Interchange reconnection as the source of the fast solar wind within coronal holes.

The fast solar wind that fills the heliosphere originates from deep within regions of open magnetic field on the Sun called 'coronal holes'. The energy source responsible for accelerating the plasma is widely debated; however, there is evidence that it is ultimately magnetic in nature, with candidate mechanisms including wave heating1,2 and interchange reconnection3-5. The coronal magnetic field near the solar surface is structured on scales associated with 'supergranulation' convection cells, whereby descending flows create intense fields. The energy density in these 'network' magnetic field bundles is a candidate energy source for the wind. Here we report measurements of fast solar wind streams from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) spacecraft6 that provide strong evidence for the interchange reconnection mechanism. We show that the supergranulation structure at the coronal base remains imprinted in the near-Sun solar wind, resulting in asymmetric patches of magnetic 'switchbacks'7,8 and bursty wind streams with power-law-like energetic ion spectra to beyond 100 keV. Computer simulations of interchange reconnection support key features of the observations, including the ion spectra. Important characteristics of interchange reconnection in the low corona are inferred from the data, including that the reconnection is collisionless and that the energy release rate is sufficient to power the fast wind. In this scenario, magnetic reconnection is continuous and the wind is driven by both the resulting plasma pressure and the radial Alfvénic flow bursts.

Probing the energetic particle environment near the Sun.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission1 recently plunged through the inner heliosphere of the Sun to its perihelia, about 24 million kilometres from the Sun. Previous studies farther from the Sun (performed mostly at a distance of 1 astronomical unit) indicate that solar energetic particles are accelerated from a few kiloelectronvolts up to near-relativistic energies via at least two processes: 'impulsive' events, which are usually associated with magnetic reconnection in solar flares and are typically enriched in electrons, helium-3 and heavier ions2, and 'gradual' events3,4, which are typically associated with large coronal-mass-ejection-driven shocks and compressions moving through the corona and inner solar wind and are the dominant source of protons with energies between 1 and 10 megaelectronvolts. However, some events show aspects of both processes and the electron-proton ratio is not bimodally distributed, as would be expected if there were only two possible processes5. These processes have been very difficult to resolve from prior observations, owing to the various transport effects that affect the energetic particle population en route to more distant spacecraft6. Here we report observations of the near-Sun energetic particle radiation environment over the first two orbits of the probe. We find a variety of energetic particle events accelerated both locally and remotely including by corotating interaction regions, impulsive events driven by acceleration near the Sun, and an event related to a coronal mass ejection. We provide direct observations of the energetic particle radiation environment in the region just above the corona of the Sun and directly explore the physics of particle acceleration and transport.

Prenatal diagnosis of recurrent hypoplastic left heart syndrome associated with MYH6 variants: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare but genetically complex and clinically and anatomically severe form of congenital heart disease (CHD). CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report on the use of rapid prenatal whole-exome sequencing for the prenatal diagnosis of a severe case of neonatal recurrent HLHS caused by heterozygous compound variants in the MYH6 gene inherited from the (healthy) parents. MYH6 is known to be highly polymorphic; a large number of rare and common variants have variable effects on protein levels. We postulated that two hypomorphic variants led to severe CHD when associated in trans; this was consistent with the autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. In the literature, dominant transmission of MYH6-related CHD is more frequent and is probably linked to synergistic heterozygosity or the specific combination of a single, pathogenic variant with common MYH6 variants. CONCLUSIONS: The present report illustrates the major contribution of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in the characterization of an unusually recurrent fetal disorder and considered the role of WES in the prenatal diagnosis of disorders that do not usually have a genetic etiology.

The impact of protective measures against COVID-19 on the wellbeing of residents in nursing homes and their relatives: a rapid review.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and compared to other population groups, older people were at a heightened risk of developing lethal disease symptoms. Thus, many countries put in place protective measures to protect this "at-risk" population, especially in nursing homes, to limit the number of infections. These measures consisted mostly in the absence of social gatherings, the impossibility for relatives to enter the nursing homes, limitations in group activities, and the ban of group-eating. Although these measures were helpful to mitigate the spread of the disease, they also induced long periods of social isolation for the residents of nursing homes. This could have impacted the wellbeing and quality of life of residents and their relatives, with a possible impact on the overall health of residents. We designed this rapid review to investigate the literature on the impact of COVID-19 protective measures in nursing homes on the quality of life, wellbeing and physical health of residents and their relatives. Our results showed that most of the articles included in the review, either using qualitative or quantitative methods, evidenced a detrimental impact of protective measures on resident's and their relatives' wellbeing. We argue that, in the event of a new pandemic similar to the COVID-19, protective measures should also take into account their psychological impact, and not only their physical impact.

