Association of Single-Nucleotide Variants in ACE2 with the Persistence of Positive qPCR Test for SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Professionals During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The persistence of qPCR positivity for SARS-CoV-2 in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 raised several questions regarding viral transmission, with a special interest in healthcare professionals who may pose a risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2. This issue highlights the necessity for identifying the genetic risk factors associated with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. A promising target for achieving this goal is the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 () gene, which has been associated with clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection, such as severity.

Impact of Pre-Gestational BMI and Gestational Weight Gain on Fetal Development Outcomes in Adolescent Pregnant Women.

Gestational weight gain (GWG) constitutes an essential aspect of the gestational process. Due to factors such as pregestational body mass index (BMI), nutritional intake, level of physical activity, and psychological aspects, the recommended GWG may not be achieved, leading to adverse neonatal outcomes. Adolescents, due to their physiological and mental developmental stage, are at a higher risk of inappropriate GWG.

Metformin Inhibits Zika Virus Infection in Trophoblast Cell Line.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections have been associated with severe clinical outcomes, which may include neurological manifestations, especially in newborns with intrauterine infection. However, licensed vaccines and specific antiviral agents are not yet available. Therefore, a safe and low-cost therapy is required, especially for pregnant women.

Infection of Fetal Membranes with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Tissue Processing to Isolate RNA for Expression Analysis.

This chapter outlines the methodology employed to infect the chorionic and amniotic membranes with Mycobacterium tuberculosis during pregnancy. Particularly, congenital tuberculosis, a rare and serious condition associated with cases in neonates and reactivation of latent tuberculosis in pregnant mothers, is interesting to study. Understanding the mechanisms of infection and the response of fetal membranes is crucial for developing effective treatments in these cases, which will promote better neonatal and maternal health in situations of tuberculosis during pregnancy.