Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Boston, MA (USA) Education and Training: Undergraduate, University of Massachusetts, BS, Cum Laude, Biochemistry, 1986-90 Graduate, Albany Medical College, MD, 1992-96 Post Graduate, New England Medical Center, PGY-1 Obstetrics & Gynecology, 7/96-7/97 Post Graduate, New England Medical Center, Resident Obstetrics & Gynecology, 7/97-6/00 Appointments and Positions: Assistant Clinical Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, 2000-present Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Student third year clinical rotation Coordinator, 2000-2003 Regis College, Nurse Practitioner program, Outpatient preceptor, 2007-present Certification and Licensure: Massachusetts State License #205483, 1996 American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2003 Membership In Professional Societies: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Fellow), 2002-present Massachusetts Medical Society, 1998-present American Medical Society, 2005-present Academic Interests: Diagnosis and management of cervical disease St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is devoted to women’s health care issues and welcomes projects related to safe motherhood from all over the world. Our residency program has residents from various countries and ethnic backgrounds. Our diversity is our strength.Read More

Scope and Editorial Policy The mission of the Journal, WomensHealthSection.com is to publish and disseminate scientifically rigorous public health information, with special focus on women’s health, of national and international significance that enables health care providers, policy-makers, and researchers to be more effective. It aims to improve health, particularly among disadvantaged populations in both developed and developing countries. Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) welcomes unsolicited manuscripts, which are initially screened in-house for originality and relevance. Manuscripts passing the initial screening are sent blindly for peer review. After the reviews have been received, the editorial advisers decide on the manuscript’s acceptability for publication in WomensHealthSection.com. Accepted papers are subject to editorial revision, including shortening of the text and omission of tables and figures if appropriate. The word limits shown below do not include the abstract (where applicable), tables, figures and references. The principal types of manuscripts are outlined below. I. Unsolicited Manuscripts 1.1 Letters. Useful contributions referring to something published recently in the WomensHealthSection.com or WHEC Update; 400-850 words, maximum 3 references. Letters are also edited and may be shortened. 1.2 Policy & Practice. Reviews, debates or hypothesis-generating papers; not more than 3,000 words, with a non-structured abstract (see below 3.5) and not more than 25 references; peer reviewed. 1.3 Research. Methodologically sound primary research of relevance to women’s health and health development. Formal scientific presentations of not more than 3,000 words, with a structured abstract (see below) and not more than 25 references; peer reviewed. 1.4 Systematic reviews in women’s health. Exhaustive, critical assessments of published and unpublished studies (grey literature) on research questions of relevance to women’s health and practice are welcome. Reviews should be prepared in strict compliance with MOOSE or QUOROM (PRISMA) guidelines or with Cochrane’s complementary guidelines for systematic reviews of health promotion and public health interventions. Not more than 3,000 words and 25 references, plus a 250-word structured abstract (see below 3.5). All studies included and excluded in the review should be shown in a flow diagram that will not count towards the word limit if published as an appendix only in the electronic version of the journal or on the author’s URL. Peer reviewed. 1.5 Perspectives. Views, hypotheses or discussions (with clear message) of an issue of women’s health interest; up to 1,500 words, no more than 6 references. 1.6 Lessons from the field. Papers that capture experiences and practice gained in solving specific women’s health problems in both developed and developing countries, with a structured abstract (see below); not more than 1,500 words and not more than 10 references, with no more than one table and one figure. II. Commissioned manuscripts The categories of articles shown below are normally commissioned by the editors. Authors wishing to submit and unsolicited manuscript to be considered for one of these categories should first contact editorial office. 2.1 Editorials. Authoritative reviews, analyses or views of an important topic related to the various themes in women’s health or an important health development subject; not more than 800 words, maximum 6 references. 