Diagnosis and Acute Management of COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

ABSTRACT: Most children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection are asymptomatic or have mild disease. About 5% of infected children will develop severe or critical disease. Rapid identification and treatment are essential for children who are critically ill with signs and symptoms of respiratory failure, septic shock, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. This article is intended for pediatricians, pediatric emergency physicians, and individuals involved in the emergency care of children. It reviews the current epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children, summarizes key aspects of clinical assessment including identification of high-risk patients and manifestations of severe disease, and provides an overview of COVID-19 management in the emergency department based on clinical severity.

The Lady Garden Club: supporting women with vulval conditions and their partners.

BACKGROUND: Vulval conditions have been shown to have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and can affect their relationships. The Lady Garden Club (LGC) is peer support group that was set up by patients with vulval conditions and is supported by the vulval clinic physicians at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the efficacy of this peer support group and the physician contribution to it. We also aimed to assess potential unmet needs of partners, which in turn could affect our patients' experience and quality of life. METHODS: An anonymized online Survey Monkey link was sent to LGC members. Questions included a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) section. RESULTS: The response rate was 60% (26). Over half (54%) were members >2 years. Diagnoses included 85% (22) lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, 8% (two) eczema/psoriasis, warts 8% (two), vulval cancer 4% (one) and vulvodynia 8% (two). All valued a vulval specialist leading the LGC. Women benefitted from: open member questioning (84%), learning from others (81%), self-help tips (81%), more patient information (77%), latest research updates (69%), sharing concerns and fears (65%), sharing personal experiences (62%), peer support network (62%), and discussion about sex and relationships (35%). A third used the buddy system by phone, 19% soon after diagnosis. The average DLQI was 6.84 (range 0-25). Half reported depression and 59% anxiety. Two thirds (68%) felt women with other vulval conditions would benefit from the LGC. Over half (54%) felt there was an unmet need for helping partners understand their genital conditions. CONCLUSION: The survey concluded that the LGC provides several additional benefits to women with vulval conditions, within a safe forum led by a vulval specialist. It also demonstrated a potential unmet need to support women's partners that can now be addressed.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the HIV adolescent package of care (APOC) training on viral load suppression in Kenya.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the adolescent package of care (APOC) training on adolescent viral suppression at Family AIDS Care & Education Services (FACES)-supported sites. STUDY DESIGN: The effect of APOC training was evaluated based on viral load suppression (<1000 copies/mL) of 10-19-year-olds in 13 FACES-supported sites in six months before (January 2015-August 2016) and after (November 2015-March 2017) the APOC training for each site. METHODS: Patient-level data were abstracted from the FACES electronic medical records (OpenMRS) and the National AIDS and STI Control Programme viral load website. Information on adolescent clinic day implementation and utilization of an APOC checklist as a proxy for services provided at each site was collected. Generalized estimating equations with repeated measures clustered by patients were used for bivariate and multivariate modeling to assess factors associated with viral suppression. RESULTS: In the pretraining period, 60% of adolescents received services at clinics offering adolescent clinic days compared to 95% in the post-training period. Among those tested, 65% were virally suppressed during the pretraining period compared to 72% during the post-training period (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 1.53, P < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, there was no statistically significant change in viral load suppression due to APOC training (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.72, 1.30, P = 0.84). However, at clinics offering adolescent-friendly clinic days, adolescents were nearly 2 times more likely to be virally suppressed than at facilities not offering these specialized clinic days (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.32, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that adolescent clinic days greatly improve adolescent viral load suppression and should be considered for implementation across HIV programs.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease: a minimally invasive and effective treatment modality.

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common colorectal condition that often requires surgical treatment. Less invasive procedures are usually more acceptable to patients. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of a novel and minimally invasive technique employing a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) energy (Rafaelo®) to treat HD. METHODS: A total number of 27 patients who had RFA for the treatment of HD were recruited to this study. The procedure was performed under deep sedation and local anaesthesia. Patients' demographics; haemorrhoid severity score (HSS); quality of life; pain and satisfaction scores; and recurrence rate were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 46 (SD 14) years, 18 (67%) males and 9 (33%) females. The mean body mass index was 25 (SD 4) kg/m2. The predominant symptom of all patients was per-rectal bleeding. HSS improved from 7.2 (SD 1.9) before the procedure to 1.6 (SD 1) after the procedure (p < 0.0001). Postoperative pain scores on a scale of 0-10 were 0, 2 (SD 2), 1 (SD 2), and 0 on immediate, day-1, day-3, and 2-month follow-up questionnaire. The mean satisfacion score was 9 (SD 1.5) out of 10 on 2-month follow-up. Mean time until patients returned to normal daily activity was 3 (SD 1) days following the procedure. Quality-of-life assessments including: visual analogue scale scores (before: mean 70, SD 23; after: mean 82, SD 16; p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L (before: mean 0.84, SD 0.15; after: mean 0.94, SD 0.13; p < 0.05) were significantly improved. The mean length of follow-up for recurrence of symptoms was 20 months (range 12-32 months). One patient (4%) reported the recurrence of rectal bleeding 12 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: RFA for the treatment of HD is safe and effective in achieving symptomatic relief. It is associated with minimal postoperative pain and low incidence of recurrence.

