The Existence of an Intra-Amniotic Microbiome: Assessing a Controversy.

The existence of intra-amniotic and placental microbiomes during pregnancy has been the source of considerable debate, with research yielding conflicting evidence. This study evaluated investigations into the putative presence of these microbiomes in healthy pregnancies by identifying design and data interpretation issues, particularly concerning contamination in samples with low-density bacterial DNA. Positive findings from diverse populations suggest a consistent presence of microbiota in the intra-amniotic space.

Insights into the Genital Microbiota of Women Who Experienced Fetal Death in Utero.

The aim of this work was to achieve a better understanding of the bacterial pathogens associated with stillbirths that would serve to inform clinical interventions directed at reducing this adverse pregnancy outcome. A prospective observational study was conducted with the participation of 22 women from northern Peru, of whom 11 experienced fetal death in utero and 11 delivered preterm births. Swabs were taken from the vagina, placenta, amniotic fluid and axilla of the infant at birth by Caesarean section.

Vulnerability and Resilience: Phenomenological Analysis of Cancer Patients Value Directives.

Context: Personal values are individual conceptions of the desirable appraisals and actions that guide our attitudes and behaviour. Advance care planning (ACP) now emphasises the consideration of personal life goals and values expressed as a Values Directive (VD) to guide discussions concerning medical treatment.

Objective: To investigate the diversity of values, experiences and adaptations expressed in cancer patients VDs.

Is It Time for Australia to Reassess Its Legislation on Human Embryo Experimentation?

The United Kingdom Warnock Committee (1984) was a landmark contributor to the ethics and law governing human embryo experimentation. It recommended a time limit up to 14 days of development after fertilisation within which such experimentation may take place, which mirrors the late 1970s' proposal of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Ethics Advisory Board (EAB). This study analyses the EAB's and the Warnock Committee's reasoning and conclusions regarding what constitutes ethical behaviour towards the human embryo.

Is there an association between the vaginal microbiome and first trimester miscarriage? A prospective observational study.

Aim: To examine whether there are differences in the vaginal microbiome of women who miscarry compared to those who have normal pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: Prospective observational study conducted at the Canberra Hospital, Australia, with 24 participant women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The vaginal microbiomes of the 24 women were characterized using sequencing analysis of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene employing an Illumina MiSeq instrument with QIAGEN reagents.