2.2 Round tables. Consist of a base paper on a controversial subject of current women’s health issue of national and international importance (not more than 2,000 words and an abstract) and a debate on it by several discussants, who are invited to contribute not more than 500 words each. 2.3 Books & electronic media. Reviews of a book, web-site, CD-ROM, etc. of women’s health interest; 400-800 words, no references. 2.4 Current commentaries. Explanatory or critical analysis of an individual article; not more than 800 words, maximum 6 references. 2.5 Public health classics. A landmark public health paper which focuses on women’s health and achieving universal access to reproductive health or publication is reproduced, accompanied by a commentary of up to 1,500 words. III. Preparation and Submission of Manuscripts Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals established by the Vancouver Group (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, ICMJE). The complete document, updated October 2007, is available at: http://www.icmje.org 3.1 Languages. Manuscripts should be submitted in English. Authors who have difficulty in preparing their manuscript in English should contact the editorial office for advice. 3.2 Authorship. Authors should give their full names and the name and address of their institutions. If possible, only one institution per author should be given. In accordance with the «Uniform requirements» (see above), each author should have participated sufficiently in the work being reported to take public responsibility for the content; each author should provide a description of his or her contribution to the work being reported. The full postal and e-mail address of the corresponding author will be published unless otherwise requested. The WomensHealthSection.com encourages submissions from authors in developing countries, and in line with this policy at least one author should be a national of the country where the study was carried out and have an affiliation there. 3.3 Automatic links: All links inserted by the automatic reference and footnote facilities of word-processing software must be removed before the manuscript is submitted. Footnotes are not permitted and such material should be inserted into the main text. 3.4 Tables and figures: Tables and figures should be used only if they enhance understanding of the text. In the text, tables and figures should be numbered consecutively (e.g. Table 1, Fig. 1). They should be presented with clear, concise titles at the end of the text and not incorporated or embedded into it. Abbreviations or acronyms should be avoided but if used must be explained. Graphs or figures, which should be presented in two-dimensional and not pseudo three-dimensional «perspective» format, should be clearly drawn and all the data identified. 3.5 Abstracts. Abstracts, which should be clearly written to highlight the text’s most significant points, should be provided for the following types of papers: Research, Systematic reviews, Policy & practice, base papers for Round tables and Lessons from the field. The abstract, which should not exceed 250 words, appears in WomensHealthSection.com and WHEC Update. 3.6 Competing interest. A competing interest arises when a professional judgment concerning a primary interest (such as patient’s welfare or the validity of research) may be influenced by a secondary interest (such as financial gain or personal rivalry). We ask all authors to disclose at the time of submission any competing interests that may have. Examples of types of competing interests may be found at: http://www.icmje.org. 3.7 Funding. Authors should declare sources of funding for the work undertaken; affirm that they have not entered into an agreement with the funding organization that may have limited their ability to complete the research as planned, and that they have had full control of all primary data. 3.8 Ethical issues. The Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) publishes the results of research involving human subjects only if it has been conducted in full accordance with ethical principles, including the provisions of the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (as amended by the 59th General Assembly, October 2008; available at: http://www.wma.net/ ) and the additional requirements, if any, of the country in which the research was carried out. Any manuscript describing the results of such research that is submitted for publication must contain a clear statement to this effect, specifying that the free and informed consent of the subjects or their legal guardians was obtained and that the relevant institutional or national ethical review board approved the investigation. 3.9 Maps. Use of maps should be avoided, but should their use be necessary authors are requested to use the relevant UN-approved maps, which can be downloaded from: http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/english/htmain.htm 3.10 Bibliographic references. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of all references, which should be verified at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov : these are not checked by editors. References should be numbered consecutively as they occur in the text (in superscript roman type, preferably at the end of a sentence) and listed in numerical order at the end of the text. WomensHealthSection.com adheres closely to the Vancouver style of references (see http://www.icmje.org updated October 2007). The first three authors of a work should be named, followed by «et al». If there are more than three.Read More