Evaluation of endothelial function and arterial stiffness in obese individuals with insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with metabolic imbalance, including insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. AIM: We aimed to evaluate clinical and vascular parameters in obese with or without insulin resistance. METHODS: Participants ( n=39) were divided into two groups according to Homeostasis Model Assessment - Insulin Resistance lower (group 1) or higher (group 2) than 2.7. All patients were submitted to clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, vascular structure and endothelial function assessment. RESULTS: The mean age (53±9 vs. 52±7 years, p=0.784) and body mass index (34.3±4.1 vs. 35.2±3.9 kg/m2, p=0.464) were similar in both groups, and 74.4% were treated hypertensive subjects. Fasting glucose (84±7 vs. 97±18 mg/dl, p=0.004) and insulin (9.32±2.48 vs. 22.74±7.49 µU/ml, p<0.001) were higher in group 2. Group 2 presented lower HDL-cholesterol (59±14 vs. 42±12 mg/dl, p<0.001) and higher triglycerides (122±87 vs. 191±112 mg/dl, p=0.042) levels compared with group 1. HOMA-IR was correlated with abdominal circumference ( r=0.51, p=0.001), abdominal/hip ratio ( r=0.57, p<0.001) and triglycerides/HDL ratio ( r=0.53, p=0.001). Differences in brachial flow-mediated dilation did not reach statistical significance (10.2±6.2 vs. 7.9±4.7%, p=0.245). Carotid intima-media thickness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (8.5±1.9 vs. 9.1±1.5 m/s, p=0.334) and central hemodynamic parameters were also similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Obese individuals with insulin resistance have higher visceral adiposity associated with impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. Endothelial function and arterial stiffness were similar between the groups, perhaps because of antihypertensive treatment in most of these subjects.

Impact of a Rapid Results Initiative Approach on Improving Male Partner Involvement in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Western Kenya.

A rapid results initiative (RRI) aimed at increasing male involvement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and service uptake among pregnant women at 116 antenatal clinics in Western Kenya was compared at baseline, during the RRI, and 3-months post-RRI. Male involvement increased from 7.4 to 54.2% during RRI (risk difference [RD] 0.47, CI 0.45-0.48) then 43.4% post-RRI (RD 0.36, CI 0.35-0.37). Among HIV-infected women, facility delivery increased from 40.0 to 49.9% (RD 0.10, 95% CI 0.06-0.13) and 65.0% post-RRI (RD 0.25, 95% CI 0.22-0.28). HIV-infected pregnant women linkage to HIV care increased from 58.6 to 85.9% (RD 0.27, CI 0.24-0.30) and 97.3% post-RRI (RD 0.39, CI 0.36-0.41). Time to ART initiation reduced from 29 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6-56) to 14 days (IQR 0-28) to 7 days (IQR 0-20). A male-centered RRI can significantly increase men's engagement in antenatal care leading to improved partner utilization of PMTCT and antenatal services.

Investigation of a possible extended risk haplotype in the IL23R region associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

The IL23R region on chromosome 1 exhibits complex associations with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We used publicly available epigenomic information and historical genetic association data to identify a putative regulatory element (PRE) in the intergenic region between IL23R and IL12RB2, which includes two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) independently associated with AS-rs924080 (P=2 × 10-3) and rs11578380 (P=2 × 10-4). In luciferase reporter assays, this PRE showed silencer activity (P<0.001). Haplotype and conditional analysis of 4230 historical AS cases and 9700 controls revealed a possible AS-associated extended haplotype, including the PRE and risk variants at three SNPs (rs11209026, rs11209032 and rs924080), but excluding the rs11578380 risk variant. However, the rs924080 association was absent after conditioning on the primary association with rs11209032, which, in contrast, was robust to conditioning on all other AS-associated SNPs in this region (P<2 × 10-8). The role of this putative silencer on some IL23R extended haplotypes therefore remains unclear.

Norovirus epidemiology in South African children <5 years hospitalised for diarrhoeal illness between 2009 and 2013.

