Meningococcal disease and sexual transmission: urogenital and anorectal infections and invasive disease due to Neisseria meningitidis.

Neisseria meningitidis is an obligate human commensal bacterium that frequently colonises the upper respiratory tract. Person-to-person transmission occurs via direct contact or through dispersion of respiratory droplets from a carrier of the bacteria, and can lead to invasive meningococcal disease. Rare sporadic cases of meningococcal urogenital and anorectal infections, including urethritis, proctitis, and cervicitis, have been reported, typically following orogenital contact with an oropharyngeal meningococcal carrier. The resulting infections were clinically indistinguishable from infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Over the past two decades, there have also been multiple outbreaks across North America and Europe of invasive meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men (MSM). The responsible meningococci belong to a highly virulent and predominantly serogroup C lineage, including strains that are able to express nitrite reductase and grow in anaerobic environments, such as the urogenital and anorectal tracts. More recently, a distinct clade within this lineage has expanded to cause urethritis predominantly among men who have sex with women. Evolutionary events giving rise to this clade included the loss of the ability to express a capsule, and acquisition of several gonococcal alleles, including one allele encoding a highly efficient gonococcal nitrite reductase. Members of the clade continue to acquire gonococcal alleles, including one allele associated with decreased antibiotic susceptibility. This evolution has implications for the clinical and public health management of those who are infected and their close contacts, in terms of both antibiotic treatment, and prevention through vaccination.

Gynecologic Risk Mitigation Considerations for Long-Duration Spaceflight.

INTRODUCTION: As NASA and its international partners, as well as the commercial spaceflight industry, prepare for missions of increasing duration and venturing outside of low-Earth orbit, mitigation of medical risk is of high priority. Gynecologic considerations constitute one facet of medical risk for female astronauts. This manuscript will review the preflight, in-flight, and postflight clinical evaluation, management, and prevention considerations for reducing gynecologic and reproductive risks in female astronauts.METHODS: Relevant gynecological articles from databases including Ovid, Medline, Web of Science, various medical libraries, and NASA archives were evaluated for this review. In particular, articles addressing preventive measures or management of conditions in resource-limited environments were evaluated for applicability to future long-duration exploration spaceflight.RESULTS: Topics including abnormal uterine bleeding, anemia, bone mineral density, ovarian cysts, venous thromboembolism, contraception, fertility, and health maintenance were reviewed. Prevention and treatment strategies are discussed with a focus on management options that consider limitations of onboard medical capabilities.DISCUSSION: Long-duration exploration spaceflight will introduce new challenges for maintenance of gynecological and reproductive health. The impact of the space environment outside of low-Earth orbit on gynecological concerns remains unknown, with factors such as increased particle radiation exposure adding complexity and potential risk. While the most effective means of minimizing the impact of gynecologic or reproductive pathology for female astronauts is screening and prevention, gynecological concerns can arise unpredictably as they do on Earth. Careful consideration of gynecological risks and potential adverse events during spaceflight is a critical component to risk analysis and preventive medicine for future exploration missions.Steller JG, Blue RS, Burns R, Bayuse TM, Antonsen EL, Jain V, Blackwell MM, Jennings RT. Gynecologic risk mitigation considerations for long-duration spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(7):543-564.

Connecting Female Genital Schistosomiasis and Menstrual Hygiene Initiatives.

Effective future control of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) requires an integrated and multisectoral approach, bringing together HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and reproductive rights sectors. In this article, an underappreciated but important connection between FGS and menstrual hygiene initiatives in Africa is highlighted.

Fourteen steps to relevance: taking probiotics from the bench to the consumer.

Much is made of the need to translate scientific research into improved care of people or other life forms. Grant applications invariably start with the extent of a problem and end by claiming that their work will or could result in making an impact. In truth, very few projects ever lead to translation at the level of the host, nor was that really their intent. For those who are focused on applied science, there are many ways to reach the desired goal, sometimes through serendipity or by logical stepwise progress. The following paper will provide personal insight into the stages, pitfalls, and ultimate assessment of relevance in the context of using probiotic lactobacilli for human health and other applications.

Vaginal Bifidobacterium breve for preventing urogenital infections: Development of delayed release mucoadhesive oral tablets.