12 October, 2002 Mr. Paul Hoeffel Chief, NGO Section United Nations New York, NY 10017 Dear Sir: Please accept this letter of recommendation for the Women’s Health and Education Center of Springfield, Massachusetts. I have met with Dr. Rita Luthra on several occasions and understand the mission of the Center. It is my judgment that the Center is well qualified to be an accredited NGO to the DPI of the United Nations. Dr. Luthra has attended and participated in meetings of the UNA/USA and the Connecticut Division of our national organization. The Center is developing a useful and ambitious worldwide ob/gyn information system. If you have any questions, I would be pleased to respond. Sincerely, Irving Stolberg President, Connecticut Division UNA/USARead More

FAX: 91-0172-744401,745078 E-mail: medinst@pgi.chd.nic.in Website. http.//pgimer.nic.in (Off.) .745062 Phone: PBX .747585 Ext.5555 Resi. : 746868/746688 POSTGRADUATE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, CHANDIGARH -160 012 (India) Prof. S.K. Sharma M.S., M.Ch. (Urology), F.A.M.S. Director Dated: 27.11.02 Sub.: Worldwide proficiency of health services in collaboration with United Nations Association of USA (UNA-USA) and WomensHealthSection.Com, and all countries willing to participate in the project. ******* Dear Dr. Luthra, Kindly refer to your communication dated 21st August, 2002 which reached me through Dr. (Mrs.) S. Kataria, Ex-Director General Health Services, UT, Chandigarh with respect to the above mentioned subject. I remember Dr. Kataria having discussed this issue with me last year also but somehow I was not able to write to you. I appreciate WomensHealthSection.com and United Nations Association of USA for their efforts in helping countries and institutions to build a teaching curriculum. We would be very much interested to be a part of this programme and I would wish that sometime when you are in Chandigarh, we could talk over this project along with the Head, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Psychiatry, PGI. It was pleasure to know that you are ex-postgraduate student of this Institute and it would be our pleasure to associate with you for the betterment of any teaching programme for the Institute. With regards, Yours sincerely, (S.K. Sharma) Dr. Rita Luthra, MD Director, Women’s Health & Education Center, 300 Stafford Street, Suite 265, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104, USA.Read More

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA 90059 Tel: (323) 357-3424 Fax: (323) 357-3477 e-mail: kacheng@cdrewu.edu Karen G. Cheng, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Charles Drew University (CDU) in Los Angeles, USA. For nearly six years, she has been working on international health projects, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Her research focuses on culturally appropriate uses of information and communications technology (ICT) to improve delivery of health information and health services in low-income countries. Dr. Cheng’s studies evaluate the acceptability and impact of handheld computers, mobile phones, websites, and other ICT in order to understand the social and cultural barriers to accepting ICT in healthcare settings in low-income countries. Dr. Cheng has worked with the Rwanda Defense Forces for the last three years to build their capacity to provide medical and psychosocial services to Rwandan soldiers living with HIV or AIDS. This includes developing an electronic system for patient records. The next step of the project will be to expand services to families of soldiers. In addition, she has worked with the Angolan Armed Forces to develop and experimentally test a culturally-appropriate HIV prevention intervention. The main aims of the intervention were education and skills-building. Dr. Cheng received her Ph.D. in social psychology from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2002. Her dissertation focused on how interpersonal relationships affect cultural identity.Read More

