intervention and were followed for 6 months. RESULTS: Of the 186 participants, 99% ever reported using the diaphragm, and, at study exit, 96% had used it in the previous 2 months. Consistent diaphragm use since the previous visit was reported by 13% to 16% of the women, and in multivariate regression analysis, it was significantly associated with never using condoms (adjusted odds ratio, 24.08; 95% confidence interval, 6.71-86.34). Other factors included discreet use, preferring diaphragms to condoms, timing of insertion, domestic violence, and contraception. CONCLUSION: Diaphragms were well accepted among women at risk for sexually transmitted diseases/HIV.

HIV sentinel surveillance among women seeking elective pregnancy termination, San Francisco.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure HIV prevalence, HIV incidence, and risk factors for infection among women seeking elective pregnancy termination in San Francisco. STUDY: The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey comprising a consecutive sample of women seeking elective pregnancy termination in San Francisco's county hospital from August 2002 to July 2003. Demographic and risk behavior information was abstracted from routine clinic records. HIV testing was conducted on blood specimens collected for other purposes after removing identifying information. RESULTS: Based on 11 HIV-positives among 1,992 tested, HIV prevalence among women seeking pregnancy termination was 0.55% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.99). One recent HIV seroconversion was detected for an annual incidence of 0.11% per year (95% CI, 0.23-0.88). In addition, risk factors significantly associated with HIV infection included sex with a known HIV-positive man, history of an abnormal Pap smear, history of genital herpes infection, history of trichomoniasis, and age 25 to 29 years. CONCLUSIONS: Women electing pregnancy termination can serve as a sentinel population to track trends in the HIV epidemic. However, barriers remain to wider implementation of the approach as a surveillance tool.