Bifidobacteria are predominant microorganisms in the intestinal flora, but at the same time represent a subdominant group of the vaginal microbiota. For this reason, oral administration of these probiotic bacteria can provide beneficial effect for both intestinal and urogenital ecosystems. The first aim of this study was to test the strain Bifidobacterium breve BC204, isolated from a vaginal swab of a healthy woman, for its capability to adhere to human cells, to survive to gastric acids and bile salts and to exert antimicrobial activities. The second aim of the work was to develop an oral formulation able to guarantee bacterial survival during storage and administration, thus favouring intestinal and vaginal colonization. B. breve BC204 was encapsulated by spray-drying and subsequently formulated in time-dependent erodible tablets. B. breve BC204 showed good ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells and moderate ability to resist to gastrointestinal stress. Moreover, it exerted a strong antimicrobial activity against urogenital and enteric pathogens. Microencapsulation followed by tablet production allowed high loading and survival of B. breve BC204, associated to a delayed release and mucoadhesive ability. These characteristics are required to achieve appropriate amount and persistence of viable microbial cells in the treatment site.

Factors Associated With Pharyngeal Gonorrhea in Young People: Implications for Prevention.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the proportion of missed infections and correlates of pharyngeal gonorrhea among young people attending public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of 245 young men and women between April 2012 and May 2014. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they (1) were 15 to 29 years of age, (2) reported giving oral sex to a partner of the opposite sex in the past 90 days, and (3) attended 1 of 12 public STD clinics in Los Angeles County. Computer-assisted self-interviews were used to collect information on sexual behaviors and tests were conducted for pharyngeal and urogenital gonorrhea. RESULTS: Most participants were younger than 25 years (69%) and more than half were female (56%). We identified a total of 64 cases (27%) of gonorrhea, of which 29 (45%) were a urogenital only infection, 18 (28%) were a pharyngeal only, and 17 (27%) were dually infected at both sites. Pharyngeal testing increased case finding by 39% from 46 to 64 cases. After adjusting for age, sex, and number of sex partners, those who reported consistent pharyngeal exposure to ejaculate/vaginal fluids were 3 times as likely to have pharyngeal gonorrhea as compared with those without this exposure (adjusted odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-7.5). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of gonorrhea cases among young people would be missed in the absence of pharyngeal testing. These results have implications for those who provide medical care to clients at STD clinics and highlight the need for pharyngeal screening recommendations and counseling messages related to strategies to reduce exposure to infected fluids.

Preoperative Vaginal Metronidazole Decreases the Risk of Pelvic Infections After Radical Robotic Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors and infection rates of radical robotic procedures have yet to be described in gynecology. A practice improvement strategy using a solitary dose of vaginal metronidazole the night before surgery was initiated to determine if it decreased the risk of pelvic infection. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of robotic radical hysterectomies for gynecologic malignancy at our institution from April 2010 through April 2016 was performed. Demographic data, operative data, and data on use of metronidazole before surgery were collected. χ Statistical analysis, Student t test, and multivariate analysis were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients met the inclusion criteria, and 46 patients received vaginal metronidazole. Demographic and clinical factors were similar between the 2 groups. The pelvic infection rate was significantly higher in nonusers at 13% (6/46) compared with users at 0% (0/42) (P ≤ 0.05). The genitourinary infection rate was also significantly higher in nonusers at 20% as compared with users at 2.2% (P = 0.02). Operative risk factors found to be associated with pelvic infection included hospital length of stay, blood loss, and metronidazole use. Multivariate regression analysis determined that only vaginal metronidazole had a clinically significant reduction of pelvic and genitourinary infection. DISCUSSION: A single dose of preoperative vaginal metronidazole reduces the risk of pelvic and genitourinary infection after robotic radical hysterectomy.

Genito-Urinary Function and Quality of Life after Elective Totally Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy after at Least One Episode of Complicated Diverticular Disease According to Two Different Vascular Approaches: the IMA Low Ligation or the IMA Preservation.

The arterial ligation during elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease can affect genito-urinary function injuring the superior hypogastric plexus, and can weaken the distal colonic stump arterial perfusion. Ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery distal to the left colic artery or the complete preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery can therefore be compared in terms of preservation of the descending sympathetic fibres running along the aorta to the rectum resulting in a different post operative genito urinary function. From January 2015 to March 2016, 66 patients underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease among two enrolling hospitals. In one centre 35 patients underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with the ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery distal to the left colic artery (low ligation). In the other centre 31 patient were operated on the same procedure with complete inferior mesenteric artery preservation (IMA preservation). There was no difference in terms of major complication occurred, first passage of stool and length of hospital stay between the two groups. Time of surgery was significantly shorter in LL group compared to IMA preserving group and intra operative blood loss was significantly lower in the LL group. There were no differences in the genito urinary function between the two group pre operatively, at 1 and 9 months post operatively. Genito urinary function did not significantly change across surgery in each groups. The low ligation and the IMA preserving vascular approach are safe end feasible techniques in elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease. They both prevent from genito-urinary post-operative disfunction and allow good post operative quality of life. The low ligation approach is related to shorter operative time and slower intra operative blood loss.

