Development of a tool for the study of the reproductive microbiome and its relationship with endometrial receptivity and functionality in infertility patients.

Motivation: The uterine cavity has been considered a sterile niche until few years ago; however, recent studies have shown a characteristic and functional microbiota resides over the endometrial tissue [1]. Thanks to the next generation sequencing (NGS) of the gene encoding the rRNA 16S of prokaryotic ribosomes, microorganisms present in the endometrium were identified; among those predominantly species of the genus Lactobacillus [2]. Bacteria of this genus are classified as acid-lactic bacteria, so they are able to secrete lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins in order to generate a suitable environment with other microorganisms and avoid the proliferation of potential pathogens [3]. Despite the high percentage of lactobacilli in the endometrium of most women, the microbial composition of each one is highly individualized and the microbial profile can change due to different causes appearing episodes of dysbiosis, that can affect reproductive health, causing embryonic implantation failures, spontaneous miscarriage, premature deliveries and infectious diseases such as chronic endometritis.The main objective of this project is to develop a new tool to analyze the composition of endometrial microbiota of women with infertility problems using microfluidic techniques and studying its relationship with endometrial receptivity and functionality.Methods: In order to analyze the endometrial microbiota, a bibliographical research of the main microorganisms that reside in this tissue, as well as differential genes of these species was carried out. With these sequences, we designed specific primers for the genes of the microorganisms we identify, and they have will be associated with TaqMan probes. After a correct verification of primers and probes, we perform a DNA extraction from endometrial biopsies using a commercial extraction kit and the DNA obtained was pre-amplified by PCR. Finally, thanks to current microfluidic techniques, it was possible to make a single analysis with 96 samples of patients and the primers previously synthesized, to study the microbiological profile of each woman by qPCR

Long or complicated mpox in patients with uncontrolled HIV infection

To date, former research about the impact of HIV infection on mpox poor outcomes is still limited and controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of HIV on the clinical course of mpox, in a large population of patients from Spain. Nationwide case-series study. Patients from 18 Spanish hospitals, with PCR-confirmed mpox from April 27, 2022 to June 30, 2023 were included in this study. The main outcome was the development of long or complicated (LC) mpox, defined as: (i) duration of the clinical course ≥ 28 days, or; (ii) disseminated disease, or: (iii) emergence of severe complications. One thousand eight hundred twenty-three individuals were included. Seven hundred eighty-six (43%) were people living with HIV (PLWH), of whom 11 (1%) had a CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3 and 33 (3%) <350 cells/mm3 . HIV viral load ≥ 1000 cp/mL was found in 27 (3%) PLWH, none of them were on effective ART. Fifteen (60%) PLWH with HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 cp/mL showed LC versus 182 (29%) PLWH with plasma HIV-RNA load < 1000 copies/mL and 192 (24%) individuals without HIV infection (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, adjusted by age, sex, CD4 cell counts and HIV viral load at the time of mpox, only plasma HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 cp/mL was associated with a greater risk of developing LC mpox [adjusted OR = 4.06 (95% confidence interval 1.57-10.51), p = 0.004]. PLWH with uncontrolled HIV infection, due to lack of ART, are at a greater risk of developing LC mpox. Efforts should be made to ensure HIV testing is carried out in patients with mpox and to start ART without delay in those tested positive

Studies on Arabic Dialectology and Sociolinguistics

This volume contains over fifty articles related to various fields of modern Arabic dialectology. All the articles are revised and enhanced versions of papers read on the 12th Conference of the Association Internationale de Dialectologie Arabe (AIDA) held in Marseille in June 2017. Since its first conference in Paris in 1993, AIDA members gather every two years in different country. The collection of the AIDA proceedings offer an updated insight of the development of the field. During the past few decadesthe the study of Arabic dialects has become an important branch of research covering a wide range of subjects from phonological analyses, morphosyntax, semantics to pragmatics, sociolinguistics, folk linguistics, studies on literacy and writings, cultural and artistic practices, etc. As many articles of this volume illustrate, the study of Arabic dialects explores different aspects of the languages and cultures of the contemporary Arab world. A remarkable feature is the growing and constant participation of young scholars from all around the globe

Correction: Randomized prospective study evaluating tenofovir disoproxil fumarate prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus reactivation in anti-HBc-positive patients with rituximab-based regimens to treat hematologic malignancies: The Preblin study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184550.]

Liver and renal function test results at baseline and at month 18 of follow-up.

<p>Liver and renal function test results at baseline and at month 18 of follow-up.</p

Study design.

<p>Study design.</p

Consort flow diagram.

<p>Consort flow diagram.</p

Liver and renal function test results at baseline and at month 18 of follow-up.

<p>Liver and renal function test results at baseline and at month 18 of follow-up.</p

Characteristics of patients with HBV reactivation.

<p>Characteristics of patients with HBV reactivation.</p

Study population.

<p>Study population.</p