New York Main Representative at UN for NGO Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) 300 Stafford Street; Suite 265 Springfield, MA 01104 USA Telephone: 413-733-1177 Fax: 413-733-0425 e-mail:jriverawhec@gmail.com Born in Puerto Rico in 1971, Joanne Rivera has resided in New York City since 1990. Mother of 3 children, one boy and two girls, she has dedicated her work to improve maternal and child health. All throughout school and college education at Greenfield Community college and Bay State Mini Medical School in Massachusetts, the emphasis was on: make all efforts to understand different customs and learn to respect the differences. She is bilingual (English and Spanish) and welcomes challenges to resolve conflicts. Her extensive training includes: management, scheduling, money-management, organize and supervise care for the disabled. She has provided care for consumers with severe medical disabilities, hip and knee joint replacements, seizures, cerebral palsy, and incontinence. Her expertise also includes accurate records of medication, progress notes, safety plan and wound care. She has worked for 4 years with Behavioral Health Network and Western Massachusetts Elder Care, Inc. before joining Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC). Joined in 2007 as Office Manager of Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) she has worked tirelessly to get various projects and programs of WHEC, in maternal and child health, off the ground. That is how the interest in international project and program development started. As we begin our next chapter of the development of this Global Initiative, we all welcome her in the challenging role of Main NGO Representative of WHEC at the United Nations. Working at WHEC her duties include: coordinating collaboration with a diverse group of professionals from United Nations, intra-country, national, regional and local agencies, universities, schools of public health, community organizations and professional societies. We hope our efforts are helpful in implementing improved and informed care. We hope that our initiatives will provide a useful factual basis for action, for all those working for Safe Motherhood.Read More

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Chief, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine University of Utah Health Sciences Center (UUHSC) 30 North 1900 East SOM 2B200 Salt Lake City, UT 84132 (USA) Tel: 801-585-5156 Fax: 801-585-2594 E-mail: robert.silver@hsc.utah.edu Education and Training: INSTITUTION AND LOCATION DEGREE YEAR (s) FIELD OF STUDY University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA BA 1982 Microbiology Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA MD 1986 Medicine University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO Residency 1986-1990 Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Utah Health Sciences Center (UUHSC), Salt Lake City, UT Fellowship 1990-1994 Maternal-Fetal Medicine A. Positions and Honors Positions 1990-1991 Clinical Instructor, Department of Ob/Gyn, UUHSC, SLC, UT 1992-1994 Instructor, Department of Ob/Gyn, UUHSC, SLC, UT 1994-1998 Assistant Professor, Department of Ob/Gyn, UUHSC, SLC, UT 1998-2006 Associate Professor with tenure, Department of Ob/Gyn, UUHSC, SLC, UT 2006-present Professor with tenure, Department of Ob/Gyn, UUHSC, SLC , UT 1995-2003 Residency Director, Department of Ob/Gyn, UUHSC, SLC, UT 2001-present Medical Director of Labor and Delivery, UUHSC, SLC, UT 2000-present Division Chief, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, UUHSC, SLC, UT Honors 1985 Kurt Pauker Achievement Award for Excellence in Microbiology 1986 Alpha Omega Alpha 1993-1998 Research Scientist Development Program, National Institutes of Health 2000 Poster Award (best of session): IgA beta-2-glycoprotein-I Antibodies are Elevated in Women with Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion and Unexplained Fetal Death, Society for Gynecologic Investigation 2001 Poster Award (best of session): Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia is Rare in Pregnancy, Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 18th Annual Meeting 2003 Poster Award (best of meeting): Stillbirth in Utah from 1995-2001 B. Peer-Reviewed Publications Select peer-reviewed publications (in chronological order) Mitchell MD, Edwin SS, Lundin-Schiller S, Silver RM, Smotkin D, Trautman MS. (1993). Mechanism of interleukin-1 beta stimulation of human amnion prostaglandin biosynthesis: mediation via a novel inducible cyclooxygenase. Placenta 1993; 14:615-25. Edwin SS, Branch DW, Scott JR, Silver RM, Mitchell MD. Cyclosporin A attenuates increased prostaglandin and thromboxane production in response to various stimuli in human decidua. Am J Reprod Immunol 1993;30: 154-9. Silver RM, Draper ML, Scott JR, Lyon JL, Byrne SL, Ashwood EA, Branch DW. Unexplained elevations of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein in women with antiphospholipid antibodies: A harbinger of fetal death. Obstet Gynecol 1993; 83:150-5. Silver RM, Draper ML, Scott JR, Lyon JL, Reading J, Branch DW. Clinical consequences of antiphospholipid antibodies: An historical cohort study. Obstet Gynecol, 1994;83:372-7. Mitchell MD, LaMarche S, Adamson S, Coulam C, Silver RM, Edwin SS. Regulation of intrauterine prostaglandin biosynthesis interactions between protein kinase C and interleukin 1Β. Prost Leuk EFA 1994;50:137-40. Silver RM, Edwin SS, Trautmna MS, Simmons DL, Branch DW, Dudley DJ, Mitchell MD. