Methods of induction of labour: a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Rates of labour induction are increasing. We conducted this systematic review to assess the evidence supporting use of each method of labour induction.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We listed methods of labour induction then reviewed the evidence supporting each. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library between 1980 and November 2010 using multiple terms and combinations, including labor, induced/or induction of labor, prostaglandin or prostaglandins, misoprostol, Cytotec, 16,16,-dimethylprostaglandin E2 or E2, dinoprostone; Prepidil, Cervidil, Dinoprost, Carboprost or hemabate; prostin, oxytocin, misoprostol, membrane sweeping or membrane stripping, amniotomy, balloon catheter or Foley catheter, hygroscopic dilators, laminaria, dilapan, saline injection, nipple stimulation, intercourse, acupuncture, castor oil, herbs. We performed a best evidence review of the literature supporting each method. We identified 2048 abstracts and reviewed 283 full text articles. We preferentially included high quality systematic reviews or large randomised trials. Where no such studies existed, we included the best evidence available from smaller randomised or quasi-randomised trials.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We included 46 full text articles. We assigned a quality rating to each included article and a strength of evidence rating to each body of literature. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vaginal misoprostol were more effective than oxytocin in bringing about vaginal delivery within 24 hours but were associated with more uterine hyperstimulation. Mechanical methods reduced uterine hyperstimulation compared with PGE2 and misoprostol, but increased maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity compared with other methods. Membrane sweeping reduced post-term gestations. Most included studies were too small to evaluate risk for rare adverse outcomes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Research is needed to determine benefits and harms of many induction methods.</p

Mycobacterium tuberculosis acg Gene Is Required for Growth and Virulence In Vivo

Mycobacterium tuberculosis dosRS two-component regulatory system controls transcription of approximately 50 genes including hspX, acg and Rv2030c, in response to hypoxia and nitric oxide conditions and within macrophages and mice. The hspX lies between acg and Rv2030c. However, the functions of the dosR regulated genes in vitro and in vivo are largely unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that deletion of hspX gene produced a mutant which grew faster in macrophages and in mice. In this study, we attempted to determine the functions of acg and Rv2030c by gene inactivation. We demonstrate that Rv2030c is dispensable for virulence and growth. However, deletion of acg produced a mutant which is attenuated in both resting and activated macrophages and in acute and persistent murine infection models. Surprisingly, deletion of acg did not compromise the viability of the mutant to nitrosative and oxidative stresses in vitro and in vivo. In addition, when the WT and the acg mutants were treated with antibiotics such as the prodrugs nitrofurantoin and nitrofuran, the acg mutant became more sensitive than the WT strain to these drugs. This suggests that Acg may not function as a nitroreductase. These data indicate that acg encodes an essential virulence factor for M. tuberculosis and enables it to grow and survive in macrophages and in mouse organs

The umbilical coiling index and adverse perinatal outcome

Objective: Evaluation of the relationship between umbilical coiling index (UCI) and adverse perinatal outcome. Method: A prospective study was performed on 699 pregnant women who were 37-40 weeks. UCI was determined by dividing the total number of the complete vascular coiling by the total umbilical cord length in centimeters. Then the relationship between UCI and neonatal weight, amniotic fluid index, meconium, Apgar score, and fetal distress were evaluated. Results: There was a significant difference between normo- and hypocoiled groups according to the Apgar score less than 7 in minute 5, AFI � 5; and between normo- and hypercoiled groups according to Apgar score less than 7 in minute 5, AFI � 5, meconium, and fetal distress. Neonatal weight in normocoiled was higher than hypercoiled group. AFI � 5, meconium and fetal distress were higher in hypercoiled than hypocoiled group. Neonatal weight in hypercoiled was less than that in the hypocoiled group, respectively. Conclusion: Abnormal UCI may relate to adverse perinatal outcome. © 2006 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

P–067 Utility of evaluating semen samples from adolescents with Klinefelter Syndrome for cryopreservation: A multi-institution evaluation