[Pathogenesis of urological complications after radiation therapy]. / Pathogenese urologischer Komplikationen nach Strahlentherapie.

Radiation therapy is a treatment modality that is often used in the uro-oncological setting. The common indication for the radiation therapy in the urological sphere is prostate cancer, whether it is used primarily as a radical approach, or postoperatively as adjuvant or salvage therapy. All urological organs are sensitive to radiation injury with the urinary bladder being the most susceptible with a typical cascade including acute and late changes, arising in the dose-dependent manner. The common indication for radiation therapy in urology is prostate cancer, which collaterally affects the urinary bladder and rarely urethra (especially the bulbo-membranous urethra). Ureteral damage and stricture formation is almost always restricted to the cases of intraoperative therapy and external beam radiation therapy for other urological malignancies (gynecological organs, rectum, retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors) and should not be underestimated. Postradiotherapeutic tissue changes, especially of the prostate, can cause difficulties for pathologists and urologists with regard to diagnosis of prostate cancer recurrence and salvage therapy.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence and serovar distribution in a high-density urban area in the north of Italy.

The aim of this study was to assess Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection prevalence and serovar distribution in a high-density urban area in the north of Italy, by comparing different groups of subjects divided on the basis of the type of care provider they referred to (STI Clinic, gynaecologists or general practitioners). From January 2011 to May 2014, all the specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory of St Orsola Hospital in Bologna for CT detection were tested by PCR assay. For positive specimens, molecular genotyping based on RFLP analysis was performed. Total prevalence of CT infection was 8.1 %, with significant differences between subgroups (P<0.01) but stable during the study period. The STI Clinic was mainly responsible for CT diagnosis, whereas the lowest infection prevalence was detected in gynaecological clinics, despite the high number of tests performed. Extra-genital samples were almost exclusively collected from males at the STI Clinic. Interestingly, 13.3 % of patients providing extra-genital specimens were positive for CT on rectal and/or pharyngeal swabs, and 4.4 % of cases would have been missed if extra-genital sites had not been tested. The most common serovar was E, and serovar distribution was influenced by gender (P<0.01), age (P<0.01), care provider (P=0.01) and anatomical site (P<0.01). The L2 serovar was detected only in extra-genital samples from males at the STI Clinic. Knowledge about care providers' contributions in CT testing and diagnosis is essential for infection control. CT typing is crucial for appropriate management of specific infections, such as lymphogranuloma venereum in extra-genital samples of high-risk populations.

Treatment of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

The vagina, vulva, vestibule, labia majora/minora, and bladder trigone have a high concentration of estrogen receptors; therefore, they are a sensitive biological indicator of serum levels of these hormones in women. The estrogen loss in postmenopausal women produces a dysfunction called genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The principal therapeutic goal in the genitourinary syndrome of menopause is to relieve symptoms. Treatment options, as well as local and systemic hormonal treatment are changes in lifestyle and non-hormonal treatments mainly based on the use of moisturizers and lubricants. New treatments that have recently appeared are ospemifeme, the first selective hormone receptor modulator for dyspareunia and vulvovaginal atrophy treatment, and the use of vaginal laser. This review has been written with the intention of giving recommendations on the prevention and treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Survival and Toxicity Following Chemoradiation for Carcinoma of the Cervix - Impact of Multiple-phase Treatment and Shielding.

AIM: We report on outcomes and significant grade 3-4 late toxicities between January 1999 and October 2006 following introduction of multi-phase treatment and effect of shielding in treatment of cervical cancer with concurrent chemoradiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Radiotherapy dose by phase, recurrence, survival and toxicity data was collated by a retrospective review of clinical notes. Shielding information was retrieved from original planning films. RESULTS: 3-year survival for stages I, II and III disease were 89%,76% and 51% respectively. Local pelvic failure was 9%. Overall significant late toxicity (SLT) rate was 13%, with lower rates for post-operative treatment than primary chemoradiation (4% vs. 16%). SLT with single phase treatment was 29% versus 12% following multiphase EBRT and 16% when <2 areas were shielded versus 6% with ≥3 shielded areas (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Shielding and multi-phase treatment not only reduce dose to organs at-risk but can also reduce late toxicity without compromising local control or survival.