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide mediated fetal death: Production of a newly-recognized form of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) in murine deciduas in response to lipopolysaccharide. J Clin Invest 1995;93:725-31. Silver RM, Pierangelli SS, Gharavai AE, Harris EN, Edwin SS, Salafia CM, Branch DW. Induction of high levels of anticardiolipin antibodies in mice by immunization with Β2-glycoprotein 1 does not cause fetal death. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995;173L1410-5. Silver RM, Porter TF, van Leeuwen I, Coulam C, Jeng G, Scott JR, Branch DW. Anticardiolipin antibodies: Clinical consequences of low titers. Obstet Gynecol 1996;87:494-500. Oshiro BT, Silver RM, Scott JR, Yu H, Branch DW. Antiphospholipid antibodies and fetal death. Obstet Gynecol 1996;87:489-93. Edwin SS, Branch DW, Scott JR, Silver RM, Dudley DJ, Mitchell MD. Cyclosporin A inhibits prostaglandin E2 production by fetal amnion cells in response to various stimuli. Prostaglandins 1996;52:51-61. Branch DW, Silver RM. Criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome: early pregnancy loss, fetal loss, or recurrent pregnancy loss? Lupus 1996;5:409-13. Branch DW, Silver RM, Pierangeli SS, van Leeuwen I, Harris EN. Antiphospholipid antibodies other than lupus anticoagulant are not associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Obstet Gyencol 1997;89:549-55. Silver RM, Edwin SS, Umar F, Dudley DJ, Branch DW, Mitchell MD. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-mediate fetal death: The role of interleukin-1. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:544-9. Silver RM, Pierangeli SS, Edwin SS, Umar F, Harris EN, Scott JR, Branch DW. Pathogenic antibodies in women with obstetric features of antiphospholipid syndrome who test negative for lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:628-33. Silver RM, Smith LA, Edwin SS, Oshiro BT, Scott JR, Branch DW. Variable effects of immunoglobulin G fractions from women with antiphospholipid antibodies on murine pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177:229-33. Coulam CB, Clark DA, Beer AE, Kutteh WH, Silver RM, Kwad J, Stephenson M. Current clinical options for diagnosis and treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion. Am J Reprod Immunol 1997;38:57-74. Edwin SS, Mitchell MD, Silver RM, Branch DW, Dudley DJ. Ceramide stimulates prostaglandin production by human amnion and decidual cells J Soc Gynecol Invst 1997;4:274-8. Gharavi AE, Cucurull E, Tang H, Silver RM, Branch DW. Effect of antiphospholipid antibodies on beta-2-glycoprotein I-phospholipid interaction. Am J Reprod Immunol 1998;39:310-5. Kutteh WH, Rote NS, Silver RM. Antiphospholipid antibodies and reproduction. Am J Reprod Immunol 1999;41:133-154. Pregnancy loss study group (Branch DW, Druzin M, El-Sayed Y, Esplin MS, Hrager J, Peaceman AM, Silver RK, Silver RM, Spinnato J). A multicenter, controlled, pilot study of intravenous immune globulin treatment antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:122-7. Van-Horn JT, Craven C, Ward K, Branch DW, Silver RM. Histologic features of gestational tissues from women with antiphospholipid and antiphospholipid-like syndromes. Placenta 2004;25:642-8. Ornoy A, Chen L, Silver RM, Mosmann TR, Miller RK. Maternal autoimmune diseases and immunologically-induced embryonic and feto-placental damage. Birth Defects Res Part A Clin Mol Teratol 2004;70:71-81. Frias AE, Luikenaar RA, Sullivan AE, Porter TF, Branch DW, Silver RM. Poor obstetric outcome in subsequent pregnancies in women with prior fetal death. Obstet Gynecol 2004;104:521-6. Sullivan AE, Silver RM, LaCoursiere DY, Porter TF, Branch DW. Does recurrent aneuploidy contribute to recurrent miscarriage? Obstet Gynecol 2004;10:784-8. Sullivan AE, Nelson L, Rice JA, Porter TF, Branch DW, Silver RM. The factor V Leiden and the G20210A prothrombin gene mutations are rare in women with fetal death. Am J Reprod Immunol 2005;54;1-4. Sullivan AE, Nelson L, Silver RM, Frias AE, Porter TF, Branch DW. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear tranlsocator gene polymorphism in patients with recurrent miscarriage. Am J Reprod Immunol 2006;55(1): 51-3 Silver RM, Landon MB, Rouse DC, Leveno JK, Spong CY, Thom EA, et al. Maternal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries. Obstet Gynecol 2006;107(6): 1226-32. Silver RM. Fetal Death. Obstet Gynecol 2007;109(1):153-67. Silver RM, Varner MW, Reddy U, Goldenberg R, Pinar H, Conway D, Bukowski R, Carpenter M, Hogue C, Willinger M, Dudley D, Saade G, Stoll B. Work-up of stillbirth: a review of the evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007;196:433-44. Warren JE, Silver RM, Nelson L, Dalton J, Porter TF, Branch DW. Cervical insufficiency: a genetic condition? Collagen 1?1 intron SP1 and transforming growth factor-? ARG-25-PRO polymorphisms in women with cervical insufficiency. Obstet Gynecol 2007;110:619-24. Raju TN, Nelson KB, Ferriero D, Lynch JK; NICHD-NINDS Perinatal Stroke Workshop Participants. Pediatrics 2007;120:609-16. Holmgren C, Esplin MS, Hamblin S, Esplin MS, Molenda M, Silver RM. Evaluation of the use of anti-TNF-alpha in an LPS-induced murine model. J Reprod Immunol 2008; Epub, April 21. Silver RM. New anticoagulants and pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2008;112:419-20. Silver RM. Immune activation early in pregnancy: trouble down the road. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008, 199;327-8. Holmgren C, Porter TF, Varner MW, Aagard K, Silver RM. Hyperemesis in pregnancy: A comparison of treatment strategies. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2008;198:56e1-4. Turok DK, Gurtcheff S, Esplin MS, Shah M, Simonsen SE, Shah M, Trauscht-Van Horn J, Silver RM. Second trimester termination of pregnancy: A review by site and procedure type. Contraception 2008;77:155-61 Peltier MR, Faux DS, Hamblin SD, Cooper C, Silver RM, Esplin MS. Effect of aspirin treatment on TNF-? Production by women with a history of preterm birth. J Reprod Immunol 2009;80:109-14. Warren JE, Silver RM, Branch DW, Porter TF. Thromboprophylaxis and pregnancy outcomes in asymptomatic women with thrombophilias. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;200:281.e1-5. Warren JE, Nelson L, Esplin MS, Silver RM. Interleukin-10 polymorphisms and cervical insufficiency. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;201:372-4. Manuck TA, Eller AG, Esplin MS, Stoddard G, Varner MW, Silver RM. Outcomes of expectantly managed preterm premature rupture of membranes occurring ? 24 weeks gestation. Obstet Gynecol 2009;114:29-37. Reddy UM, Goldenberg R, Silver R, Smith GCS, Pauli RM, Wapner RJ, et al. Stillbirth classification: developing an international consensus for research: Executive summary of NICHD workshop. Obstet Gynecol 2009;114:901-14. Manuck TA, McLean, Varner MW, Silver RM. Preterm premature rupture of membranes: does the duration of latency influence neonatal outcome? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;201:414-6. Warren JE, Turok DK, Maxwell TM, Brothman AR, Silver RM. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for genetic evaluation of fetal loss between 10 and 20 weeks gestation. Obstet Gynecol 2009;114:1093-1102. Clark EAS, Lacoursiere DY, Byrne JLB, Ponder R, Silver RM, Esplin MS. Reliability of fetal MCA velocity: a randomized controlled trial of sonographer training. J Ultrasound Med 2009;28:19-25. Grosvenor Eller A, Silver RM, Zempolich K, Soisson P, Simonson SE. Optimal management of placenta accreta. Br J Obstet Gynecol 2009;116:648-54. Peltier MR, Faux DS, Hamblin SD, Silver RM, Esplin MS. Cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of women with a history of preterm birth. In press, J Reprod Immunol. Silver RM, Zhao Y, Spong C, Caritis SN, Sibai B, Wendel G Jr., et al. Prothrombin gene G20210A mutation and obstetric complications: a prospective cohort. In press, Obstet Gynecol. C. Research Support Ongoing Support NIH/NICHD 1U10HD063053-01 Preterm Birth in Nulliparous Women: An Understudied Population (Silver)12/01/2009-11/30/2014 This Network will design and execute a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 10,000 nulliparous women. The research protocols developed will determine characteristics that influence and/or predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women including genetics, epigenetics, physiological response to pregnancy, interaction with environmental exposures, fetal growth and development, and placental development and function. Role: PI NIH/NICHD 3U10HD045944-05S2 Research on the Scope and Causes of Stillbirth in the United States (Silver)09/26/2003–07/31/2009NCX The major goals of this project are to develop a network of collaborating academic centers to study the extent and causes of stillbirth and to develop methods for stillbirth prevention. Role: PI NIH/NICHD HHSN267200603423C / N01DK63423 (Silver)09/30/2006-09/29/2011 The Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction The purpose of this contract is to evaluate the effect of daily low-dose aspirin on all phases of reproduction beginning at preconception and continuing throughout pregnancy, including implantation and live births. Role: PIRead More