Abstract Study question Should physicians continue to evaluate semen analysis from adolescents with Klinefelter Syndrome for fertility preservation? Summary answer In the largest multi-institutional retrospective database to-date for this patient population, no sperm was found in ejaculate for cryopreservation amongst adolescent males with Klinefelter Syndrome. What is known already Klinefelter Syndrome is the most common genetic condition leading to male infertility and non-obstructive azoospermia. The condition causes decreased testicular growth, leading to lower production of testosterone and resulting deficiencies in secondary sexual characteristics. While testosterone therapy may be required for hypogonadism, there may be impact on future fertility potential. Current practice is to have KS adolescent patients provide semen analyses to identify potential sperm for cryopreservation. While the incidence is low, current epidemiological studies have been with limited sample size. Study design, size, duration This was a retrospective study of all adolescent Klinefelter Syndrome patients seen at the male infertility clinics of two large academic institutions between the years of 2015 to 2020. Adolescence was defined as the ages of 10 – 19 years old, as per the World Health Organization. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 116 patients were identified for the retrospective study database. Demographic information including weight, height, comorbidities, concurrent medications were collected. Hormone levels such as FSH, LH, testosterone, and estrogen were included for 77 patients. Additionally, semen analyses were available for 49 patients. Main results and the role of chance: Of the 49 patients with semen analyses, only 3 patients had rare sperm in ejaculate not sufficient for cryopreservation while the remaining had azoospermia. The average ejaculate volume of the provided semen samples was 0.9 cc. The average serum total testosterone level of adolescent Klinefelter Syndrome patients was 236 ng/dL. As expected, gonadotropin levels were found to be elevated (mean: 18.47 IU/L for FSH and 9.12 IU/L for LH). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation for this study was the sample size. Wider implications of the findings: The findings from the largest retrospective study of this patient population imply a need to revisit counseling regarding the need for semen analyses in adolescent Klinefelter Syndrome patients. Trial registration number Not applicabl

Redox-sensitive and hyaluronic acid-functionalized nanoparticles for improving breast cancer treatment by cytoplasmic 17α-methyltestosterone delivery

Novel reduction-responsive hyaluronic acid-chitosan-lipoic acid nanoparticles (HACSLA-NPs) were designed and synthesized for effective treatment of breast cancer by targeting Cluster of Differentiation 44 (CD44)-overexpressing cells and reduction-triggered 17α- Methyltestosterone (MT) release for systemic delivery. The effectiveness of these nanoparticles was investigated by different assays, including release rate, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5- Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), caspase-3 activity, Rhodamine 123 (RH-123), and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). In vitro experiments revealed that Methyltestosterone/Hyaluronic acid-chitosan-lipoic acid nanoparticles (MT/HACSLA-NPs) illustrated a sustained drug release in the absence of glutathione (GSH), while the presence of GSH led to fast MT release. HACSLA-NPs also showed high cellular internalization via CD44 receptors, quick drug release inside the cells, and amended cytotoxicity against positive CD44 BT-20 breast cancer cell line as opposed to negative CD44, Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell line. These findings supported that these novel reduction-responsive NPs can be promising candidates for efficient targeted delivery of therapeutics in cancer therapy. © 2020 by the authors.European Commission H2020-MSCA-RISE [644373-PRISAR, 777682-CANCER]; European Commission H2020-WIDESPREAD-05-2017-Twinning [807281-ACORN]; European Commission H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-03 [852985-SIMICA]; European Commission H2020-SCA-RISE-2016 [734684-CHARMED]; European Commission MSCA-ITN-2015-ETN [675743-ISPIC]; European CommissionEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre [861190, 857894, 859908, 860173, 872860]; VIDI personal grant [723.012.110

A comparison between the effects of ginger, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and placebo for the treatment of the first trimester nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP)

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) are one of the most common complains of the early pregnancy period and are bothersome for pregnant women. Some prefer to use herbal medicine instead of chemical agents. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of ginger, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and placebo for the treatment of NVP. Method: The study was performed as a triple blind clinical trial on pregnant women suffering mild to moderate NVP between 6 and 16 weeks of pregnancy. In these women ginger, 500 mg twice daily, vitamin B6 40 mg twice daily and placebo twice daily were administered for 4 d. Rhodes questionnaire was used for evaluation of the severity of symptoms. The severity of NVP was evaluated 24 h before entering the study and up to 4 d after using medications and results were compared among the three groups. Results: Seventy-seven women finished the study (28 in the Ginger group, 26 in the B6 group, and 23 in the placebo group). The women of the three groups did not have significant differences according to age, gestational age, parity, and severity of each symptom before treatment and educational status. Total score of Rhodes questionnaire for nausea was decreased significantly in three groups after treatment. (p <.001, p =.012, and p =.03 for ginger, vitamin B6, and placebo, respectively.) Also total score of Rhodes questionnaire for vomiting was decreased in three groups (p =.03 for ginger, p =.02 for B6, and p =.04 for placebo). Ginger and vitamin B6 could reduce the severity of all items of Rhodes questionnaire significantly; however, placebo was significantly effective only on the frequency of nausea, intensity of vomiting and frequency of retching. Ginger and vitamin B6 were more effective than placebo (p =.039 and p =.007, respectively); however, total score of Rhodes did not show significant difference between ginger and vitamin B6 (p =.128). Ginger was more effective for nausea (intensity and distress) and distress of vomit. Conclusion: Ginger is more effective than placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate NVP and is comparable with vitamin B6. Trial registration number and registry website: IRCT2015020320923N1. © 2017, © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group