Brief Report: Genital Microbiome, Inflammation, and Tenofovir Levels in Transgender Men and Cisgender Women Taking Oral PrEP.

Background: Little is known about the efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or what biologic factors may influence HIV transmission in transgender men (TGM). In this study, we sought to explore the effect of testosterone on the vaginal microbiome, cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) tenofovir concentrations, and levels of CVF inflammatory markers in TGM on PrEP.

Methods: Cervicovaginal fluid was collected from 13 TGM (7 using testosterone) and 32 cisgender women (CGW) on PrEP.

Creation and evaluation of a self-directed, first-year intervention for pre-health undergraduates: setting students up for success.

University-established modalities to help undergraduate students navigate the path to medical school are often implemented toward the end of college or following graduation. This imposes cost and time burdens that may be contribute to the high rate of premedical attrition, especially for students who are members of a marginalized community. In the fall 2022 semester, an asynchronous, self-directed pre-health module was offered to biology majors at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill enrolled in a required introductory biology research skills course.

Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load kinetics using digital PCR.

Background: The relationship between the viral kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 and clinical outcomes remains unclear.

Methods: A convenience sample of 955 remnant nasopharyngeal swabs collected during routine care between 11/18/20 and 9/26/21 were analyzed using digital PCR and associated clinical data extracted from the medical record. 18 individuals had >1 sample within 30 days of onset of symptoms.

Effect of Immune-Modulatory Interventions on Asymptomatic Cytomegalovirus Shedding During Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy.

Long-term consequences of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are likely the result of persistent inflammation and immune dysfunction of which cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a known contributor. We leveraged 2 AIDS Clinical Trials Group clinical trials exploring the effects of immune modulators (ruxolitinib and sirolimus) on inflammation in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy to determine whether these interventions affected CMV shedding at various mucosal sites. Analyzing 635 mucosal samples collected, we found no significant difference in CMV levels across study arms or time points.

Association between SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load and Patient Symptoms and Clinical Outcomes Using Droplet Digital PCR.

The association between nasopharyngeal (NP) SARS-CoV-2 viral loads and clinical outcomes remains debated. Here, we examined the factors that might predict the NP viral load and the role of the viral load as a predictor of clinical outcomes. A convenience sample of 955 positive remnant NP swab eluent samples collected during routine care between 18 November 2020 and 26 September 2021 was cataloged and a chart review was performed.