Public health interest in norovirus (NoV) has increased in recent years following improved diagnostics, global burden estimates and the development of NoV vaccine candidates. This study aimed to describe the detection rate, clinical characteristics and environmental features associated with NoV detection in hospitalized children <5 years with diarrhoea in South Africa (SA). Between 2009 and 2013, prospective diarrhoeal surveillance was conducted at four sites in SA. Stool specimens were collected and screened for NoVs and other enteric pathogens using molecular and serological assays. Epidemiological and clinical data were compared in patients with or without detection of NoV. The study detected NoV in 15% (452/3103) of hospitalized children <5 years with diarrhoea with the majority of disease in children <2 years (92%; 417/452). NoV-positive children were more likely to present with diarrhoea and vomiting (odds ratio (OR) 1·3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·1-1·7; P = 0·011) with none-to-mild dehydration (adjusted OR 0·5; 95% CI 0·3-0·7) compared with NoV-negative children. Amongst children testing NoV positive, HIV-infected children were more likely to have prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality compared with HIV-uninfected children. Continued surveillance will be important to consider the epidemic trends and estimate the burden and risk of NoV infection in SA.

Loss to follow-up among youth accessing outpatient HIV care and treatment services in Kisumu, Kenya.

Youth are particularly vulnerable to acquiring HIV, yet reaching them with HIV prevention interventions and engaging and retaining those infected in care and treatment remains a challenge. We sought to determine the incidence rate of loss to follow-up (LTFU) and explore socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with LTFU among HIV-positive youth aged 15-21 years accessing outpatient care and treatment clinics in Kisumu, Kenya. Between July 2007 and September 2010, youth were enrolled into two different HIV care and treatment clinics, one youth specific and the other family oriented. An individual was defined as LTFU when absent from the HIV treatment clinic for ≥ 4 months regardless of their antiretroviral treatment status. The incidence rate of LTFU was calculated and Cox regression analysis used to identify factors associated with LTFU. A total of 924 youth (79% female) were enrolled, with a median age of 20 years (IQR 18-21). Over half, (529 (57%)), were documented as LTFU, of whom 139 (26%) were LTFU immediately after enrolment. The overall incidence rate of LTFU was 52.9 per 100 person-years (p-y). Factors associated with LTFU were pregnancy during the study period (crude HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.89); CD4 cell count >350 (adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.90); not being on antiretroviral therapy (AHR 4.0, 95% CI 2.70-5.88); and non-disclosure of HIV infection status (AHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.10-1.89). The clinic of enrolment, age, marital status, employment status, WHO clinical disease stage and education level were not associated with LTFU. Interventions to identify and enrol youth into care earlier, support disclosure, and initiate ART earlier may improve retention of youth and need further investigation. Further research is also needed to explore the reasons for LTFU from care among HIV-infected youth and the true outcomes of these patients.

Carcinosarcoma of the ovary: a single institution experience and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the management and outcome in patients with advanced stage primary carcinosarcoma (CS) of the ovary in a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of all patients treated for CS of the ovary between 1994 and 2011. The medical records, operative reports and pathology records were abstracted for baseline characteristics, surgical staging, degree of cytoreduction and chemotherapy regimens used. Standard statistical methods for analysis of the data were used. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients with ovarian CS were identified. Of these, 28 records were available for analysis. One patient was Stage I (3.5%), two were Stage II (11.1%), 20 were Stage III (71.4%), and five (17.9%) were Stage IV. The early stage (Stage I and II) patients were excluded from analysis. Of the 25 advanced stage (III and IV) patients, 21 (84.0%) were optimally cytoreduced to a residual disease of < one cm and four (16.0%) were suboptimally cytoreduced. The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were ten and 21 months, respectively, for advanced stages. Twenty-one (75%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and 62% (13 of 21) of treated patients received paclitaxel/carboplatin (T/C) as first-line chemotherapy. The median PFS and OS were 15.6 and 31.7 months, respectively, for those treated with T/C. There was no.difference in PFS (p = 0.42) and OS (p = 0.91) between the patients who received T/C vs. other chemotherapy regimens as a first-line adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with optimal cytoreduction had an improved PFS compared to those with suboptimal cytoreduction (ten vs. four monthsp = 0.015); however, there was no difference in OS (21 vs. 13 p = 0.117). The two-year OS was 48.0%. In the preset study, PFS was improved in patients who were optimally cytoreduced at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: T/C is an active regimen in the treatment of ovarian CS and has the potential to be the backbone for addition of biologic targeted therapies in the future. For advanced ovarian CS the authors recommend optimal cytoreductive surgery followed by T/C chemotherapy.