[Pro-health prevention in perimenopausal women with regard to estrogen treatment]. / Profilaktyka prozdrowotna u kobiet w okresie okolomenopauzalnym z uwzglednieniem leczenia estrogenami.

According to the latest demographic forecast in Poland is observed the progressive aging of the population with growing population of perimenopausal women. This is a special time in woman's life, in which there are many metabolic changes, neurovegetative symptoms and mental changes. All of them are connected with decreased concentration of sex hormones. Very important in this period are health behaviors, including healthy lifestyle, regular exercises and proper diet. Highly effective in removing menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. It also prevents the effects of metabolic disorders. This therapy is primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and urogenital atrophy. It also has to delay the process of aging. Clinical studies of HERS, WHI and MWS caused extreme caution in the use of hormone replacement therapy and distrust for this therapy between doctors and their patients. It is therefore important to establish priorities for action and individualized therapy, depending on the indications and contraindications for its use.

Profiles and technological requirements of urogenital probiotics.

Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, are considered a valid and novel alternative for the prevention and treatment of female urogenital tract infections. Lactobacilli, the predominant microorganisms of the healthy human vaginal microbiome, can be included as active pharmaceutical ingredients in probiotics products. Several requirements must be considered or criteria fulfilled during the development of a probiotic product or formula for the female urogenital tract. This review deals with the main selection criteria for urogenital probiotic microorganisms: host specificity, potential beneficial properties, functional specifications, technological characteristics and clinical trials used to test their effect on certain physiological and pathological conditions. Further studies are required to complement the current knowledge and support the clinical applications of probiotics in the urogenital tract. This therapy will allow the restoration of the ecological equilibrium of the urogenital tract microbiome as well as the recovery of the sexual and reproductive health of women.

The changing landscape of the vaginal microbiome.

Deep sequence analysis of the vaginal microbiome is revealing an unexpected complexity that was not anticipated as recently as several years ago. The lack of clarity in the definition of a healthy vaginal microbiome, much less an unhealthy vaginal microbiome, underscores the need for more investigation of these phenomena. Some clarity may be gained by the careful analysis of the genomes of the specific bacteria in these women. Ongoing studies will clarify this process and offer relief for women with recurring vaginal maladies and hope for pregnant women to avoid the experience of preterm birth.

The role of lactobacilli and probiotics in maintaining vaginal health.

BACKGROUND: The vaginal microbiota of healthy women consists typically of a diversity of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. Lactobacilli are the most prevalent and often numerically dominant microorganisms and are relevant as a barrier to infection. The capacity of lactobacilli to adhere and compete for adhesion sites in the vaginal epithelium and the capacity to produce antimicrobial compounds (hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, bacteriocin-like substances), are important in the impairment of colonization by pathogens. OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes the role of lactic acid bacteria in preventing illness of the host, including bacterial vaginosis, yeast vaginitis, urinary tract infection and sexually transmitted diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of probiotics that colonize the vaginal tract can be important in maintaining a normal urogenital health and also to prevent or treat infections.

Exploring the patterns, practices, and experiences of military women who managed genitourinary symptoms in deployed settings.

OBJECTIVE: To gain a better understanding of genitourinary (GU) health during deployment in the context of a military culture. DESIGN: An ethnographic study design was selected to understand how military women managed GU symptoms during deployment. SETTING: The deployed experiences were recalled from various locations around the world. PARTICIPANTS: The final sample consisted of 43 military women from the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy who were either deployed or had been deployed within the past year. METHODS: Audio recorded interviews ranged from 30 to 75 min in length. Semistructured interviews were used to gather women's stories about their illness behaviors in the deployed setting. Formal interviews, informal interviews, and field notes were included in the data analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: (a) life in the deployed setting described the location women were referring when they experienced GU symptoms; (b) the dynamics of trust described individuals or entities that were trusted sources of information, supplies, or support; and (c) the sphere of control described the activities utilized to maintain health or manage GU symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study is significant to nursing research because it exposes the influence of culture on GU symptom management. Recommendations from this investigation include the following: provide better incremental, predeployment, and in-theater education for women and medics; inform leaders about the need to ensure the supply of self-care treatments and women's feminine hygiene products are available; and promote the role of family support stateside as a resource for information, supplies, and emotional support.