9 November 2004 Dear Dr Luthra, I acknowledge with thanks your letter of 20 October 2004, introducing your Organization. We have taken due note of your initiative. Please be advised, however, that as UNESCO is mainly devoted to the promotion of intellectual cooperation in education, science, culture and communication, it would seem more appropriate for you to contact the World Health Organization, WHO, which should be able to help you in connection with your request which focuses on health related issues. Thanking you for your interest in UNESCO and wishing you every success in your activities, I remain, Yours sincerely, Massoud Abtahi Chief Section of International Non-Governmental Organizations and FoundationsRead More

Date of Birth: 10 December, 1945 Military: United States Navy 1975-1977, Naval Hospital, Beaufort, S.C. Education: Union College, Schenectady, NY B.S. (Biology) 1966Albany Medical College, Albany, NY (M.D.) 1970Internship- Albany Medical Center Hospital 1970-1971Residency- Albany Medical Center Hospital 1971-1973Fellow- Infectious Diseases, Albany Medical College 1973-1975 Certified: National Board of Medical Examiners- 1971American Board of Internal Medicine- 1973 Licensed: New York, Massachusetts Professional Societies: American Society for MicrobiologyInfectious Disease Society of AmericaMassachusetts Infectious Diseases SocieryAmerican Foundation for Infectious DiseasesAmerican Medical AssociationOutpatient Intravenous Therapy AssociationH.I.V. Medical Association Affiliations: Chief of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, MAClinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Tufts University College of MedicineVisiting Instructor in Public Health, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 1989-1990Member, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MAConsultant in Infectious Diseases, Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MAHolyoke Hospital, Holyoke, MA, Noble Hospital, Westfield, MA, The Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts, Ludlow, MAChairman, Infection Control: Mercy Hospital, The Rehabilitation Hospital of Western MassachusettsMedical Advisory Committee- Visiting Nurse Association of Holyoke Massachusetts Business: Medical Director, PROTOCARE of Massachusetts 1986-1997 Employment: Hampden County Medical Group, 1977-1979Springfield Medical Associates, 1979-1999Robert P. Hoffman MD, P.C. 1999- present Pharmaceutical Companies: Clinical Consultant in Infectious Diseases and H.I.V. Care: Merck, Hoffmann- LaRoche, Glaxo, Abbott, Agouron, Ortho-McNeil, Bristol Myers Squibb Recent Papers Presented: Current Issues in H.I.V./A.I.D.S.- March 7, 1999, West Springfield, MAInfections in Long Term Care- Western Massachusetts Hospital, Westfield, MA, June 2, 1999Cost-Effective Antibiotic Use- Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA, June 8, 1999Salvage Therapy in H.I.V. Care- St. Petersberg, Florida, July 7, 1999OPAT in the Era of Managed Care- Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA, September 9, 1999Salvage Therapy in Patients with Drug Resistant H.I.V.- Worcester, MA, October 7. 1999Antibiotic Associated Colitis and other Gastrointestinal Complications of Antibotic Use- Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA, November 16,1999Influenza- What Is It and What Can We Do About It?- Springfield, MA, December 9, 1999Line Sepsis-How Do We Identify It, How do We Treat It?- Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA, March 21, 2000African A.I.D.S.- Ugly Pictures in a Beautiful Setting- Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA, October 10, 2000H.I.V. and the African American Community- Springfield, MA, March 5, 2001Community Acquired Pneumonia- applying Science to Practice-Springfield, MA; November 14, 2000Community Acquired Pneumonia- Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA, May 12, 2001A Change of HAART- E. Longmeadow, MA, May 17, 2001CAP- A New Paradigm- Tufts Health Plan- October 19, 2001, Holyoke, MABioterrorism and the Physician- West Springfield, MA, Dec. 6, 2001AIDS in Africa- Sad Pictures in a Beautiful Place- Springfield, MA, February 6, 2002Less is More- A Change of HAART- Waterbury, CT, April 9, 2002 Symposia Moderated: Infectious Diseases Updated- 1983, Springfield, MAInfection Control Update- 1984, Springfield, MATopics in Infection Control- 1985, Springfield, MATopics in Infection Control- 1986, Springfield, MAHome Care in the ’90’s- High Tech and Compassion- Springfield, MAIntrroduction to Home Care- Hoffmann- LaRoche Home Health Services, Mahwah, NJ, February 22, 1989Antibiotics and Fever- April 4, 1990Common Infections: Contemporary Management Strategies-April 25, 1991Common Infectious Diseases- April 9, 1992. Springfield, MAQuality Assurance in Home Care- April 17, 1993, OPIVITA Conference, Chicago, IL Books Reviewed: Interpretation of Clinical Laboratory Data, American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, (ASHP), Bethesda, MD, 1990 Papers Published: «Quality Assurance of Protocare of Masasachusetts», OPIVITA, Oct. 1991«Valuing Outpatient Management Services», OPIVITA, December, 1991«Managed Care and the Infectious Diseases Specialist», Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol. 23, No. 2, August, 1996In Preparation: «Outcomes of H.I.V. Care in a Community Based Practice-1998-1999»Merck Protocol 094/CRX463 (Direct study)- A Study of the Effectiveness and Side Effects of Indinavir-Ritonavir Combination.Glaxo (Zorro study)- To Assess the Tolerability and Safety of Ziagen in H.I.V.