The significance and scope of evolutionary developmental biology: a vision for the 21st century.

Evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) has undergone dramatic transformations since its emergence as a distinct discipline. This paper aims to highlight the scope, power, and future promise of evo-devo to transform and unify diverse aspects of biology. We articulate key questions at the core of eleven biological disciplines-from Evolution, Development, Paleontology, and Neurobiology to Cellular and Molecular Biology, Quantitative Genetics, Human Diseases, Ecology, Agriculture and Science Education, and lastly, Evolutionary Developmental Biology itself-and discuss why evo-devo is uniquely situated to substantially improve our ability to find meaningful answers to these fundamental questions. We posit that the tools, concepts, and ways of thinking developed by evo-devo have profound potential to advance, integrate, and unify biological sciences as well as inform policy decisions and illuminate science education. We look to the next generation of evolutionary developmental biologists to help shape this process as we confront the scientific challenges of the 21st century.

Gingival bleeding on probing: relationship to change in periodontal pocket depth and effect of sodium hypochlorite oral rinse.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the potential of gingival bleeding on probing to serve as a predictor of future periodontal breakdown. It also assessed the ability of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite twice-a-week oral rinse to convert periodontal pockets showing bleeding on probing to nonbleeding sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed as a randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial in parallel groups. Seven periodontitis patients rinsed twice-weekly for 3 mo with 15 mL of a fresh solution of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite, and five periodontitis patients rinsed with water. The 12 study patients received no subgingival or supragingival scaling. Clorox(®) Regular-Bleach was the source of sodium hypochlorite. At baseline and 3-mo visits, gingival bleeding was assessed within 30 s after probing to full pocket depth using an approximate force of 0.75 N. RESULTS: A total of 470 (38%) of 1230 periodontal pockets in the bleach-rinse group revealed bleeding on probing at the initial visit but not at the 3-mo visit; only 71 (9%) of 828 pockets in the control group became bleeding-negative during the study (p < 0.001). Bleeding on probing in 4- to 7-mm-deep pockets decreased by 53% in the bleach-rinse group but increased by 6% in the water-rinse group (p < 0.001). Ninety-seven pockets showed depth increases of ≥ 2 mm after 3 mo: 60 (62%) of those pockets exhibited bleeding on probing at both the initial and the 3-mo visits; 24 (25%) bled at only one of the two visits; and 13 (13%) never demonstrated gingival bleeding (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Persistent gingival bleeding on probing was associated with an increased risk for periodontal breakdown, and the absence of gingival bleeding seemed to be a useful, although not perfect, indicator of disease stability. Twice-weekly oral rinsing with dilute bleach (0.25% sodium hypochlorite) produced a significant reduction in bleeding on probing, even in deep unscaled pockets. Sodium hypochlorite constitutes a valuable antiseptic in periodontal self-care.

[Prognosis and therapy of inflammatory rheumatic diseases : Impact of renal manifestations]. / Prognose und Therapie von entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen : Einfluss der Nierenbeteiligung.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory rheumatic diseases and their treatment cause various renal manifestations requiring modification of treatment. OBJECTIVES: Discussion of renal manifestations in selected rheumatic diseases, including their impact on general prognosis and therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Basic literature and expert opinions are analyzed and discussed. RESULTS: Inflammatory rheumatic diseases and their treatment cause various renal manifestations, including glomerular, tubular, interstitial, and vascular damage. The type of damage determines both, associated clinical symptoms (i.e. hematuria, proteinuria, loss of kidney function) and the renal and overall survival as will be discussed here for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögrens syndrome, cryoglobulinemia and ANCA-associated vasculitis. CONCLUSION: Renal manifestations are generally indicators of high disease activity and usually require more intensive treatment of the underlying rheumatic disease. Early and rigorous treatment, which has to be adapted to renal function, is capable of improving renal and overall survival in many of the affected patients.

Promoting reproductive options for HIV-affected couples in sub-Saharan Africa.

HIV-affected couples face unique challenges that require access to information and reproductive services to prevent HIV transmission to the uninfected partner and offspring while allowing couples to fulfil their reproductive goals. In regions of high HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-affected couples require multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) to enhance their reproductive healthcare options beyond contraception and prevention of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to include assistance in childbearing. The unique characteristics of the condom and its accepted use in conjunction with safer conception interventions allow HIV-serodiscordant couples an opportunity to maintain reproductive health, prevent HIV/STI transmission, and achieve their reproductive goals while timing conception. Re-thinking the traditional view of the condom and incorporating a broader reproductive health perspective of HIV-affected couples into MPT methodologies will impact demand, acceptability and uptake of these future technologies.