-I Infected Individuals.Agouran AG1700-1170- A Study to Assess the Ability of Delaviradine to Improve Lipid Profiles in H.I.V. Infected Individuals. Textbooks: Handbook of H.I.V., Total Learning Concepts, Boston, MA 2002Read More

President Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations e-mail: Rita@WomensHealthSection.com Dr. Rita Luthra is President of The Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) which is NGO (non-governmental organization) in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. It is also affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO), PMNCH (Partnership for Maternal and Child Health at WHO), The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), UN Department of Public Information ( UN DPI), UN Women, UN University (UNU), UN Foundation (UNF), and Every Woman Every Child Global Strategy initiative of the UN Secretary-General. Established in 2001, The Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) undertakes initiatives with the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to achieve the hopes and dreams of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with special focus on Maternal and Child Health. Dr. Luthra has worked with various international organizations, such as the UNA-USA, Peace Corps, Population Council and World Health Organization. Dr. Luthra’s main interest is international health and development. She has 25 years of expertise in the project/program development at the National and International levels with various respectable international organizations, and innovative health technology systems such as telemedicine, online distance education and various e-Health management systems. The use of information science and telecommunications to support the practice of medicine when distance separates the caregiver from the patient is the way forward to make medical care more affordable and more accessible in every country. A strong and vital health workforce is an investment in health for today and the future. It has profound effect on all the citizens of the world, political, social, and economic systems. There are 3 leading purposes of the health-related uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) in low- and middle-income countries: To extend geographic access to health care; To improve data management; and To facilitate communication between patients and physicians outside the physician’s office. In 2018 at High Level Political Forum (HLPF), Dr. Luthra presented WHEC Global Health Line’s (WGHL’s) LINK (Learning and Innovation Network for Knowledge Solutions) Access Project – To provide access to reproductive health research worldwide, at UN Headquarters, NYC, New York (USA). Available @ UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/watch/player/5807660229001 Dr. Luthra was born and grew up in Rajasthan, India and currently resides in Massachusetts, USA. She received her education and medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) M.B.B.S. from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur (India) in 1974. M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) in Obstetrics and Gynecology, in 1978 from The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh (India). After finishing the residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Boston, MA (USA) she received Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in 1986. She practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology mostly in Massachusetts (USA) till November 2015. Currently working with the UN and WHO on various initiatives to achieve Universal Health Care (UHC) and improve maternal and child health. Dr. Luthra is Editor-in-Chief of the e-learning publications: http://www.WomensHealthSection.com and WHEC Update. The initiatives of WHEC are also posted on CSO Net (Civil Society Net) under Best Practices and Projects on World Map ID # 364, title: Continuing Medical Education for the Globalized World. http://www.WomensHealthSection.com – knowledge that touches patients, is a vision for the globalized world. Please visit our Letters of Support Page: http://www.womenshealthsection.com/whec/letters We welcome everyone. Dedicated to Women’s and Children’s Healthcare and Wellbeing WorldwideRead More